Ten Bar Passers took their oaths as Officers of the Court at the 5th District Court of Appeal on June 5th. Presiding Justice Brad R. Hill called Court into session with memories of his own Bar Admission. “Seems like yesterday,” he said. Later, he nodded at Associate Justice Herbert I. Levy as he advised the new attorneys to join the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, which was where he “first met Bert,” adding “I won’t say how many years ago.”
Associate Justice Thomas DeSantos also had advise for the new admittees, telling them to put a photo on their desk “of your spouse or sailboat” to remind them of what they love.
Superior Court Presiding Judge Alan Simpson pointed to the “many opportunities, large and small,” which will come with their new careers. “Sometimes you help someone in a way that was seriously important.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara McAuliffe welcomed the new attorneys to “a noble profession.” She reminded them that “Truth is justice,” while warning them to maintain their integrity, work ethic, and professionalism. “No billable hour is worth the effort it will take to clear a blemish from your reputation,” she said.
Mark Broughton, representing the State Board of Trustees, echoed that thought, warning that word about an indiscretion “will be around the courthouse and out the door before you are. Reputation and integrity are the currency of the realm.”
Fresno County Bar Association President Deborah Coe welcomed the new attorneys on behalf of the organizations nearly 1,300 members, reminding them they now “have the power to step in and make a difference.” She also acknowledged the many challenges still ahead. “When will you feel like a real lawyer?” she asked. “When you work with a client, face a tough opponent, or go before a judge and you actually don’t feel like you’re going to throw up, you’ve made it.”
Congratulations to our new colleagues, including:
Marco Antonio Aguire III
James Preston Castleman
Brittany Elizabeth Hines
Jorge Gallegos, Jr.
Matthew James Johns
Dylan Mono Raintree
Steffany Marie Saravia
Nicholas Raffaele Urgesi
Jennifer Michelle-Arnold Wharton
Kyle Michael Zimmer