www.loubar.org 12 Louisville Bar Briefs Brandeis School of Law Celebrates the Class of 2025 at Convocation Ceremony On May 11, 2025, the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law celebrated the Class of 2025 with a heartfelt and inspiring Convocation ceremony at the historic Louisville Palace Theatre. The event honored the accomplishments, service and resilience of this year’s graduates, as well as the community that supported them. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Crystal Rae Coel opened the ceremony by acknowledging the support behind every graduate. “This is your moment and this is your memory,” she said. “You overcame many challenges… We could not be prouder of you than we are right now.” Dean Melanie B. Jacobs urged the new graduates to carry forward the legacy of Justice Louis D. Brandeis, known as the people’s lawyer. “Being a lawyer also means a greater re- sponsibility to our republic as a citizen and as a leader,” she said. “Your voice carries so much more weight as a lawyer, and I implore you to use it.” She also commended the class of 2025 for living out the school’s values through action. Collectively, the class completed nearly 4,800 hours of public service dur- ing their time at Brandeis School of Law. Several students also served in fellowships and clinics that provided free legal support to Kentuckians in need. SBA President Andi Dahmer, who gradu- ated magna cum laude, reflected on how the Brandeis community shaped their class. “We have grown not only professionally and intellectually, but also in courage and conviction,” Dahmer said. “Let us continue this community of collegiality, and most importantly, let us use what we have learned to shape a more just society.” The keynote address by Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Brian C. Edwards echoed that call. Citing civil rights legend Charles Hamilton Houston, Judge Edwards reminded graduates of their responsibility to the greater good: “Our world is in need of lawyers who are, in the words of Charles Hamilton Houston, problem solvers.” He continued, “You will be one of a precious few individuals with the privilege to ensure that the rule of law is utilized not just to punish, but to protect and to improve the lives of your neighbors.” Brandeis School of Law alumnus and Alumni Council President Matthew L. Bunnell (’20) welcomed the class into a growing network of more than 7,000 graduates. “Each of you planted the seed for your legal career when you decided to take the LSAT. And now today, you eat the fruit,” he said. “This is not the end of your growth—it’s the first harvest.” He encouraged the new alumni to remain connected to the law school community and support future students by mentoring or serving on the council. As the ceremony closed with the hooding of each graduate and a joyful video tribute, the Class of 2025 stepped forward—not just as lawyers, but as leaders, advocates and stewards of Justice Brandeis’s enduring vision: that the law must serve the people. To view more moments from the celebration, visit the full Convocation photo album on Flickr. Pictured above: Faculty and graduates of the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law stand on stage during the Class of 2025 Convocation at The Palace Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 11, 2025. Photo courtesy of University of Louisville. n HAYNIE & REYNOLDS FAMILY LAW MEDIATION Judge Hugh Smith Haynie (ret.) Rebecca C. Reynolds FOR SCHEDULING, PLEASE CONTACT [email protected], OR CALL (502) 354-5049. ✓ CCo-mediators specializing in the most complex divorce and custody cases ✓ NNo charge for preparation of your case ✓ W We will simultaneously draft the agreement for you, saving you and your clients time and money David Tachau ([email protected]) Why Use Kentucky Mediation? I’ve been litigation counsel in dozens of mediations for 25 years. I’ve appreciated mediators who were tenacious, patient, creative – and who understood the pressures I faced as counsel. I want to use this experience to make your mediation successful. My Work Experience: I’ve had a commercial litigation practice since 1984 for plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and businesses, handling a range of contract, employment, discrimination, noncompete, insurance/policyholder, and trusts/estates disputes. My Mediation Training: • Harvard Mediation Intensive (Harvard Law School) • Basic Mediation Training (Kentucky Bar Association) More info, rates and scheduling: www.KyMediation.org References available
