Members of the Appalachian School of Law Class of 2029 took an early step into the legal profession Thursday, Aug. 27, as Chief Justice Cleo E. Powell of the Supreme Court of Virginia administered the school’s Professionalism Oath.
The oath was administered during orientation for incoming students at ASL in Grundy and focused on the integrity, civility, service and responsibility expected of members of the legal profession.
The ceremony is one of the first traditions students experience as they begin their time at ASL and serves as an early reminder that becoming an attorney involves more than learning the law.
Powell’s role in the ceremony also began a connection with the Class of 2029 that ASL plans to continue when those students complete their legal education.
During the past two years, ASL has added another element to the tradition. The person who administers a class’s Professionalism Oath during orientation is invited to return three years later to address that same class at commencement.
For the Class of 2029, Powell’s message during orientation was the beginning of a conversation the law school hopes to continue when the students graduate and prepare to enter the legal profession.
Powell also spoke with students in her role as ASL’s diversity mentor, encouraging them to value the different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives their classmates bring to law school and eventually to the legal profession.
The Professionalism Oath emphasizes that a legal education extends beyond studying cases and learning the law. Students are also challenged to learn how to serve, listen and lead while understanding the responsibilities that come with becoming an attorney.
