New Missouri lawyers sworn in during Spring 2023 Enrollment Ceremonies
About 50 new Missouri lawyers took their oaths of admission Friday, April 28, during two enrollment ceremonies at the Supreme Court of Missouri building in Jefferson City.
Taking your oath of admission is special for all new lawyers, but that moment was a little extra meaningful for Roela Boci on Friday. Her family immigrated from Albania in 1998, and her parents hoped their daughters would receive excellent education.
“This is literally the American dream,” said Boci, smiling at her parents and holding up her oath of admission. Boci was one of about 50 new Missouri lawyers who were sworn into the profession Friday, April 28, before six of the seven judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri during two enrollment ceremonies at the Supreme Court of Missouri building in Jefferson City.
A graduate of Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania, Boci said it felt like weight had been lifted off her shoulders after she took her oath. Boci, who plans to practice contract law in Kansas City, added she wouldn’t have made it this far if it hadn’t been for her support system – from friends she made while attending college to her parents for their constant encouragement.
“I know I wanted to quit law school two weeks in … and my mom said, ‘No, you can do this,’” Boci said with a laugh.
Leah Hodges smiled proudly with her oath of admission in front of the Supreme Court of Missouri building after being sworn into the legal profession. As a first-generation college student, Hodges said it “didn’t feel real yet” that she was officially a Missouri lawyer, but she was thrilled for her future and her career as a public defender.
“I’m excited to help clients and make sure people have access to justice, no matter what their income is,” said Hodges, a graduate of the Kansas University School of Law.
While law school may seem overwhelming, Hodges and Boci encouraged students to continue persevering.
“It takes a lot of resilience,” Boci said. “But we all have it in us or else we wouldn’t be here.”
The Missouri Bar is here to help lawyers even better serve their clients and communities. Enrollees can view the plethora of resources available to them at MoBar.org/New-Members. In addition, The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section sent welcome packets to the state’s enrollees. The YLS Council also offered 10 tips to new lawyers from young lawyers. See more photos from the day’s celebration here.