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NSU Law Alumni, Faculty... Admitted to Practice Before U.S. Supreme Court

The Law Center celebrated the first group to be admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Twenty NSU Law alumni, faculty members, and senior administrators met the necessary qualifications and were sworn in on November 17, 2008. The induction ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. Professor Bruce Rogow served as movant for the group.  Professor O'Brien was instrumental in coordinating all activities with Court administration. The group consisted of lawyers of every age and experience level who came from New York, D.C. and Florida. The general consensus was that hearing your name mentioned in the Supreme Court is something that every lawyer should experience at least once.

Organized by NSU Law's Office of Alumni & Development, the swearing-in was the culmination of two days of activities in Washington, D.C. which planners hope will become a biennial event. On the night preceding the swearing-in ceremony, the NSU Alumni Association and the Shepard Broad Law Center hosted a networking event, "Supreme Decision: The Future of the United States Supreme Court after the Election,"  with a discussion led by Dean Athornia Steele, Professor Bruce Rogow, and Distinguished Visiting Professor Tim O'Brien.  The event was well attended and included Dean Karen Grosby, Center for Psychological Studies and alumni from that Center.

Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, inductees and their guests enjoyed a continental breakfast held in the U.S. Supreme Court West Conference Room—the Chief Justices Chamber. This chamber displays the portraits of all of the United States Supreme Court justices. "One truly appreciates being in this nation's highest court. I was inspired by the ritual, solemnity and majesty of the building, the process and the presence of the distinguished justices," stated Olympia Duhart, an NSU professor and inductee.    Immediately following the Monday swearing-in ceremony, Chief Justice Roberts joined the NSU Law inductees and their guests for a congratulatory visit. Afterwards, the Curators Office provided a lecture on the history of the Court.  The day was awe inspiring and humbling – an experience to be remembered forever. It was made truly special for the inductees and their families to celebrate the day together as representatives of Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center.

Those who participated in the event include