California Lawyers Association Hosts Swearing-in Ceremony: New Attorneys Commemorated

The attorney’s oath is the culmination of an individual’s legal education and ability to successfully pass the State Bar of California Bar Examination. Administration of the oath is also required for admission to practice law in California. To formally recognize the achievements of California’s newest attorneys, California Lawyers Association (CLA) hosted an official swearing in ceremony on June 25, 2025, at CLA’s offices in Sacramento.

Chief United States District Judge, Troy L. Nunley, officiated the swearing in ceremony. Judge Nunley began serving in the California judiciary in 2002, first as a Superior Court judge in Sacramento County, then as a U.S. District Court judge in the Eastern District, assuming office in 2013. He was named the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in 2024.

“There is a high degree of professionalism that you see with good attorneys,” Judge Nunley told the attendees. “Be mindful. There is a public face that you put out there, that people look at, and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Judge Nunley in discussing the way clients, colleagues, and the court view attorneys.

CLA President, Betty Williams, congratulated the new attorneys, saying, “You are not here by accident. You may have known from the time you were young that you wanted to be an attorney. Or, maybe you decided to study law at the recommendation of a respected family member, teacher, or friend.”

She continued, “Some people want to become lawyers for the power that comes with being an officer of the court. Some people are tired of feeling powerless and want to improve our legal system. Regardless of how you got here, you all have some things in common. You have courage, resolve, and strength of character. You have grit.”

The concept for the ceremony was initiated by Mark Leonard, CLA’s Intellectual Property Law (IP)  Section’s representative on the CLA Board of Representatives and newly elected Vice Chair. He recalls his own swearing in ceremony fondly. “I was fortunate enough to have been sworn in by California’s Supreme Court Associate Justice Ming Chin in his private chambers. It’s something I will never forget.” Leonard wanted a unique opportunity for the new lawyers, who took the State Bar of California Bar Examination in February 2025. “Technically, you’re not an attorney until you have taken the oath. This is ‘the moment.’”

Among those sworn in was Kevin Tran. “As the first lawyer in my family, I was completely in the dark when it came to networking opportunities and guidance. I could not be more grateful and appreciative of both Betty and CLA for lending me their time and experience as I navigate my first foray into the legal field.” Tran spoke about the close-knit legal community in Sacramento. “It is incredibly heartening. CLA, alongside the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS) has been a wellspring of beneficial advice and opportunity.” He thanked both Williams and ABAS President, Kishwer Vikaas, who attended the special occasion, for their patience and grace.

Williams encouraged the new attorneys to gain professional involvement. “I recommend you engage with your local, affinity, and statewide bar associations. The people you will meet and the experiences you have will make you a better lawyer and help you in so many ways including finding mentors, and networking with other practitioners.” She also noted that in their legal roles, they can help bring about change that is just and systemic, acknowledging that lawyers can empower and protect those who may not have a voice.

Leonard agreed saying, “We want to make sure the admittees understand that CLA has many resources. Being a new lawyer can be very intimidating.”                  

CLA welcomes new attorneys with free membership to its organization for their first three years of practice. The New Lawyers Section (NLS) is a proud part of CLA, comprised of lawyers who have been practicing eight years or fewer. The mission of the NLS is to advance practical skills, leadership and pro bono opportunities, networking, and support to meet the unique needs of California’s diverse community of new lawyers. It is one of 18 CLA Sections. Learn more today.