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May 29, 2008

Law speaker Justice Todd stresses integrity

Stressing the value of personal integrity, the rule of law and the need for balance between one’s professional and personal life, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice told newly minted Pitt lawyers they are entering a great and noble profession.

“While becoming a lawyer may bring you great benefit, you bear great responsibility as well,” in a profession offering manifold career possibilities, said the Hon. Debra M. Todd, a 1982 Pitt law alumna who is only the second woman elected to the commonwealth’s Supreme Court in its nearly 300-year history.

“You may still find yourself in the process of deciding which career path to take now that so many possibilities are open to you. There are virtually unlimited manifestations of what our legal profession can and should entail,” said Todd, who gave the keynote address at Pitt law school’s graduation ceremony May 24.

Among those career choices are positions in a law firm, in public service, as a public defender or a prosecutor, in a government agency or in politics.

“Whether working in government, representing the downtrodden or directing your energy at the non-profit community, the possibilities of leaving the world a better place than when you found it are endless,” she said. “I implore you to become active in your community in whatever way you can. Your life will be enriched if you pursue justice and equality no matter how difficult or unpopular your client or your position may be.”

Todd offered “some essential precepts” to the new lawyers that apply regardless of their career paths.

“As guardians of our democracy, you understand the importance of the rule of law and the sanctity of our Constitution,” she said. “It is you, as future officers of the court, who will be charged with upholding the laws of this land, interpreting its statutes and resolving its conflicts and legal challenges against the backdrop of legal interpretations that have already been made.”

Todd cited a warning from United States Chief Justice John Roberts, who said, “You have assumed an obligation to protect and promote the rule of law while resisting the very real temptation to substitute for it the rule of lawyers. There is a difference.”

Reverence for the rule of law, which is the cornerstone of democracy, renders public officials accountable and the outcome of court decisions predictable; it also dictates that citizens be treated equally under the law, Todd maintained.

The new lawyers hold their future in their own hands, she said. “As you follow your passions, wherever they lead you, remember that the quality of your future, both in your profession and in your personal life, is up to you. It is your determination, your self-confidence and, most importantly, your attitude that will guide you to success, however you choose to define it.”

A positive attitude means being a gracious winner and not being a sore loser, Todd said. It means treating your superiors and subordinates with equal respect, showing gratitude to supporters and letting go the anger that springs from disappointments. “As you embark on your first day as law school graduates, I implore you, if you hold any bitterness in your heart toward anybody, let it go. For it will not only hold you back, it will keep you from attaining true happiness and satisfaction in both your professional life and your personal life.”

She added that no career is worth sacrificing the fulfillment that derives from personal and family relationships. “No matter how pressing and important your careers become, don’t skip that third-grade class play, that fifth-grade dance recital or that special dinner with your spouse,” Todd said. “Don’t allow yourself to miss your grandmother’s 80th birthday party, or your father’s retirement dinner. Your son’s soccer game and your daughter’s track meet are in the final analysis far more important than the career responsibilities that will be tugging at you — and you will be tugged and you will be pulled. Never lose sight of the need for balance.”

Todd further urged the graduates to continue their education. “Take that extra course, attend that lecture, earn that additional degree. By all means, take all of your mandated continuing legal education credits as required by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania — We are watching!” she quipped.

“If you spend just a portion of each day learning and accomplishing a series of small things, in 25 years you can look around and take pride in having accomplished something much bigger. It will not happen all at once, but with patience, perseverance and a positive attitude, it will happen,” Todd said.

“My final message is a reminder of the unequaled value of integrity,” she said, citing U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who said, “I agree with the philosopher who said that money can vanish overnight, power disappear, reputation evaporate; but character — personal integrity — is a rock that stays secure.”

“So, graduates of the class of 2008, I urge you to keep public service, positive attitude and personal integrity close to your heart,” Todd said. “I entreat you to hold sacred the rule of law and our Constitution as you wander down whichever legal path you choose.

“Be ambitious, not only for yourself, but for your profession, your community and for this remarkable democracy of ours. But also remind yourself to strive for balance in your life.”

Pitt conferred 271 law degrees, including 244 Juris Doctorates.

Also at the May 24 ceremony, three faculty members were honored by the graduating class. In a tie vote by the students, William J. Brown, professor emeritus, and Lawrence A. Frolik, professor, won the 2008 Excellence-in-Teaching Award.

Marvin A. Fein, associate professor of legal writing, was honored as a retiring faculty member. Fein had served on the Pitt law faculty for 12 years.

—Peter Hart


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