NORMAN — Right hand raised, sans the witness stand and a Bible, the University of Oklahoma’s newest crop of prospective lawyers took an oath of professionalism during the law school’s first convocation Thursday afternoon.
The ceremony — a first for the school that philosophically mimics the College of Medicine’s White Coat ceremony — is set to become an annual tradition.
“Before the beginning stages of our journey, we should pause and realize that what we’re doing is equally important,” said Dean Joseph Harroz, Jr., comparing the “nobility” of the law profession to medicine.
“We speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. We defend the defenseless. It is noble,” he said.
Harroz cautioned against the hazards of the profession, the blinders of self-interest that spark the “lawyer” jokes.
As defenders of the Constitution, Harroz said lawyers are servants to society and guardians of the just.
OU President David Boren, a graduate of the OU Law School who walked the halls as a student 45 years ago, said the rule of law safeguards the powerless.
“The powerful can take care of themselves. They have a way of doing that,” he said.
Boren echoed Harroz, saying that milestones such as this should be celebrated because they highlight not where people have been, but where they’re going.
Boren challenged the students to not only be professionals but civic leaders in the community. He noted an increasing decline of young lawyers at community functions that would impede on their billable hours.
“This is a fragile time, so it is absolutely crucial that you the play the role you’re meant to play,” Boren said. “Of course, earning a living is a necessity, but we must never confuse it with living a life.”
Nanette Light 366-3541 nlight@normantranscript.com
