Widener Law Commonwealth’s Newest Attorneys Take the Oath at Pennsylvania’s High Court
The Supreme Court courtroom in the Pennsylvania State Capitol was filled with new attorneys, their families, and faculty from Widener University Commonwealth Law School recently for a memorable swearing-in ceremony. Dean andré douglas pond cummings opened the event with remarks, and Justice P. Kevin Brobson ’95 administered the oath.
cummings set the tone for the event, emphasizing the significance of the milestone in the lives of the 15 recent graduates and now new attorneys who took the oath on Nov. 12. Before Brobson led them in taking the official oath, Widener Law Commonwealth alumna Alaina C. Koltash ’10 read in the attorneys, a tradition where each graduate’s name is formally entered into the record to signify their eligibility to practice law.
Graduates sworn in included:
• Riley Baker
• Kayla Burnham
• Nicole Chatfield
• Kiara Douglass
• Callie Dreher
• Mark Evich
• Erika Firestone
• Emily LaGreca
• Sarah LaMaster
• Gabrielle Martin
• Gabrielle Spisak
• Kira Swartzlander
• Curtis Tokach
• Andrew Wuerz
“There are several important days in a lawyer’s career, and today is one of them,” cummings said, reflecting on the graduates’ journey from their first day of law school orientation to the moment of becoming licensed practitioners. “Today, you are officially sworn in as esquires, entrusted with the opportunity to practice law. This profession, one of the oldest and most honorable, allows you to make an impact on the world around you, on those you love, your families, and your communities,” he said.
Justice Brobson built on this theme, inviting the new attorneys to reflect on the depth of their responsibilities as they enter the legal profession. He highlighted the symbolism of Lady Justice and the wisdom embedded in legal history. “Our concept of Lady Justice, with her sword and scales, finds its origins in ancient depictions of Venus. The history of law flows from centuries of wisdom and reason,” he said, gesturing to the historic murals in the Supreme Court courtroom.
Brobson urged the graduates to see law as more than statutes and cases. “Law is like a stream running through history, purified by reason and guided by wisdom. You are beneficiaries of the wisdom and reason of those who came before you,” he noted. “Future generations will rely on you to uphold and enhance the law for the benefit of all, not just a chosen few.”
In closing, cummings encouraged the graduates to remember the support of their families and to thank those who helped them reach the milestone. “Be sure to show love to your families today,” he said. “They stood by you through three or four years of rigorous study. It’s a journey, and you didn’t do it alone.”
Following the remarks, each new attorney took the solemn oath, led by Brobson, pledging to uphold the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions with the highest standards of integrity. Brobson’s parting words inspired them to embrace humility and perseverance. “You have the tools, the training, and the passion,” he said. “Now go forward, make mistakes, learn from them, and let those experiences be your ongoing education.”
The ceremony concluded with applause and congratulations, marking the beginning of these new attorneys' careers as they carry forward a proud tradition of justice.
