On June 8th, 2023, 41 attorneys joined the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, swearing an oath before the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, June 7th, the admittees and their guests gathered for an orientation session led by Jack Young, Division Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates and Co-Chair to both the Election Law Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. At the orientation session, the rules and procedures for the swearing-in ceremony and role of the movant were discussed, who was played this year by Jim Schwartz, Chair of the SLD. Special guest Robert S. Peck, founder and president of the Center for Constitutional Law, also joined us and shared unique insights about his time spent at the Supreme Court. The group then attended dinner.
On Thursday, June 8th, admittees and their guests enjoyed breakfast at the Court and a meet and greet with Chief Justice Roberts. Court then began promtply at 10am. After Jim Schwartz's motion as movant was approved, the new admittees took the oath of admission. The admittees and their guests also witnessed four decision made by the Court, including Allen v. Milligan.
This year's group had 41 admittees from over 20 states. It's been organized by the Senior Lawyers Division for over 20 years. This year, it was cosponsored by the Young Lawyers Division, Civil Rights and Social Justice Section, Criminal Justice Section, and Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division.
YLD Chair Josephine Bahn, reflects on her experiences during the trip here.