At a celebratory admissions ceremony held at The Grand Theatre at Salt Lake Community College, nearly 500 attendees gathered to witness the swearing-in of Utah’s newest attorneys and five Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs). The event, October 7, 2025, 12:00 p.m., marked a milestone for the new legal professionals and their families as they officially joined the ranks of the Utah State Bar.
Chief Justice Matthew Durrant: A Call to Stewardship and Justice
The ceremony began with a welcome from Chief Justice Matthew Durrant of the Utah Supreme Court, who congratulated the new attorneys and LPPs for their “diligence, perseverance, intellect, and hard work.” He reminded them that they now hold the tools to shape society and advance justice, describing it as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Durrant also acknowledged the support of families and friends who helped make this moment possible and encouraged the new professionals never to forget their duty to protect the rule of law.
Justice Jill Pohlman: Lessons from the Silver Screen
Following the Chief Justice’s remarks, Justice Jill Pohlman offered a heartfelt and entertaining speech, noting that next year will mark her 30th anniversary as a member of the Utah State Bar. She reflected on the ever-changing nature of the legal profession, reminding the new admittees that even decades of study and experience can’t reveal everything in a world and society that continually evolves.
Pohlman then shared 10 pieces of advice, each inspired by famous movie lines. From Casablanca’s “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” emphasizing the importance of relationships, to Yoda’s Star Wars wisdom, “Do or do not. There is no try,” she encouraged new attorneys to believe in their abilities and embrace challenges.
She shared a personal story of her early days as a young attorney, when a managing partner unexpectedly assigned her to represent a high-profile client. Though she was nervous and inexperienced, she rose to the occasion and succeeded, which was proof, she said, that “you are more capable than you think.”
Her other pieces of advice included Finding Nemo’s “Just keep swimming” to remind the audience to persevere through setbacks, and Spiderman’s message of being a “force for good.” She closed by urging the new attorneys to “do work that gives you purpose” and never lose sight of their dreams.
Alex Vandiver: Welcoming New Attorneys to the Young Lawyers Division
Next, Alex Vandiver, President of the Utah Young Lawyers Division (YLD), welcomed the new attorneys, who automatically become members of the Division upon admission.
She described YLD’s mission and highlighted its impactful Wills for Heroes program, which provides free wills and estate planning services for first responders and veterans. Vandiver shared the goal of hosting five such events in the coming year and encouraged the attorneys to volunteer and get involved.
She also announced two upcoming networking events: the Winter Gala on November 14 at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the Spring Social. Vandiver invited new members to follow the YLD on Instagram and read quarterly updates to “grow, connect, and meet colleagues who become life-long friends.”
Kim Cordova and Tyler Young: Motion for Admission
The Motion for Admission was presented by Kim Cordova, President of the Utah State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners, and Tyler Young, President-Elect. Cordova shared the fascinating origin of the phrase “passing the bar,” tracing it back to medieval European courtrooms, where physical barriers—literal bars—separated the public from legal professionals. Over time, the phrase came to represent both admissions to practice law and the collective body of attorneys.
Cordova called the new attorneys and LPPs “guardians and protectors of the law,” and expressed her honor in presenting the motion for their admission. Together, Cordova and Young read aloud the names of 215 attorneys present for the ceremony.
Nicole Gray: Administration of Oaths and Closing
Finally, Nicole Gray, Clerk of Court for the Utah Supreme Court, administered both the Licensed Paralegal Practitioner Oath and the Attorney Oath. As the newly sworn-in professionals affirmed their commitment to ethical practice and the pursuit of justice, the auditorium filled with applause, cheers, and smiles, marking the joyful close of a momentous day in Utah’s legal community.
