Chief Justice commissions new graduates as guardians of the law

Moments before the Class of 2026 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson explained the importance of being a good lawyer.

While his keynote address briefly touched on issues of competence and career excellence, his primary focus was on moral excellence and leading by example.

“You are now the guardian of the rule of law, and even in the heat of the fiercest legal battle, treat all those around you with inherent worth and dignity,” Peterson said.

In encouraging these actions, Peterson briefly explored the dangers of treating people simply as a means to an end rather than as someone who possesses inherent value.

He especially noted how important it was for lawyers to treat their opponents in court as people who deserve respect no matter the case or the matter at hand.

“Civility isn’t a luxury reserved for situations with little at stake,” he said.

Peterson built his remarks around the significance of the rule of law and the vital importance that lawyers protect the rule of law by adhering to it.

“It’s easy to dismiss … the rule of law as focused on public interest indicators and government lawyers and public defenders, but the rule of law is the foundation of all legal practice,” he said.

While he argued the crucial need for lawyers who uphold the rule of law and who devote their careers to helping their community, Peterson also encouraged the new lawyers to build something else of the utmost importance.

Making a point to credit his friend and fellow Georgia Supreme Court Justice John J. Ellington (J.D.’85) for the original quote, Peterson said to the graduates, “There’s life outside the courthouse. Get one.”

Platform party members (l. to r.) Maggie Camfield, National Anthem performer Dustin Batchelor, LSAC President-elect Francys Johnson (J.D.’04), Antavious McCarden and Tina Bhatt pose for a photo. Photo by Dennis McDaniel.

Graduates (l. to r.) Rosalie Vendrell, Supreme Unukegwo, Charlotte Umanoff, John Tomlin and Jessie Thompson are ready for graduation to begin. Photo by Dennis McDaniel.

Graduate Ethan Hammond stands with his father, Joe Hammond (left), and twin brother, Neal, who came specially dressed for the occasion. Photo by Dennis McDaniel.

Graduate Vishruth Singireddy gets help with his regalia from Executive Assistant & Journal Specialist Amy Weaver.

Graduates (l. to r.) Rilee White, Aaron Dasher and Sara Eve Caruthers smile while getting ready.

Elise Joffe is all smiles walking with her diploma. Photo by Dennis McDaniel.

LL.M. graduates Ji Hun Lee and Victor Azure (right) pose for pictures in front of the stage.

Casey Smith and Maddi Hughes (right) celebrate with their diplomas. Photo by Dennis McDaniel.