For Elon Law alumni, oath represents ‘profound commitment’ to principles

A May swearing-in ceremony hosted by the Greensboro Bar Association inside the Old Guilford County Courthouse offered graduates a moment to celebrate and reflect on achieving their dreams of serving others as North Carolina attorneys.

They are now among North Carolina’s newest licensed attorneys.

Fourteen Elon University School of Law graduates gathered in the Old Guilford County Courthouse on May 23, 2024, for a springtime swearing-in ceremony hosted by the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.

With family and friends in attendance, graduates were introduced to both federal and state court by attorney sponsors who described academic achievements, professional aspirations, and the presence of loved ones who encouraged them on their career journeys.

From left: Joe Nader L’22, Amy Palmer L23, and Andrew Slaughter L’23

Participants then stood before the court in two groups: one for those seeking admission to practice in state court, followed by those seeking admission to practice in federal court.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your journey,” Manisha Patel L’11, an Elon Law graduate and incoming president of the Greensboro Bar Association, told ceremony participants. “The oath you will take is more than a mere formality. It is a profound commitment to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and service.

“You’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point, and now, as licensed attorneys, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond.”

The oath you will take is more than a mere formality. It is a profound commitment to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and service.

– Manisha Patel L’11, incoming president of the Greensboro Bar Association

Presiding over the ceremonial court sessions were:

The Hon. N. Carlton Tilley, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
The Hon. Stephanie Reese of the North Carolina Superior Court
The Hon. Teresa Vincent of the North Carolina District Court

Dozens of Elon Law graduates have been taking their professional oaths in recent weeks across North Carolina and around the country after completing their studies in December and passing February 2024 bar exams in a host of jurisdictions.

Fourteen Elon Law graduates, including Ashyra Corpening L23, were among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony hosted by the Greensboro Bar Association on May 23, 2024.

In addition to remarks by Patel and the presiding judges, attendees heard from Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer and Elizabeth Ray Robertson L’18, president of the Young Lawyers Section and another Elon Law graduate, who encouraged the group to join the Greensboro Bar Association.

“For recent law school graduates and bar passers, it’s been a long and difficult journey to get to this point, but finally, you’ve arrived,” Robertson said. “You made it through undergrad, studied for the LSAT, survived law school, and more importantly, studied for and passed the bar exam. Your hard work has paid off and I congratulate each and every one of you on this tremendous professional achievement.”