The New Jersey State Bar Association visited the law school campuses at Seton Hall and Rutgers-Camden to welcome first-year students.
NJSBA President William H. Mergner Jr. offered well-wishes and words of encouragement to the student groups as they entered orientation to start the school year. In a welcome ceremony at each campus, Mergner administered the Lawyer’s Pledge, an oath that outlines the ideals of the profession. In just a few years, the students will emerge from their studies as attorneys – members of the greatest profession in the world, Mergner said in an address.
“Today, the New Jersey State Bar Association officially welcomes you as a new member,” Mergner said. “You may have first-day jitters, feel excited or anxious, but also know this: you are not alone. The NJSBA is here for support and as a valuable resource as you begin your legal education and your entry into this great and noble profession.”
The benefits of an NJSBA membership are numerous, especially for law students, Mergner said. As part of a network of more than 16,000 attorneys, students will have access to a job bank with full-time positions and internships, he said. The Association is crucial for making personal connections that lead to opportunities—whether it’s employment with a law firm, a judicial clerkship or a career in the public sector.
Law student members also have access to member benefits like StuddyBuddy – a study aid with outlines, video lessons and essay review– and Quimbee – for help with the bar exam.
“Through the NJSBA, we can connect you with our members, who can serve as your mentors and provide valuable insight into how they successfully addressed the challenges you will face,” Mergner said. “The NJSBA wants to become your professional family and home.”
Attorneys play a critical role in society, both as stewards of the rule of law and protectors of democratic society, Mergner said. They have a special set of tools and obligations in our society to ensure the independence of the judicial branch and the right to access it.
“The work is much more than writing a good brief or counseling your clients—it means making sure that your moral compass is always fixed on values that guide a professional lawyer, such as integrity, humility, empathy, courage and independence,” Mergner said. “My advice to you – be a good adversary. Be a good friend. Be a good employee and community member. You can be a tough, passionate, and vocal advocate all at once. And remember, the relationships you develop with your fellow students and future colleagues are priceless and can last a lifetime.”