ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF THE U . S . SUPREME COURT
SCBA Goes to Washington , D . C .
by Cori Coser , Esq . Bentley Goodrich Kison , P . A .
There is no higher or more powerful court in this country than the United States Supreme Court . The U . S . Supreme Court remains a cornerstone of the American legal system , guarding the principles of the Constitution and shaping the nation ’ s legal landscape with each decision it makes .
For many attorneys , getting sworn into the U . S . Supreme Court Bar is a personal and professional milestone . It ’ s a way to demonstrate dedication to the legal profession and a commitment to upholding the law . For litigators , there is no greater or more elusive honor than to argue before this Court . Sadly , we tend to get so caught up in the daily grind of business development and billable hours that we sometimes lose sight of our role in this great judicial system and history of professionalism . But we must not forget the importance of our profession and that admission to the U . S . Supreme Court Bar is a prestigious and honorable achievement that carries with it professional prestige , personal achievement , networking opportunities , recognition in legal circles , and , of course , a stunning certificate to display .
To become a member of the U . S . Supreme Court bar , you need only practice a minimum of three years , have signatures from two sponsors , submit the admission fee and be in good standing . There are two options for admittance — in court and on motion . The most memorable by far is an in-court admission ceremony . There might even be an opportunity to meet and take pictures with one of the justices before or after the ceremony .
So , what are the benefits of being sworn into the U . S . Supreme Court bar ? One is obvious : the ability to argue your case before the highest court should it get to that point . There are also the benefits of prime seating during oral arguments and shorter lines to get inside the packed courtroom . Public seating in the Supreme Court courtroom is very limited and members of the public usually have to stand in line for hours before
arguments begin at 10 a . m . Members of the bar , however , have their own section and the best view of significant Court arguments . According to the court ’ s website , “ Attorneys who are admitted as members of the Supreme Court Bar may be seated in the chairs just beyond the bronze railing .”
A lesser-known perk is the ability to use the Supreme Court ’ s law library . Supreme Court Rule 2.1 provides that no one but “ appropriate ” Court personnel , bar members , “ Members of Congress and their legal staffs , and attorneys for the United States and for federal departments and agencies ,” can use the library .
The most inherent benefit , though , is the significant honor and symbol of your legal competence and accomplishment that admission to the U . S . Supreme Court Bar brings . Admission demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to your legal career as well as gets you an impressive , framed certificate . A framed certificate of admission from the U . S . Supreme Court is the mic drop of all office decorations . It is obscenely prestigious enough to make your Latin-embossed degree seem drab in comparison .
Let ’ s Get the SCBA Admitted !
The Young Lawyers Division has always provided a path for Sarasota lawyers to network , volunteer , and gain practice pointers through CLEs . These local opportunities are crucial to our growing practices and to our professional development .
This coming year , though , the Young Lawyers Division hopes to pave that path just a little further . Following in the footsteps of the 2018 Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors , members of SCBA are heading to Washington , D . C ., yet again , for a memorable swearing in ceremony at the United States Supreme Court organized by the SCBA Young Lawyers Division and the SCBA Council for Diversity and Inclusion .
See WASHINGTON , page 30
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