California Supreme Court Justices Welcome Hastings' Newest Attorneys
Read Justice Marvin Baxter's '66 address at the 2009 Swearing-in Ceremony

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It was only 43 years ago that I had the privilege of being admitted to the bar in a ceremony similar to this. We were addressed by a very distinguished jurist. I can’t recall his name, nor can I recall anything he said.  What I do remember is that he was very long-winded and it seemed like an eternity before we were eventually sworn in. I will keep my comments brief and to the point.

First of all, congratulations for graduating from Hastings and for passing the bar examination. Those are remarkable achievements and you have every right to be proud and to celebrate. And a special welcome to the spouses, parents, partners, other family members and friends who are here to witness your admission into a great profession. Your accomplishment is their reward for the love, support, and sacrifice so many of them provided.

I also commend Dean Martinez and the administration, faculty, and staff at Hastings for providing you with an excellent legal education. I may be biased, but I think Hastings is an excellent law school and I am proud to be an alum.

I started Hastings in the Fall of 1963 and graduated and passed the bar in 1966. Dean Snodgrass had established the 65 Club, where outstanding legal scholars were accepted after mandatory retirement at other law schools. I had Prosser for torts, Perkins for criminal law, and Frazier for property, to name just a few. My legal education at Hastings was second to none and I will always be grateful for the opportunities it provided. I hope you share that view and remain committed to Hastings as alums.

You are a captive audience and this is my opportunity to offer a few pearls of wisdom as you seek to begin a wonderful career in the law.

One - Personal fulfillment is the most important objective in any legal career. What is fulfilling to one may be misery to others. Find an area in the law that provides fulfillment and avoid areas that do not.

Two - Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Solutions sometimes mean compromise, settlement, or other alternatives to litigation. President Abraham Lincoln, who was a great lawyer, gave this advice:  “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise wherever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees, expenses and waste of time.” That advice is still true today.

Three - Make it clear and simple. Whether drafting a contract, a settlement, a lease, a will, a set of bylaws, or any legal document, do so in clear and simple English. And let me assure you that lawsuits aren’t decided by the weight of the briefs. They are called “briefs” for good reason. Judges appreciate a lawyer who knows which issues to emphasize and how to be precise and succinct.

Four -  Hold on to your ethics. Too many lawyers are disciplined or forfeit their privilege to practice law because of ethical lapses. This is a huge price to pay, especially when you consider the years of hard work to become a lawyer. Causes vary, but often alcohol or drug abuse is at the root of the problem.

Five -  Finally, balance your life. The practice of law can be intense and all-absorbing. It’s important to step back from time to time to refresh. So cling to your outside interests. If you don’t have any, develop some. No matter how important an office problem may seem at the moment, your family and friends are more important. You need them and they need you. It’s hard to be a good lawyer if you’re forgetting to be a good person.

You are on the threshold of entering a wonderful profession. Your work can be extremely interesting, challenging, and fulfilling. You will have the opportunity to serve and assist others. I have faith and optimism about the contribution you will make to the profession and the world at large. You’re quick, you’re adaptable, and you’re well informed. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and I’m proud to be here with you on the day it all begins. 

Click here to view a slideshow of the Swearing-in Ceremony and Reception.