Students sitting in the audience of an event

Oath of Professionalism

All of our entering students take the Oath of Professionalism at a ceremony that marks the beginning of their legal studies and their membership in the USD School of Law community.

Oath of Professionalism

As I begin the study of law, I acknowledge and accept that I am joining an academic community and embarking on a professional career. I understand that becoming a lawyer has both privileges and responsibilities.

I commit to serve my community and to study law with diligence and integrity. I will uphold the highest standard of ethics and conduct myself with dignity befitting an advocate and counselor in this noble profession.

I will be a zealous advocate, but will engage
collegially and respectfully with students, faculty, staff, and other members of my community. In all I do, I will honor the shared values of the legal profession.

This pledge I take freely and upon my honor.