"Not for Self, But for Others”

Students who complete law school pass through a series of multiple endings: final exams mark the end of classes, commencement signals the end of their academic studies and passing the bar exam is the final hurdle they have to clear before they can start looking to new beginnings as lawyers.

On Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, fifty-four recent Georgia State University College of Law graduates returned for one of the college’s longstanding traditions and the first step to begin their new careers: the annual Swearing-In Ceremony.

Three members of Georgia’s judiciary returned to their alma mater to swear in the new graduates. (l to r) Georgia Supreme Court Justice Shawn LaGrua (J.D. '86), College of Law Dean Courtney Anderson, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura L. Ingram (J.D. ‘98) and Court of Appeals Judge Trea Pipkin (J.D. ‘05).

In the college’s Ceremonial Courtroom, each took their oaths of admission to the Fulton County Superior Court, the Court of Appeals and/or the Supreme Court of Georgia, celebrating this significant professional milestone alongside three members of Georgia’s judiciary who share their alma mater.

Amber Reese (J.D. ‘26), a new associate at Swift Currie and one of the newest members of the Georgia State Law Alumni Council, was among the group of graduates being sworn in to the courts. Though she has more than 15 years of experience as a litigation paralegal, the ceremony marked her transition from working behind the scenes to representing clients as an attorney. Reese described the experience as a full-circle moment.

“As someone who attended the College of Law in the part-time program as a working mother, I know firsthand that balancing family, professional responsibilities, and personal aspirations requires sacrifice, perseverance, and determination. This milestone is about more than my own professional growth; it is also about leading by example. Today’s ceremony was a powerful reminder that representation matters and that sometimes the greatest lessons we teach are through the lives we live. I hope my journey shows my son, and others who may look to me for guidance and inspiration, that no dream is too big, that hard work and faith can open doors, and that dreams really do come true,” Reese said.

Judge Shukura L. Ingram (J.D. '98) administered the oath for the Fulton County Superior Court. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, and as a member of the State Bar Committee on Professionalism, she offered the new attorneys three reminders for their careers: to be truthful about their expertise, to stay involved as volunteers, and to be courteous to others along the way.

Judge Trea Pipkin (J.D. ‘05), who administered the oath for the Court of Appeals, encouraged graduates by saying "Make your career count."

Judge Trea Pipkin (J.D. '05), who administered the oath for the Court of Appeals, challenged graduates to recognize the responsibility that comes with representing others.

Recalling an early case from his time as a prosecutor, he described a domestic violence victim who, despite the case ending in a hung jury, approached him afterward to express her gratitude for his service in the courtroom. When asked why, she explained that the legal process had taught her something she never believed before: that she mattered.

“Make your career count,” he said. “Your clients deserve solid representation and someone to be their voice.”

Justice Shawn E. LaGrua (J.D. '87), the first Georgia State Law graduate to serve on the Supreme Court of Georgia, administered the oath for the Supreme Court of Georgia and echoed her colleagues, reminding the new lawyers that their education and professional achievements come with an obligation to serve others, uphold the Constitution and contribute to their communities.

Drawing on Georgia’s colonial motto, “Non sibi, sed aliis,” Justice LaGrua offered a succinct description of the profession’s purpose.

“’Not for self, but for others,’” she said, “That is what the law is about.”

View a complete list of graduates who participated in the ceremony below: