Hundreds of law students kicked off a new chapter in their lives Thursday at law school orientation programs at Seton Hall and Rutgers-Newark, and NJSBA officers were on hand to cheer their first steps into the state's legal community.
NJSBA President John E. Keefe Jr. gave remarks and administered the 'Lawyer's Pledge' to students at Seton Hall. President-Elect Evelyn Padin did the same at Rutgers Law-Newark. Keefe will also be speaking to and administering the pledge to law students at Rutgers-Camden on Aug. 19.
At Seton Hall, Keefe recalled his own days as a law student, and the connections he made there. "Take advantage of everything that's coming your way," he said. He encouraged them to build relationships with one another, and added, "although it's competitive, help each other out. Because you will see each other again."
At Rutgers, Padin talked about the importance of the lawyer's role in today's world. "To me, it's a special calling," she said. "It means you're seeking to protect the rule of law. Attorneys are what stand between order and mob rule. We are the ones that have to uphold the law and do it courageously."
Both Keefe and Padin encouraged students to join the NJSBA for networking, mentorship and volunteer opportunities. The Association offers free membership to law students.
The "Lawyer's Pledge" was created by the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism, a joint effort
of the NJSBA, the state and federal judiciary, and New Jersey's law schools. It ends with students pledging to "serve, protect, foster and promote the fair and impartial administration of justice."
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