Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests.

It’s an honor to be here before you today.  I was talking to my neighbor the other day.  He’s really not very enthusiastic about my going to law school anyway, so when I mentioned that I was the class valedictorian, he was characteristically skeptical.  “So, what does that prove?”  he asked.  “Well, Jim,”  I said.  “I think it proves two things.  First, that I have no life.  Second, I spend way too much time hitting the books.”

I’ve actually had a pretty easy ride through law school.  I’ve worked at the same place, lived in the same place, and have not had any traumas during these last four years.  This has enabled me to focus on my studies.   I stand in awe of my fellow students who have been through major transitions in their lives while also dealing with the academic rigors of law school.  Several students have had new additions to their families while they were attending school, and I can see some of those children right here in the front row!  Others have gotten married, bought and sold houses during their school years here.  One of our students is a very successful developer whose business has taken him all over the state.  On several occasions I would marvel at the fact that he would be in San Diego in the morning, up in Burbank in the afternoon, and them drive down to Long Beach for class in the evening.  Others have dealt with the personal illnesses of loved ones while they were in school, while others have struggled valiantly with their own personal health issues.  One of our students, as many of you know, has struggled with cancer during her law school years.  In many respects, it is these students who have dealt with so much who deserve this reward.

Special thanks also go to our teachers, many of whom are joining us on the platform tonight.  Professor Bir, whose love of the law shone through in his lectures; Professor Saxman, whose real life stories made community property come alive; Professor Lee, who broke civil procedure down into manageable approaches; Judge Gardner, who brought us a view from the bench and whose professionalism was beyond reproach; Professor Meyer, who got us ready for the baby bar by teaching us legal writing, and Professor McDaniels, who made us write out all those performance exams.  I’m sure we’ll be grateful for that some day!  And of course, Dean Lewis, who was there for every Friday class providing inspiration and leadership. 

There is one professor I haven’t mentioned yet, and that’s Professor Lua.  I remember in our first year, she was our professor in criminal law.  And I remember toward the end of class, how she so matter of factly assured us that because we had studied the law, worked on our writing skills that passing the baby bar was doable.  Her calmness and matter of factness had a big impact on me, and I hope I can carry that calmness into the bar exam this summer.  Finally, as we prepare for the bar, we ask for your prayers and support.  Thank you.