‘Ready To Handle Hard Better’

141 Graduate From W&L Law School

The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 169th commencement on Friday, May 10, awarding 141 juris doctor degrees.

W&L President Will Dudley greeted the graduates and their families gathered on the front lawn between the University Chapel and the Colonnade, evoking memories of the time the graduates have spent together at the law school.

“You have spent three years together in this beautiful place. It has shaped you, as individuals and as a class,” he said. “Together you have studied, argued, and developed the habits of mind that characterize good lawyers. You have made lasting friendships that will give you pleasure and support wherever you go.

“Before you set out upon your different paths, I want you to savor your final moments together this morning, on this historic campus that has been your shared home,” said Dudley.

Melanie D. Wilson, dean of the law school, praised the class for its intellect, grit, and compassion, remarking on their law school journey that began during the thick of COVID-19. She also recounted by name many of the students and accomplishments that she would remember from her second year leading the school.

During her remarks, Wilson turned to advice shared by Kara Lawson, women’s basketball coach at Duke University, who encourages her team to strive to “handle hard better” rather than simply waiting for life to get easy.

“You arrived to W&L Law with the smarts and the aptitude,” said Wilson. “Now you have the skills and education. You are ready to handle hard better. You are ready to overcome any adversity thrown at you. You are ready to represent clients at some of the most vulnerable times of their lives.”

After the graduates were awarded their degrees, Wilson introduced Utah Gov. Spencer Cox as this year’s commencement speaker. A 2001 graduate of W&L Law, Cox was elected governor in 2020, having previously served as lieutenant governor and as a member of the Utah House of Representatives. In 2023, he was elected to lead the National Governors Association.

During his remarks, Cox urged the graduates to pursue a life focused on others, to engage with their communities through service, and to spend time with those who are different.

“Today, my friends, is all about you. And it should be all about you. You have worked so hard for these three years. But I sincerely hope that this is the last day that’s all about you,” he said.

“As you look behind you, there are all these people in your life that made this possible. You did this, but you did not do it alone,” he said. “I hope that you will turn around and do the same favor for other people.”

Following Cox’s remarks, third-year class officers Bianca Volpicelli and Maeve Harris presented Cox with a walking stick, traditionally given to students at the awards ceremony preceding graduation. The walking stick, or cane, originated in the 1920s as a way to distinguish thirdyear law students on campus. At that time, only two years of law school were required, and the walking stick served as a way to reward and honor those students who stayed for a third year.

Graduation festivities began Thursday with the annual awards ceremony, which was held in Holekamp Gym. Five students graduated summa cum laude, 17 graduated magna cum laude, and 20 graduated cum laude. Fourteen students were named to Order of the Coif, an honorary scholastic society that encourages excellence in legal education. A list of honors and awards appears below.

The Student Bar Association Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year award were also presented at the awards ceremony. Professor Kish Parella was named Teacher of the Year, and Susan LeMert, law student affairs program coordinator, won the staff award.