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Roland Johnson addresses the May 2009 graduates of Texas Wesleyan School of Law on May 15. Johnson told the class that the hard times facing today's society present great opportunities to grow and learn. |
President-elect of the State Bar of Texas Roland Johnson was the guest speaker at the Texas Wesleyan University School of Law spring hooding ceremony, May 15, 2009.
As he addressed the class, Johnson encouraged graduates to remember the day and to draw strength from it in challenging times ahead.
“There is no greater need than now, for lawyers who have genuine personal values and professional identity,” Johnson said, referring to current societal challenges. “Our communities need your best judgment.”
Johnson told the class that despite the large number of lawyers in practice today, there is still a need for practitioners who will recognize and work for the challenges that haunt modern society.
“During these hard times is when you and I have the greatest opportunity to grow,” Johnson said. “Let’s become indispensible by knowing the struggles of our communities. What we don’t have enough of are lawyers who are willing to stand in the gap between what is and what should be for our cities and communities.”
The two additional featured speakers, both elected by the graduating class, were graduate Coleman Anglin, and Professor Lynne Rambo.
In recognition of her 748.25 hours of pro bono service, Brittany Lannen received the Equal Justice Award, which is given to a member of each graduating class in recognition of outstanding pro bono service. Sharon Diaz received the MacLane & Boulware Endowed Scholarship, an award given to a graduate selected by the faculty who demonstrated high moral character during his or her law school career, and exhibits the potential and desire to become a successful, ethically conscious attorney.
The ceremony took place at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Each candidate was presented with a purple academic hood, the color for the academic discipline of law. Texas Wesleyan University President Dr. Harold G. Jeffcoat conferred degrees.
Johnson, a shareholder with Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C. in Fort Worth, will be inaugurated as president of the State Bar of Texas in June. His election marks the first time in 50 years that Fort Worth has been home to a state bar president. Johnson has long been active in the Fort Worth legal community, and has served as Tarrant County Bar Association President and President of the Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Committee for Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and has been a member of two of the law school’s dean search committees. He is also an adjunct professor for the law school, teaching law practice management and an ethical lawyering practicum with Patti Gearheart Turner, assistant dean for academic affairs.