Page 27 - Briefcase Volume 38 Number 1

COVID RESPONSE
The first topic that panelists were asked to discuss UHLC HOSTS VIRTUAL
was how they adjusted their leadership styles amid the
coronavirus pandemic. SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR
Lemond discussed the importance of maintaining NEWLY-MINTED ATTORNEYS
email etiquette while interacting with co-workers in a Recent University of Houston Law Center graduates were
remote environment. officially welcomed to the legal profession via Zoom video
conference in May.
“It’s difficult to maintain relations with your co-workers,
to supervise people who are looking for work or guidance,” The ceremony included words from Dean Leonard M.
he said. “One of the things I’ve had to do is think about the Baynes, Associate Dean of Law Alumni and Community
way I’m communicating with them especially over email Relations Sondra Tennessee and Texas State Bar President
and text messages, or something other than a face-to-face Randy Sorrells. The alumni were sworn in by U.S. District
conversation or even a telephone conversation. There is Court for the Southern District of Texas Judge Jeff
a way to get the point across that something is important Brown ’95.
without exclamation points and red letters.” “Many congratulations to our alums who have passed
Hollingsworth added the importance of being cognizant of the bar,” Baynes said in his welcoming remarks. “I
the current environment, and that teammates may be going congratulate you making it this far, and am very proud
through personal issues that they have not shared. of your accomplishments. This is such a rite of passage.
Entering the legal profession is a noble pursuit that opens
“Many people’s lives have been turned upside down, and we up many opportunities.”
need to be compassionate and empathetic,” Hollingsworth
said. “It’s good to start an email with ’good morning’ before Before swearing in the Law Center alumni, Brown quoted
launching into a topic.” former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in his
“Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” speech from May 13, 1940.
Evans discussed how her practice has not changed, but she
has had to think outside the box at times to be a versatile “I’m pleased to swear in fellow alumni of the Law Center
advocate for her clients. and welcome them to the bar,” Brown said. “I want to
congratulate you – you have graduated from one of our
“My practice is the same, but I have to be more creative nation’s finest law schools.”
and nimble in the way I service my client’s needs,” she said.
“That is foremost in my mind. Some things I may have “My piece of advice, especially appropriate in these
preferred to do face-to-face, problems that I might have unusual times that we have, is, ’I am an optimist. It does
wanted to solve in a different way, I just have to be more not seem much use being anything else.’ We can all strive
creative about it. That is the primary change and challenge to be optimistic as well.”
so far.” One of the alumni, Fatima Syed said she was
Among other topics discussed were how to find a mentor appreciative of taking her oath as an attorney under
while social distancing. unique circumstances.
“Identify people who you think you have a connection with, “During a time of immense uncertainty, the UHLC Virtual
and who you can be of service to,” Evans said. “It’s not just Swearing-In Ceremony left me feeling empowered and
about what they can do for you, but what you can do for uplifted to be joining a profession of advocacy,” she said.
them. If you identify those people, reach out via email or “I am grateful for the time and generosity extended by
call. Everyone wants to help and understand that if you Judge Brown, Mr. Sorrels, and our deans to help us
reach out and ask for help you probably are going to get it.” commemorate this milestone.”
“You have to stay engaged and be proactive. This is
your career and it’s not going to happen without your
involvement,” Lemond added.

Hollingsworth also highlighted the importance of keeping
an active online presence as organizations adjust to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“It can be easy to disappear virtually,” Hollingsworth added.
“This is not the time. Firms are still going to measure
everyone at the end of this year. I encourage you to stay
actively engaged with associates and partners at your firm,
even more so now.”

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