In November, on behalf of the Maryland State Bar Association and as its President, I warmly welcomed a class of approximately 450 new admittees to the Maryland Bar as they took their oath before the Supreme Court of Maryland. That milestone moment—filled with anticipation and achievement—reminded us all that becoming a member of the Bar is not just the conclusion of years of study and perseverance; it marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to uphold the values that define our profession—integrity, service, community, and respect.
Below are my remarks to Maryland’s newest attorneys during their November Admissions Ceremony at the Supreme Court of Maryland. If you are a new admittee and reading these remarks, I hope you will read this blog with fondness and reflect on the words below to level up your practice throughout your long legal career.
Admission to the Maryland Bar is a testament to each new lawyer’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to the rule of law and civil discourse—guiding “north stars” that must never be lost from view. Joining this profession means choosing a path rich with responsibility and meaning. Reaching this milestone required steadfast effort—countless nights of study, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of a dream. Now, the dream becomes reality.
The oath taken at admission is more than a ritual. It is a promise to act with integrity when no one is watching; to serve others even when there is no applause; and to strengthen the rule of law when institutions feel unsteady. Lawyers are leaders, and this profession demands leadership guided by four lodestars.
Integrity
Integrity is the deal we make with ourselves and the promise we make to others. It is not performative—it is a daily practice. It will be tested in quiet moments and in plain sight. Choose the harder right over the easier wrong. Candor with clients, counsel, and tribunals is not optional—it’s an ethical lifeline. Guard your reputation carefully; each of us has but one bite at that apple. Be the light of integrity in a dark room—it is contagious. When you hold the line, you give others permission to do the same.
Service
Service is the second lodestar. Law is a service profession, and we are always second to those we serve. Our knowledge is valuable; our time is precious; our license is a privilege. Put them to work where they matter most: in the lives of clients who need help, in the courts that depend
on us, and in the communities that trust us. Service not only benefits others but also strengthens us—making us sharper, kinder, and more self-aware.
Community
Community is our third lodestar. No lawyer is an island—though some have tried, only to discover that islands have poor Wi‑Fi. Community is more than bar meetings; it is a practice of connection. The Maryland Bar is a living network of judges, private practitioners, in-house counsel, educators, students, and public sector lawyers. Nurture that community. In a profession that often measures success by individual wins, community reminds us that we stand on each other’s shoulders—and that the view is best when those shoulders are steady and shared.
Respect
Respect means recognizing every person’s dignity and right to be heard—agreement is optional. Think of Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan: fierce rivals, steadfast friends. Democracy thrives on respectful debate, not unanimity. Lawyers must show that disagreement can be civil. Be fierce yet friendly, like a Labrador in a power suit. The courtroom demands reasoned advocacy grounded in fairness. Civil discourse is respect with conviction. Argue passionately, listen fully. Today’s opponent could be tomorrow’s collaborator—and reputations grow one respectful interaction at a time.
Leading in a Changing Profession
Legal practice is changing rapidly, with new challenges and temptations. True leadership requires steadiness. Human-assisted artificial intelligence—yes, human-assisted—is transforming how lawyers research, draft, analyze, and advise. It is a powerful tool, but one that demands judgment and diligence. Use AI to augment, not replace, professional judgment. Verify sources, confirm citations, and test reasoning. Clients deserve accuracy; the court requires it; and our oath demands it.
A lawyer’s reputation will precede them into rooms they have not yet entered. Judges come to know whose filings are reliable. Colleagues learn whose word can be trusted. Clients understand whether counsel is candid or merely comforting. Choose candor.
Learning from Mistakes
All leaders make mistakes—and lawyers are no exception. The difference between a good lawyer and a great one often lies not in avoiding error, but in responding to it with integrity. Own mistakes quickly. Fix what can be fixed, disclose what must be disclosed, and learn from every misstep. The rules of professional conduct set a floor, not a ceiling. Aim higher.
Remembering Joy
Amid the demands of practice, remember that joy awaits you. There is joy in solving what once seemed impossible, in changing a life through advocacy or compassion, in persuading a court through reasoned argument, and in achieving justice. Law is the bridge between conflict and resolution. Joy is recognizing that your work matters—and that you are privileged to do it. It is called the “practice” of law for a reason: never stop learning your craft.
To Maryland’s newest lawyers: you carry a license, an oath, and a legacy. Use them to advance justice, strengthen community, and promote civil discourse. Champion responsible innovation. Serve with integrity. Practice with wisdom. Lead with humility. And always keep faith with the promises made on the day of your swearing-in.
Once again, welcome to the Maryland Bar. This is your MSBA!