On May 20, 2025, the historic halls of the Utah State Capitol were filled with pride, promise, and professional achievement as 144 new attorneys and two Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs) took the solemn oath to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and the highest ethical standards of legal practice. The Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony, held under the stunning dome of the Capitol Rotunda, was both a formal milestone and an emotional celebration for the newest members of Utah’s legal community.
The proceedings began with the Convening of the Court by Nicole Gray, Clerk of the Court, Utah Supreme Court. The court itself was represented by an esteemed bench, including Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Associate Chief Justice John A. Pearce, Justice Jill Pohlman, U.S. District Court, District of Utah, Senior Judge Dale A. Kimball, and Magistrate Judge Daphne Oberg.
Justice Durrant opened the ceremony with heartfelt enthusiasm, addressing the crowd of proud families, mentors, and colleagues who filled half of the Capitol’s majestic second floor. He spoke of the exciting and meaningful journey ahead for these new legal professionals and the important roles they will play in preserving justice and integrity in society.
Following Durrant, Justice Pohlman delivered a speech that was as insightful as it was entertaining. She wove classic movie quotes into her practical advice—drawing laughs and nods of appreciation with lines from Forrest Gump and Casablanca, bringing levity and relatability to the solemnity of the day.
The celebration continued with a warm and personal invitation from Ezzy Khaosanga, President of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD). She encouraged the new lawyers to get involved with YLD, recounting her own experience of helping a firefighter draft a will—a moment she described as deeply humbling and rewarding, marked by the client’s tears of gratitude. Her story was a poignant reminder of the profound human impact lawyers can have.
Utah State Bar President Cara Tangaro then took the stage, delivering a rousing call to community and connection. She urged the new attorneys to be curious, to lean on one another, and to engage in both digital and in-person networking. “Follow each other on social media,” she said, “so you can discover commonalities and strengthen your professional relationships.” Her words underscored the importance of collaboration in a profession often perceived as solitary.
Standing across from Tangaro, Bar President-Elect Kim Cordova joined her at a second podium. Together, they made the formal motion to the court for the admission of the new legal professionals—a motion that was unanimously approved.
Cordova and Tangaro then took turns reading each new lawyer’s name aloud, culminating in Nicole Gray administering the Attorney Oath and the LPP Oath. The room erupted in rounds of applause, echoing the collective pride of all in attendance.
As the court adjourned, the rotunda transformed from a chamber of ceremony to a space of joyful celebration. Hugs were exchanged, photos captured the moment, and newly minted attorneys stood beaming with their families, ready to embark on careers built on service, justice, and advocacy.
The May 2025 Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony was not just a rite of passage—it was a heartfelt reminder of the enduring spirit of the legal profession and the power of law to shape lives and communities for the better.
AI was used to write the headline of this blog and the production of the video below.
