Welcoming the Next Generation of Lawyers: CLA Leaders at California’s 2025 Swearing-In Ceremonies

Swearing-in ceremonies mark a milestone moment for new attorneys, symbolizing both the culmination of years of study and the beginning of a professional journey in law. In December 2025, California Lawyers Association leaders were on hand at several law school ceremonies across the state to welcome the newest members of the bar, celebrate their achievements, and introduce them to the benefits of CLA membership. For leaders like Ireneo Reus, Anthony Lai, Ansley Guthrie, and Max Roemer, attending these ceremonies offered an opportunity to connect with new attorneys, reinforce the supportive community of California lawyers, and ensure that every graduate feels seen, celebrated, and prepared to step confidently into their careers. Read about their experiences below.

Ireneo Reus, Labor and Employment Section

“As a President-Emeritus of the UCLA Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors, I had the honor and privilege of representing both the Law School Alumni Association and the CLA Board of Representatives at the December 2025 UCLA Law School Swearing-In Ceremony for those who passed the July 2025 California Bar Exam. I represented CLA’s Board at the December 2024 UCLA Law School swearing-in ceremony, where I also brought CLA “swag” merchandise that the new attorneys gladly took home. However, the December 2025 swearing-in ceremony became more meaningful because fellow UCLA  Law School alum and fellow CLA leaders Ansley Guthrie and Max Roemer, from the Executive Committee of CLA’s New Lawyers Section, joined me in welcoming the newest California attorneys at our alma mater.

As a former Chair of the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) of the State Bar of California, which is the predecessor entity of the CLA NLS, I had the pleasure of representing CYLA at several swearing-in ceremonies hosted by the State Bar of California. Unfortunately, the State Bar of California no longer hosts swearing-in ceremonies, so the biggest swearing-in ceremonies are now hosted by the various California law schools for their recent graduates. Last year, I led CLA’s initiative to attend the law school swearing-in ceremonies, where we, as CLA leaders, can be visible and make the most impact in informing new attorneys about the benefits of CLA’s (free) memberships to attorneys who are in their first three years of practice. Thanks to the leadership of current NLS Chair, Daniel Cheung, Daniel and NLS leaders such as Ansley and Max, who immediately took the initiative to join me at UCLA Law School’s swearing-in ceremony after I confirmed with the UCLA Law School administration that other CLA leaders would be welcome to join me, CLA made its presence felt for the new attorneys who were admitted to practice at the December 2025 UCLA Law School ceremony. This was also a team effort led by CLA senior staff leaders Julia Byrd and Alicia Pilmore.

I am confident that leadership by new NLS leaders such as Daniel, Ansley, and Max will increase CLA’s visibility to new lawyers. As a CLA Board of Representative member from the Labor and Employment Law Section of CLA, I encourage other CLA leaders and members to look for similar collaborations and partnerships with NLS leaders, so that CLA can continue to grow and show how it adds value to the careers and practices of all attorneys, especially new attorneys.”

Anthony Lai, New Lawyers Section

As a proud Loyola Law School alum, former Chair of the New Lawyers Section, and current member of the CLA Board of Representatives, I felt a personal responsibility to ensure that Loyola’s newest graduates were welcomed into the profession with meaningful support. When the State Bar of California ceased its statewide swearing-in ceremonies, I brought the issue to the CLA Board and urged us to step in to make sure new admittees didn’t miss out on a warm introduction to our wonderful legal community.

That call has since grown into a broader effort, with CLA leaders taking up the charge at schools across the state. I had the privilege of representing CLA at Loyola Law School’s swearing-in ceremony this December, speaking with new attorneys who were still glowing from the relief of passing the bar. It was a reminder that sometimes the smallest gesture—a welcome, a handshake, a moment of recognition for their accomplishment—can carry meaningful impact as someone steps into this new chapter of their professional lives. I’m proud that CLA is rising to the moment and making sure our newest colleagues are seen, celebrated, and connected from day one.

Ansley Guthrie, Criminal Law Section

I love talking to attorneys who have just passed the bar. They radiate a sense of relief and joy only fitting for someone who has had that thousand-pound weight lifted off their shoulders. The new attorneys being sworn in at the UCLA Law ceremony were no exception – everyone who came to the CLA table had an energy that seemed to say, “I can’t believe I’m finally here!” Being at the ceremony and taking part in such a special day for these attorneys and their families was refreshing. It’s easy as an early-career attorney to get caught up in climbing the ladder, constantly stressed about reaching that next step as quickly as possible. I enjoyed having the opportunity to slow down, take in their joy and sense of accomplishment, and welcome them to the legal profession.

Max Roemer, New Lawyers Section

Bar swearing-in is a unique moment at the crossroads of life as a lawyer. It’s both an ending and a beginning: closing the chapter on years of hard work through college, the LSAT, law school, and the bar exam, while opening the door to a new and rewarding career in law. Amid all the change, I was most impressed by the things that seemed to remain constant. The ceremony was full of friends and family, there was a clear sense of collegiality and friendship between the new lawyers, and the more senior attorneys present welcomed everyone into the fold. The legal community and my colleagues are what have made the practice of law so rewarding to me, and it’s incredible to see so many new lawyers being welcomed the same way I was.

As CLA continues to expand its presence at law school swearing-in ceremonies across California, these interactions underscore the Association’s commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and connected legal community. By showing up for new attorneys at this pivotal moment, CLA leaders not only celebrate their accomplishments but also help lay the foundation for meaningful engagement, professional growth, and long-lasting connections. For these newest members of the bar, the welcome they receive today signals the start of a career enriched by mentorship, collaboration, and the enduring support of a statewide network of legal professionals.