RWU Law Dozen Sworn into Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States

January saw another milestone for RWU Law: the first group swearing-in ceremony at the United States Supreme Court.  The dozen grads from our earliest years (the Court requires a minimum of five years in practice) had a remarkable experience.  A number of them gathered the night before at a reception hosted by the D.C. Chapter of the Law Alumni Association, and had a chance to catch up with some of their many classmates who are working in the DC area.

The next morning, we gathered at the Court; the dozen RWU lawyers, Professor Larry Ritchie and me (we are members of the Supreme Court Bar and moved their admission), and a group of friends, spouses, kids, and even proud parents who managed to snag some of the handful of reserved seats in the courtroom visitors’ section.  After passing through security, we were ushered into the West Conference Room for breakfast, the atmosphere full of eager anticipation for what is one of the most exciting experiences a lawyer can have.  Lots of photos were taken and we enjoyed a visit from General William Suter, Clerk of the Supreme Court (attired in the traditional morning coat), who reviewed the agenda and shared some with us some wonderful stories about past swearing-in ceremonies.

We were then ushered into the Courtroom, with the RWU dozen seated in front of the bar, only a few feet from the Justices.  After calling the Court session to order, Chief Justice Roberts asked Prof. Ritchie to come to the podium and make the formal motion to admit.  After repeating the oath, Cindy DeMarco ’96, Mark Gemma ’97, Joseph Healey ’96, MiCoya Hutchins ’98, Carly Beauvais Iafrate ’00, Anthony Leone, II ’97, Debra Lord ’98, Richard Lord ’96, Maria Marley ’99, Lynne Radiches ’97, Thomas Shaffer ’98, and Marco Uriati ’96 became members of the Bar of the highest court in the land.  Congratulations!

RWU Law Admittees
Thomas Shaffer ’98, Maria Marley ’99, Debra Lord ’98, Richard Lord ’96, Cindy DeMarco ’96, Marco Uriati ’96, Lynne Radiches ’97, Anthony Leone, II ’97, Carly Beauvais Iafrate ’00, Mark Gemma ’97, MiCoya Hutchins ’98, Joseph Healey ’96.

The Whole RWU Law Contingent

Anthony Leone, II ’97, Dean David Logan, and Mark Gemma ’97 standing in front of the U.S. Supreme Courthouse.

Thomas Shaffer’98, RWU Law Director of Admissions, and Carly Beauvais Iafrate’00 celebrate becoming new members of the U.S. Supreme Court bar.