Attorney Debbie Long advised The University of Alabama School of Law’s graduates that they must have a practical tool in their toolbox: common sense.
“When you are trying to solve a problem, common sense tells us to respect the people involved, even if we disagree with them,” said Long, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of Protective Life Corporation. “Part of respect is a willingness to communicate, which means listening, not just talking. Put yourself in the other’s shoes, listen and try to understand their points of view, even if you are tired and you feel there is no hope. Because if you close a door to listening, you close a door to a solution. That’s what the First Amendment is all about, giving us a way to reach solutions – if we keep the dialogue alive.”
Graduates, faculty members and guests gathered at Coleman Coliseum May 7 to witness the conferral of 129 Juris Doctor degrees. Eight J.D. graduates and three others received the LL.M. in Taxation or Business Transactions, while three students received the LL.M. degree from the Law School’s International Program.
Long told graduates if they want to understand people and their challenges, they also will need to understand their differences.
“Seek out people who are different from you, who have different political views, different likes and dislikes. If you like the country music, find someone who likes the opera, disco, or something other than country music. If you like to hunt, for heaven’s sake, have a vegetarian friend. If you grew up in a city or the suburbs, find a farmer to be a friend with and vice versa.”
As the graduates choose their path to success, she urged them to consider the state of Alabama.
“You need to go wherever your hearts take you, and I hope you do,” Long said. “But I also hope you will let your hearts consider staying in or returning to Alabama. Alabama can use your talents and your contributions. Your generation, the largest generation we’ve ever known, will make changes in Alabama, and it will be exciting to be part of those changes.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dean Mark E. Brandon honored the academic success of the Class of 2017.
The median LSAT score for the class was 163, and its median undergraduate grade-point average was 3.77 Some 57 percent were members of one of the Law School’s four legal journals, while 64 percent participated in at least one of six clinics, training and serving as student lawyers. Thirty-five graduates won individual or team awards for performance in regional or national moot court competitions or were members of a team that advanced to elimination rounds.
“The study of law is itself a kind of training in adversity. It’s intellectually challenging. It can be psychologically and physically demanding. It is competitive,” Brandon said. “But the question we all face at various points in our lives is how to deal with adversity? I am proud to say that you – as individuals and as a community – have risen to the challenges.”
Before introducing the platform party, Dean Brandon acknowledged colleagues Shelly Darling, Staff Attorney in the Elder Law Clinic, and Liz Whipple, Interim Director of the Domestic Violence Clinic, who died in April in a tragic accident.
“Both were committed to values of equal justice, and each was a beloved member of the community.’’
Dean Brandon and all guests honored their lives with a moment of silence.
As the Law School reflected on milestones, Dean Brandon recognized three colleagues – Professor Jim Bryce, Vice Dean Jamie Leonard and Professor Pam Pierson – who will be retiring.
“Among the three of them, they have invested almost 90 years’ teaching in the School of Law,” he said. “That’s 9-0.”
Aaron Smith, delivering the valedictory address, decided he would not impart any wisdom to his classmates, saying his classmates already have lived up to many law school platitudes. For example, they gave voice to the voiceless, pursued their passions and remained compassionate while attending law school.
Instead, he showed his fellow classmates that they earned much more than a degree.
“Look to your right, look to your left,” he said. “I hope you see someone who challenged your views and made you think harder about what you care about and why. I hope you see someone who comforted you during a pre-finals freakout or consoled you during even more difficult and challenging personal situations. I hope you see someone who laughed with you, even if it was for a punny legal joke that only we JDs could possibly find funny. I hope you see someone who cared deeply about you, both on a professional and a personal level.”
Degree candidates were hooded by Carol Andrews, Douglas Arant Professor of Law; Heather Elliott, Professor of Law; and Anita Kay Head, Associate Professor of Legal Writing.
The seven recipients of the Dean M. Leigh Harrison Academic Achievement Award were hooded first. Twenty-three students received the Public Interest Certificate for completing the program’s academic, clinical and externship requirements, while 25 students received the Order of the Samaritan honor for performing 50 hours of pro bono legal service and 40 hours of community service during Law School.
A reception honoring graduating students was held immediately following the ceremony on the Camille Wright Cook Plaza in front of the Law School.