CARLISLE, Pa. — A few minutes before 8 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 17, students anxiously waited for Professor Dermot Groome to begin his criminal law class. After two days of orientation, this diverse group of students—who hail from all across the United States—began their academic careers at Dickinson Law. Four weeks later, on Saturday, Sept. 17, these same students gathered for convocation in the Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium, Lewis Katz Hall, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they were formally inducted into Dickinson Law. Convocation officially marks Dickinson Law’s 182nd academic year.
As part of the cherished tradition of Alumni Weekend, convocation introduced first-year students to alumni and the law school community at large, and included a full academic procession. Following an address by speaker H. Laddie Montague Jr., a 1963 graduate, and remarks by Interim Dean Gary Gildin, students pledged to uphold the Statement on Professionalism as they embark on their journey into legal studies.
“This is a singular occasion because this is strictly the only time that every element of our community is represented in one place to witness our students’ formal acknowledgement of their professional obligations,” said Gildin. “They’re here before their fellow students collectively, many members of our staff, the faculty, and those who walked in the footsteps before them: our loyal and valued alumni. I look forward to witnessing the contributions that these students will make in our community and beyond.”
Montague, president and shareholder of Berger & Montague, P.C., and chairman of the firm’s antitrust department, shared his advice with students while delivering the convocation address. “I suspect that law school is a new experience for you as it was for me 53 years ago. As you sit here today, you might not even imagine what road you want to travel. You never know where your law school education will lead you. Some of you will know exactly what you want to do and have an opportunity to pursue it; others, like myself, have unexpected opportunities open up to you. Either way, I can assure you it will be exciting.”
Montague also spoke about the role that ethics plays, both professionally and personally. “If you’re lucky, you will find a mentor to guide you in the ethics of practicing law. There are a lot of rules of law and a lot of rules of ethics, but it all boils down to something called common sense. My preceptor told me something that stuck with me and I’ll share it. He said, ‘if you have to stop and think whether it is ethical or not, don’t do it.’ As you read the case law, and as you participate in clinics and learn the problems of people, you will realize the important role that lawyers play in our society and in the lives of their clients.”
Members of the Class of 2019 are between the ages of 21 and 52 years old. Several students self-identify as LGBTQ, many have served in the military, and over 20 percent self-identify as students of color. They hail from an array of undergraduate institutions, including Penn State University, as well as other large universities such as Cornell University, Florida State University, Georgia State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Ohio State University. Many come from small, liberal arts schools such as Dickinson College, Gettysburg College, and Mills College. Some attended colleges located in cities, including American University and Temple University, and a few attended schools with a religious affiliation, including Brigham Young University and Grove City College. Students originate from California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and more.
First-year student Courtney Lewis, from Monterey, California, is a first-generation college graduate and graduate student. “I’m a big believer that I’ll be where I’m supposed to be if I remain open-hearted and open-minded,” said Lewis. “Before I applied to any law school, I created a list of qualities that my dream law school would possess. While attending an open house, I realized Dickinson Law was ‘the one.’ The community, financial aid, and alumni network composed the perfect trifecta. At every step of the way, the overall energy of the school and all of my interactions with admissions staff, professors, and students affirmed for me their belief in and connection to this institution, which mattered to me.”
“On the first day of orientation, I love reconnecting with the students who I’ve gotten to know throughout the year,” said Bekah Saidman-Krauss, assistant dean for admissions and financial aid. “I also enjoy watching them become part of the vibrant, close-knit community that is so integral to the Dickinson Law experience. Now that they have been officially inducted into this community through the convocation ceremony, I could not be more excited to watch them practice greatness in everything they do.”
Gettysburg College graduate Spencer Bradley, from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, has already felt a sense of mutual camaraderie during his first few weeks at Dickinson Law. “Everyone here is open and interested in you—who you are, where you come from, and what you’ve done, and I believe that’s due in part to the small class size, which allows for a close-knit community.”
Bradley noted, “I thoroughly enjoy the learning environment and fighting for my own understanding of things. Along with my classmates, we’re all here because we like the law. While we may not all want to be practicing attorneys, we all want to use the law in our work. Our curriculum has this hidden gem of teaching us where the law can take us elsewhere, which is perfect for me, as I see my career path in academia, teaching and research.”
Closing remarks were delivered by Tyler Sheridan, a second-year student and member of Dickinson Law’s Class of 2018.
“We have dozens of experienced alumni here today that can offer you words of wisdom,” said Sheridan. “What I can do is offer reflection and give some perspective on what the Statement on Professionalism means, and what it means to be part of this Dickinson Law community.
“The statement that everyone signed was crafted by your peers, and the words were inspired by the practice and ethics of the classmates that have come before us. This statement is not a requirement on any ABA test or state bar exam. It is a standard we have set for ourselves; a standard that raises the bar of what is expected of you as an individual here at Dickinson Law. It took me a year to realize that the 'raised bar' is not just this statement; it surrounds us here on campus. At the school we attend, the right answer isn’t good enough. It is because we believe that the law isn’t enough unless you have the right person who knows how to wield it. A J.D. is just a piece of paper unless it is coupled with integrity and preparedness. This is why you’re pushed every day, and this is why the right answer is never good enough.
“While it is an expectation, this statement is also an opportunity. It is a chance to be part of a community that is greater than yourself. It is a chance to uphold the values that have been set before you, but at the same time, do it in your own way and blaze your own path. The Dickinson Law community is very lucky to have you, and we’re confident that you’ll make us proud.”
View the convocation photo album.