2009 Notre Dame Law School Commencement Speech
May 17, 2009
Jennifer Mason McAward, Associate Professor of Law
Popular wisdom says this is a bad time to be graduating from law school. Jobs are few and far between. Many firms that have hired are pushing back start dates, if not rescinding offers entirely. Still others are laying off young associates. Indeed, this is a time of great uncertainty—a time where the short-sighted greed of a few has led to long-term insecurity for many. I don’t need to tell you about it – you are among those bearing the weight of these uncertain times.
So, today I want to challenge the popular wisdom – just a bit – by reflecting on one thing that I am quite certain about, namely, that it is a very good time for you to be graduating from law school. It is a very good time for Notre Dame lawyers to go into the world. It is precisely because it is such an uncertain time – precisely because our society is in need of a moral compass – that we need a different kind of lawyer in this world.
Being a “different kind of lawyer” is something we often talk about here at Notre Dame Law School. Defining precisely what we mean, though, is slightly more difficult. The law school’s mission statement suggests that we seek to produce graduates who live in a way that integrates reason and faith, who can identify universal norms of justice, and who practice law with competence and compassion. This is a helpful starting place. But it is just a starting place. As with most abstract concepts, I find it’s helpful to bring them to life through the stories of real people. I like concrete examples.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to look far. In the main entrance of the new law school building, the names of five saints are etched. I was not on the building committee, but I am quite sure these five were not chosen at random. Even a brief look at each of their lives reveals – in a very concrete way – the qualities that inhere in a “different kind of lawyer.”
Saint Raymond of Peñafort is the patron saint of law schools. Raymond was a legal scholar and professor of civil and canon law. His reputation brought him to the attention of Pope Gregory IX, who asked him to rearrange and codify canon law. Raymond’s work became the authoritative source of canon law for over 700 years.
Like Raymond, a “different kind of lawyer” will strive for scholarly distinction. Will seek to develop a reputation for excellence and precision. Will be known for intellectual rigor, thoughtfulness, honesty, and willingness to seek the right answer – not just the expedient one. A “different kind of lawyer,” in short, will cherish wisdom.
Saints Thomas Becket and Pope Gregory VII both were reformers who challenged those in power. As the chancellor to King Henry II of England, Thomas encouraged the King to reform the legal system to be more uniform, efficient and equitable. Later, as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas challenged the King’s efforts to assert power over the Church and eventually was killed by those loyal to the King. Similarly, Pope Gregory VII enacted wide-ranging reforms within the Church. He confronted Emperor Henry IV of Germany over the balance of power between the church and the state and, as the result, eventually died in exile.
Like Thomas and Gregory, a “different kind of lawyer” will be guided by the common good, not personal interest. Will resist the urge to wield influence for selfish purposes. Will seek to reform inequitable systems. Will challenge those who abuse their power. A “different kind of lawyer,” in short, will speak the truth, whatever the personal cost.
Saints Ivo of Kermatin and Peter Claver were servants of the poor. Ivo was a lawyer who defended the poor without charge, ministered to those in prison, and built a hospital and tended to the ill. 
Peter dedicated his life’s work to African slaves who were brought to Colombia. Whenever a slave ship would arrive, Peter would board the ship to provide food and medical care. With the help of interpreters, he would remind each person of his or her human dignity and God’s love.
Like Ivo and Peter, a “different kind of lawyer” will seek to serve the poor with compassion. Will step outside of a comfortable lifestyle to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. Will be generous with time, talent, and treasure. 
A “different kind of lawyer,” in short, will make the promotion of human dignity his or her life’s work.
And so the lives of Raymond, Thomas, Gregory, Ivo, and Peter illustrate what it means to be a “different kind of lawyer.” Their examples teach us that each of us should seek to be a lawyer who loves wisdom, who speaks truth, and who promotes human dignity.
I realize it seems aspirational, at best – unrealistic, at worst – to say that your professional lives should reflect those of canonized saints. Fortunately, these five are not the only examples of the qualities of which I’ve spoken. I am confident the same qualities can be attributed to your parents, your spouses, your siblings, your friends. By loving and supporting you during these law school years, they have enabled you to grow in wisdom, and have given you an example of how to live generously and in service of something greater than yourself. You owe it to them to be a “different kind of lawyer.”
There is one other person here today who has modeled what it means to be a “different kind of lawyer.” A person who has left an indelible mark on the law school, even though no stone etchings bear her name. A scholar and beloved teacher who cherishes wisdom. A speaker of truth, who has pursued the common good rather than personal interest. A true servant who has dedicated virtually her entire professional life to furthering the mission of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. The consummate Notre Dame lawyer. Please rise and join me in thanking Dean Patty O’Hara for her service and her tremendous example.
These are uncertain times, but today is cause for great celebration. Today the world is graced with 214 new Notre Dame lawyers – J.D.s and L.L.M.s – 214 lawyers who will cherish wisdom, speak truth, and promote human dignity. As a “different kind of lawyer,” you will transform the world. You will make us proud. And when you next visit campus and enter the law school building, glance at the names etched there. You will make Raymond, Thomas, Gregory, Ivo, and Peter proud as well.
Congratulations, and may God bless you.
