Good afternoon, everyone.

​

It’s a pleasure to be here with you at Wayne State, and to spend time with the next generation of Michigan lawyers. Thank you for being here, for your curiosity, and for the commitment you’ve already shown by choosing this profession.

​

When we call this program “Face of Justice,” we’re really talking about you. Not just who you are today as second-year law students, but who you’re becoming, and the role you will play in shaping how justice is experienced across our state.

​

At this point in law school, the path ahead can feel both exciting and uncertain. You’re building skills, testing interests, and probably asking some version of the same question: What kind of lawyer do I want to be? That’s an important question. But I’d suggest there’s another one just as important: What kind of professional community do I want to be part of?

​

In Michigan, that community is the State Bar of Michigan.

​

The State Bar is more than a licensing body or a line on a résumé. At its best, it is a network of people committed to competence, integrity, and service. It’s a place where lawyers support one another, learn from one another, and work together to strengthen the justice system we all rely on.

​

As future members, you should expect something from that community, but you should also know that you will help define it.

​

You will define it in how you treat clients, especially those who are vulnerable or unheard.

You will define it in how you interact with opposing counsel, judges, and colleagues. You will define it in whether you choose to engage beyond your own practice, through mentorship, pro bono work, bar sections, and public service.

​

One of our goals as a State Bar is to build pride in membership. Not pride in a title, but pride in what that title stands for. Pride in belonging to a profession that, at its core, is about solving problems, advancing fairness, and upholding the rule of law.

​

This kind of pride isn’t automatic. It’s earned and reinforced over time, through shared standards, shared experiences, and shared purpose. It grows when you feel connected to something larger than your individual career.

​

That’s where early engagement matters.

​

Even now, as law students, you have opportunities to begin building those connections, through internships, clinics, student bar associations, and events like this one. Seek out lawyers who are doing work that inspires you. Ask questions. Pay attention not just to what they do, but how they do it.

​

And when you enter the profession, stay engaged. Join sections that align with your interests.

 

Attend bar events. Volunteer. Reach out to someone more experienced and, sooner than you think, to someone just starting out who could benefit from your perspective.

​

The lawyers you meet, the relationships you build, and the standards you help uphold will shape not only your career, but the public’s trust in our profession.

​

That’s the real significance of “Face of Justice.” It’s not a slogan, but a reminder that justice is experienced through people. Through lawyers who are prepared, principled, and committed to doing the work the right way.

​

In a few short years, that responsibility will be yours.

​

We’re glad you’re here. We’re invested in your success. And we look forward to welcoming you, not just as new lawyers, but as active, engaged members of a professional community you can be proud of.

​

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the program.