Zenell Brown
It’s October, and Michigan’s July bar exam results are out: 778 examinees and a 62% pass rate. This is a big seasonal opportunity for inclusion and belonging.
As a court administrator and bar association president, I have helped coordinate swearing-in ceremonies and made a personal commitment to attend at least one ceremony a year. However, I see additional opportunities where I, you, and the legal community can do more.
First, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, we have 38% of 778 examinees, 299 people, who did not pass. They may need access to mentors, study tools, study time, support, and encouragement. Some may need nothing other than an opportunity to take the next exam.
Some bar takers are sharing on social media platforms that they are disappointed they did not pass but are staying encouraged. I comment with an encouragement emoji and add a few words. As someone who barely passed on the first attempt, there but for grace and prayers go I. Life sometimes does not present everyone with an ideal law school and bar prep experience. And sometimes, in spite of all favorable conditions, a passing score was not attained this time. I admire them and pray for their success. The Wolverine Bar Association’s Walter Bentley Minority Bar Passage
Program, Advising JD, and other programs offer resources to help. This is our season to offer encouragement, share a resource, make an introduction, or connect someone with a program.
We also have an opportunity to create a welcoming profession for 479 passers of the bar exam.
The swearing-in ceremonies will be filled with families and a few work colleagues. What if we filled every seat in the auditoriums at the mass ceremonies and stayed for the receptions to introduce ourselves? I remember the challenges of networking as a new lawyer. As a first-generation lawyer, I knew no one and attended few events. At one bar association event, Attorney Elizabeth Jolliffe was engaged in conversation with a group when she extended her arm toward me as I walked by and said, “Hey, don’t you know Zenell Brown?” The way she said it made even me want to know Zenell Brown! I have never forgotten how she made me feel and try to model that warmth and welcome wherever I go.
We can help new lawyers get a jump start on building professional contacts. We also get to raise our hands and recite the oath again.
If you can’t make it to the swearing-in ceremonies, check in with your firm, organization, and bar associations to ask how to connect with and support the newest members. Social media is another meet, greet, and welcome opportunity to connect with our newest colleagues. Set up an in-person or virtual coffee, send an invitation to attend an upcoming event as your guest, or share an article of professional interest.
Inclusion and belonging happen when we pay attention, recognize the need, and take personal responsibility.
Lawyers, this is our season for inclusion and belonging. Let’s do it!
As a court administrator and bar association president, I have helped coordinate swearing-in ceremonies and made a personal commitment to attend at least one ceremony a year. However, I see additional opportunities where I, you, and the legal community can do more.
First, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, we have 38% of 778 examinees, 299 people, who did not pass. They may need access to mentors, study tools, study time, support, and encouragement. Some may need nothing other than an opportunity to take the next exam.
Some bar takers are sharing on social media platforms that they are disappointed they did not pass but are staying encouraged. I comment with an encouragement emoji and add a few words. As someone who barely passed on the first attempt, there but for grace and prayers go I. Life sometimes does not present everyone with an ideal law school and bar prep experience. And sometimes, in spite of all favorable conditions, a passing score was not attained this time. I admire them and pray for their success. The Wolverine Bar Association’s Walter Bentley Minority Bar Passage
Program, Advising JD, and other programs offer resources to help. This is our season to offer encouragement, share a resource, make an introduction, or connect someone with a program.
We also have an opportunity to create a welcoming profession for 479 passers of the bar exam.
The swearing-in ceremonies will be filled with families and a few work colleagues. What if we filled every seat in the auditoriums at the mass ceremonies and stayed for the receptions to introduce ourselves? I remember the challenges of networking as a new lawyer. As a first-generation lawyer, I knew no one and attended few events. At one bar association event, Attorney Elizabeth Jolliffe was engaged in conversation with a group when she extended her arm toward me as I walked by and said, “Hey, don’t you know Zenell Brown?” The way she said it made even me want to know Zenell Brown! I have never forgotten how she made me feel and try to model that warmth and welcome wherever I go.
We can help new lawyers get a jump start on building professional contacts. We also get to raise our hands and recite the oath again.
If you can’t make it to the swearing-in ceremonies, check in with your firm, organization, and bar associations to ask how to connect with and support the newest members. Social media is another meet, greet, and welcome opportunity to connect with our newest colleagues. Set up an in-person or virtual coffee, send an invitation to attend an upcoming event as your guest, or share an article of professional interest.
Inclusion and belonging happen when we pay attention, recognize the need, and take personal responsibility.
Lawyers, this is our season for inclusion and belonging. Let’s do it!
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
