In Convocation remarks to the Class of 2020, one of North Carolina’s top philanthropic leaders encouraged Elon Law’s newest students to never forget the fortunes of fate that brought them to law school or the responsibilities they have to serve the public with a legal education.
Imagine the scales of justice. On one plate, picture the opportunities and encouragement students were shown by loved ones on their path to Elon Law. On the other, recognize the obligations they have to use their future education for the public good.
If students develop the habit of keeping such scales balanced, they will discover deeply rewarding professional and personal lives.
Green, executive director of North Carolina’s Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, delivered the Convocation address on Aug. 9, 2018, to Elon University School of Law’s Class of 2020, the largest and one of the most diverse in school history. And he reminded students in the class that one of their blessings is their very presence that moment inside the university’s main campus Whitley Auditorium.
“There are many who, when dreaming of their futures and possible careers, wanted to be lawyers. They wanted to be the guardians of the very pillars of this country, a country that was founded to be a nation of laws,” he said. “They wanted to be the trustees of the legal system, the ones who had the responsibilities to maintain public confidence in the system and to defend its integrity. They are not here for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to no one provided them with guidance and support.”
What should be a counterweight to the blessings Elon Law students enjoy? Green suggested it must include the use of a legal education to work for the public good. “Indeed, working for the public good should be a part of the normal course of your professional lives,” he said.
More lawyers are needed in the halls of Congress and in state legislatures, Green said. More lawyers also are needed to help those without the means for legal assistance. At a minimum, he said, students should look for opportunities to volunteer their time to help disadvantaged people when it comes to issues such as domestic violence, child custody, employment and consumer protection.
But don’t let the law be all encompassing, he cautioned.
“You need to be good to yourself, and your family, and friends. It is oft said that the law can be a jealous lover, one who will demand much of your attention,” Green said. “Find ways, then, to take care of yourself and do things that will bring you joy outside of the law. In addition, try to be the very best mother, father, spouse, significant other, child, friend, ‘cuz, auntie, uncle, grannie, etc., that you can be. They need you to be present, for, and with them.”
Green reminded the Class of 2020 how, throughout life, there will be moments when students under-appreciate their blessings and disregard their obligations. He offered a solution: be intentional about reminding yourself of those blessings, and of those obligations.
“Doing so will enrich you and your life, your family and friends and, indeed, this country,” he said.
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is a private family foundation that has been a catalyst for positive change in North Carolina for over 80 years, having invested more than $572 million into the state.
Prior to joining the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Green led the Guilford County Schools – the third largest school district in North Carolina – as superintendent for more than seven years. In that position, he managed the process of completing the district’s first-ever strategic plan, and launched a second strategic plan, both of which have resulted in notable outcomes such as increased graduation rates and other impressive student achievements, both academic and non-academic.
Before arriving in Guilford County, Green served in various leadership roles for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including general counsel, chief operating officer and deputy superintendent.
He began his career as a lawyer in private practice after doing two United States judicial clerkships. Green holds two degrees from Duke University: a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, and a juris doctorate. He has received numerous accolades over the years and has served in prominent leadership roles on a number of boards across the state.
In addition to Green, the Class of 2020 heard from Provost Steven D. House, who described some of the many research projects undertaken at Elon Law in recent years by faculty with a passion for better understanding the evolution of law.
Professors have published textbooks, authored law review articles, and presented at national conferences on topics such as “confidentiality creep” and opportunistic privacy, conscientious objection, legal education, and gender discrimination. “Active scholarship is the engine that keeps faculty intellectually curious and stimulated,” House said, “and their research improves the ideas they share with you in the classroom.”
The Class of 2020 likewise received advice from a classmate. Grace Lay L’18, vice president of the Student Bar Association, offered three ideas: Turn weaknesses into strengths, discover what study habits work best, and don’t hesitate to pursue opportunities even if they seem ambitious or out of reach.
“These next two-and-a-half years will fly by, and this is your time to make mistakes,” Lay said. “You have a whole roster of faculty and staff at your disposal who want you to succeed. It’s better to try things now then when you’re in the real world.”
Convocation featured two traditions following Green’s remarks: the signing of the Elon University honor code, which each student completed on a large poster prior to having his or her name read, and the presentation of a gift acron. Elon, the Hebrew word for “oak,” has for years given new students each fall a symbolic gift that represents the first phase of their intellectual and spiritual growth on campus.
In his closing remarks, Elon Law Dean Luke Bierman thanked the law school faculty and the Elon University administration for their ongoing commitment to redefining legal education, and to supporting the development of Elon Law as the “law school with a difference.” Bierman also thanked Green for sharing perspectives and values that inform his work and animate students.
Bierman reminded the 149 students in the Class of 2020 about their obligations, much as Green had moments earlier.
“What a great day for you. Your introduction to the legal profession could not possibly be better,” Bierman said. “In this lovely setting, before your classmates and the faculty and staff, and your friends and family, you are entering in a formal way a lifelong commitment to being part of the solution.
“But you should remember that this privilege to be a lawyer comes also with responsibility. You must be first to your clients, you must fulfill your public duties as officers of the court, and you must be true to yourselves. You are entering a noble profession with much potential and opportunity to do good while doing well.”