Saturday, June 10, 2017

Well, it's official

I am now officially an attorney! After passing Michigan's February bar exam, I was sworn into the State Bar yesterday.

The ceremony was something I will remember for the rest of my life. In order to get sworn in, a licensed Michigan lawyer must make a motion in open court. I was so honored that one of my mentors (and also a dear friend) was able to motion on my behalf. I was also fortunate enough to have a family friend, who also sits as a Circuit Court judge, perform my ceremony. They both made it so personal, and at one point, I was brought to tears.

I've never worked harder for anything in my life. Going to law school full-time while also trying to be a full-time stand-up comic and working two other jobs did not leave a lot of time for sleep. It also made me pretty unpleasant to be around, so my apologies to anyone in my life who has actually had to deal with me over the last four years. After I graduated, I had to not only study for the bar exam, but also take the darn thing (a process that made sticking a fork in my own eye seem preferable).

But, today made it worth it! I truly believe the legal system is one of the best mechanisms we have for social change, and yesterday reaffirmed that commitment. I was so proud to take the oath, which includes the following provision:
"I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay any cause for lucre or malice."

I am also so incredibly thankful to my friends and family who supported me during my law school and bar exam journey. I certainly could not have done it alone!

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