California Western School of Law Convocation 2025

On Tuesday, August 19, at the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse, 245 entering 1Ls took the Oath of Professionalism, administered by the Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia ’74, Senior United States District Judge. Convocation 2025 was more than a welcome ceremony; it was also the official launch of California Western School of Law’s (CWSL) newest class into a profession built on responsibility, integrity, and impact.

Judge Battaglia emphasized the gravity of the oath the students were about to take. He reminded them that “the bedrock of our democracy is the rule of law and lawyers are sworn to protect it.”

“The bedrock of our democracy is the rule of law and lawyers are sworn to protect it.”

- Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia ’74

The convocation ceremony was particularly meaningful for Dean and President Miriam H. Baer as it marked her first year leading CWSL. “Just as a lot of you are starting a new path, I’m starting a new path,” she said, adding that she was “so excited to be on the same path that you are.” She reminded the new class they were not simply joining a school, but entering a profession with deep roots and a powerful network.

“What makes Cal Western different is that we’re such a tight-knit community,” she said.

Dean Baer urged the incoming 1Ls to seize every opportunity to connect, with faculty, with peers, and with the thousands of CWSL alumni who will support them long after graduation.

Alumni Association President Taylor Morrison ’17, Deputy District Attorney, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, offered the perspective of someone who once was a student. “Congratulations. Today is your first day of law school. The first day of a brand-new chapter of your life, one where you’ll be challenged, you’ll be stretched, and ultimately transformed into the best version of yourself.” She spoke candidly about the toughness of the first year, the long nights, the missed family events, and the pressure to push harder than ever before. But her challenge to the class was clear: “give this experience 110 percent… study hard, get involved, and take every possible opportunity. You owe it to yourselves.”

Ms. Morrison also pointed to the strength of the CWSL community, from the classmates sitting next to them to the alumni waiting to welcome them into the profession. Her advice was equal parts practical and inspiring: lean on each other, take risks, and recognize that “our community needs you. Our country needs you at a time such as this.”

Over the next several days the incoming class will meet faculty, student leaders, and alumni; gain the tools to succeed in law school; and start building the friendships that will carry them forward. The newest 1Ls left the courthouse not just as students, but as future lawyers, armed with an oath, a community, and a challenge to rise to the moment. As Dean Baer told them, “We can’t wait to see you soar to new heights and become thoughtful, successful lawyers, and eventually graduates of California Western School of Law.”

About California Western School of Law   
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.