The College of Law recently held a virtual swearing-in ceremony for summer semester student attorneys in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC). U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Judge Grant Jaquith performed the swearing-in of the students.
“The swearing-in ceremony is an important part of the clinic experience as it reinforces the professional nature of the work they are going to be doing on behalf of their clients,” says Professor Beth Kubala, director of the VLC and executive director of Clinical Legal Education. “Having Judge Jaquith perform the ceremony means a lot to the students as he is a federal judge, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of NY, and retired Army J.A.G. officer.”
The VLC provides representation to veterans and their families who are seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or upgrading an unfavorable discharge through the various military services. While representing real clients, student attorneys gain an understanding of military culture, interact with government agencies, develop case management skills, improve advocacy skills, and instill the value of pro bono service.
There are 18 students in the clinic – four are veterans, two are active-duty service members, one is a National Guardman, and four are military spouses.
The oath concludes with the student attorneys promising to abide by the New York State Rules of Professional Conduct.
“The swearing-in was a unique experience that underscored the fact that we as student attorneys get to do actual legal work, representing real-life people with real-world problems. The JDi program allows me to do this important work while still maintaining full-time employment, and from over 700 miles away. Having no military background has not impeded me from feeling like I’m contributing usefully to the lives of our veterans, and getting to help those who have served our country has already been the most rewarding experience of my law school career.”
Reid Surles L’26
“Taking the oath was surreal. Knowing I will have real clients with real problems—the realization that I am out of the academic and into “the grey” of actual practice—makes me both anxious and excited.”
Joe Creager L’25
“The VLC swearing-in ceremony marked a turning point in my legal education—it symbolized not just readiness, but responsibility. As a retired Navy officer, it was deeply personal and an honor to stand before a Federal judge and be formally entrusted to advocate for fellow veterans. The ability to participate in the VLC remotely has made my legal education more meaningful, showing me firsthand how the law can serve those who have sacrificed so much. It reaffirms that distance does not limit our ability to make a real impact in people’s lives.”
Tiffany Johnson L’26