During the recent graduation season, Chief Justice Janice Holder and Justice Gary Wade addressed hundreds of Tennessee students during their commencement addresses.
On May 23, Chief Justice Holder addressed the graduates of Nashville School of Law. In her speech, Chief Justice Holder applauded the students for their determination and commitment to complete law school while working full time.
“You will be on the front line of the legal system in Tennessee and will make a bigger difference in the lives of Tennesseans because, having worked hard for your education, you know how to work hard to accomplish your goals and those of your clients,” said Chief Justice Holder. “Your contributions as lawyers can and will be significant.”
Chief Justice Holder also commented on the newly formed Access to Justice Commission and encouraged the graduates to participant in pro bono work and free legal clinics.
“This profession gives lawyers the opportunity to do good things for the right reasons,” said Chief Justice Holder. “As you continue to juggle the demands on your time, please take advantage of the opportunities to do good things that this profession provides.”
Justice Gary Wade spoke to nearly 300 students at the Lincoln Memorial University graduation on May 2. During his commencement address, Justice Wade encouraged the students to look beyond vocation as the measure of success. Instead, he challenged them to focus on nourishing their spiritual well-being by lending a hand, cherishing friends and family and comforting those in need.
“The teachings here are primarily for the head. To give unselfishly to others or to support a worthy cause is for the heart,” said Justice Gary Wade. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
During the ceremony, Justice Wade also received an honorary degree from the university. The event was featured in the Middlesboro Daily News. To read the article, click here.