State Bar welcomes new members, 126 lawyers attend swearing in ceremonies

One hundred twenty-six lawyers were admitted by exam to practice in Wisconsin on Monday. Surrounded by family and friends, the lawyers were welcomed by members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) Board chair the Hon. Charles Constantine and director John Kosobucki, and State Bar president Tom Basting.

Following each swearing-in ceremony, Justice Louis B. Butler Jr. spoke to the new lawyers. “We have every reason to take great pride in our profession and have a most solemn obligation to all others who have gone before us to carry on our functions as lawyers and judges in a manner so as to pass on this heritage undiminished and untarnished. On the matter of professional pride and integrity, I suggest that these are the two hallmarks that distinguish the true lawyer. I have not known a really good lawyer who did not have a compelling sense of pride in his or her profession and that demanded an uncompromising sense of integrity.

“Although this is your day of recognition, those who accompanied you here today – or those who are here with you in spirit – spouses, family, and friends have helped pave the road to these ceremonies, probably financially as well as through encouragement, are also entitled to recognition. Some portion of your license to practice law belongs to them,” said Butler. “It has been their contribution of support and encouragement that helped make this day possible.” Butler asked the new lawyers to give their loved ones a standing ovation reminding them, “Never forget that you did not get here alone. Indeed this day may mean more to them than it does to you.

“We congratulate you and we congratulate them,” Butler concluded. “Good luck to you in your chosen profession. It is a noble profession one where pride still matters. Be proud to be a part of it. We ask you to make yourselves proud as you go forward in the profession. That is our wish for you.”

In his remarks, Constantine told the new lawyers, “My father was a lawyer and he gave me one piece of advice, ‘Don’t be afraid to talk to judges – get to know the people who will be making the decisions, and when you have trouble – talk to an older lawyer.’”

Recognizing the difficulty of taking the two-day Bar exam, Constantine said, “We had an 89 percent pass rate, which means we have a very bright group of young lawyers.”

Following the swearing-in ceremonies, the lawyers attended a reception at the Monona Terrace Convention Center hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin. During the reception, each attorney signed the Supreme Court Roll Book that has been signed by every lawyer admitted to practice in Wisconsin.

The State Bar welcomes the following attorneys.

This brings State Bar membership to 22,838.