How Do I... Make the most of the 2019 Spring Enrollment Ceremonies?

You’ve completed all the steps to be a Missouri lawyer—now it’s time to celebrate!

If you passed the 2019 February Bar Exam and have met all admission eligibility requirements, you—and your family, friends and other guests—are invited to attend the 2019 Spring Enrollment Ceremonies, Friday, April 26, at the Supreme Court of Missouri and Capitol in Jefferson City. It’s an exciting day where you’ll take an oath of admission and be welcomed to the profession by the judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri, officers of The Missouri Bar and members of the Board of Law Examiners.

Each year, the enrollment ceremonies prove to be filled with fun and festivities—but the day can also be overwhelming. Make the most of the Enrollment Ceremonies and keep stress levels low by planning ahead. Here are a few pointers.

Know where to go.The day’s events take place across various spots. To start, you’ll need to register on the first floor of the State Capitol Building (201 West Capitol Ave.), right across from the Supreme Court Building (207 W. High St.). Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. in the first floor rotunda of the Capitol. Admission ceremonies will take place at the Supreme Court Building. Due to the size of the courtrooms, multiple swearing-in ceremonies will be held for candidates, with the first beginning at 9 a.m. When you report for registration, you will be assigned a tentative time by which you must be in your seat for your assigned ceremony at the Supreme Court Building. It’s important that you and your guests do not get in line to enter the Supreme Court Building until your assigned time. Each ceremony will last approximately 20 minutes.

The admission ceremonies to the U.S. District Court, Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri, will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the third floor House Chambers of the State Capitol. Registered applicants for the federal court admission will be seated in the House Chambers beginning at 10:15 a.m. Your guests will be able to watch the ceremony from the fourth floor House Gallery. NOTE: You must be sworn in to the state court BEFORE attending the federal court ceremony. 

Be mindful of construction.

The Capitol is currently under construction. The South circle drive is closed to public traffic. Eastbound traffic approaching the Capitol from West Main Street will be directed to Broadway Street. Westbound traffic approaching the Capitol from Capitol Avenue will be directed to the north side of the Capitol. For more information regarding the Capitol construction, refer to the enclosed documents or visit capitol.mo.gov/construction/. 

Mingle with Missouri Bar leaders and have a snack.

As a new lawyer, you have many great resources at your disposal. We provide a host of information online at mobar.org/new-members, but, on enrollment day, Missouri Bar staff, The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers' Section and other organizations will be available to answer questions during a welcome reception for you with brochures, gifts and breakfast. Visit the reception in the third-floor rotunda of the State Capitol Building between 7:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., before or after attending the enrollment ceremonies.

Park in the right spot.

here is a public parking garage on Madison Street, two blocks east and one block north of the Supreme Court Building. Meter parking is available on various streets downtown. Do NOT park in the lot behind the Supreme Court Building, which is reserved for Supreme Court judges and personnel.

The Missouri Supreme Court Building has two separate entrances which are wheelchair accessible. In addition, the courtrooms are accessible via elevator. Please contact the marshal at (573) 751-2117 for handicap parking information, directions to accessible entrances and for other assistance.

Expect security.

Attendees and guests will pass through security checkpoints at both the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings. At the Supreme Court, applicants must present a photo ID and a ceremony admittance card at the security checkpoint. Guests will be required to comply with security procedures in order to enter the buildings, including passing through a metal detector. You should allow 30-40 minutes to walk from the Capitol to the Supreme Court Building, pass through security and be seated in the assigned courtroom for your ceremony.

Be courteous.

While cellphones are allowed in the Supreme Court Building, they may only be used to take pictures and videos. No voice calls are allowed on the second floor of the Supreme Court Building, including in the courtrooms, at any time.

Remember to sign the Roll of Attorneys.

While at the Supreme Court Building and when being sworn into the U.S. District Court, be sure to sign the Roll of Attorneys. These contain the names of all attorneys enrolled by the courts, and you should be certain that your name is included. You can sign them either before or after the ceremony.

Look Sharp.

When planning your outfit, remember that you are expected to dress in business attire. Revealing clothing and jeans are not appropriate.

Take lots of photos.

Enrollment ceremonies are a time to have fun! Throughout the day, Missouri Bar staff will be on-site with photo props, and an “Officially a Missouri Lawyer!” Snapchat filter will be available at both the Supreme Court Building and in the Capitol Rotunda. Take a moment to share your images from the day on social media using #NewMOLawyers or tagging @MoBarNews.

If you plan to take pictures in the Missouri Supreme Court Library, please know that nothing in the library may be moved or used as props without the approval from a member of the library staff. No liquids will be allowed in the library without a lid.

Welcome to the profession. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!