By Jan Pudlow
Senior Editor

While Karly, a black Lab guide dog, stretched out patiently at his feet, Scott Greenblatt raised his right hand and was personally sworn in as a new lawyer by Justice Fred Lewis in a special ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court on October 13.

Justice Lewis and this persevering blind law student at Florida State University first paired up four years ago on Florida Disability Mentoring Day, part of a national effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on experience (See November 15, 2005, News, “Overcoming Barriers.”)

On that unforgettable day on October 19, 2005, Greenblatt got a VIP tour of the courthouse, sat in the justice’s seat on the bench with Karly, and spent time in Lewis’ chambers discussing case law, Greenblatt’s car accident in Miami Beach that left him blind at 17, and Lewis’ own career choices and passion to help persons with disabilities. Lewis’ daughter, Lindsay, has had a metabolic disorder since she was very young and is blind except for a tiny pinpoint of light.

“We need to look to what they can accomplish, not what stands in the way,” Justice Lewis said that day. “If I can be a source of encouragement, that’s what I hope to do.”

After passing the bar exam, Greenblatt turned to his mentor to make his passage into the legal profession official.

“What I learned about him that day and what kind of attorney he is, I thought it would be a really wonderful thing if he would agree to swear me in, and he agreed,” said Greenblatt, accompanied by his wife, Tanya Greenblatt, and several close friends.

Justice Lewis said the honor was his.

“Generally, at this time, we talk about the journey is just beginning. But, you know, you have already accomplished a significant journey...You’ve climbed the mountain,” Justice Lewis told Greenblatt before administering the oath.

“You stand there as a lighthouse for all others in Florida who may at times feel they have difficulties and issues to face. You show every one of them that with the right determination and the right spirit and a lot of hard work — more hard work than you probably thought — that you can reach your goals and do what you want to do. What’s between impossible and probable is just the determination in your heart that you carry, and I hope you will carry the rest of your journey.”

After the oath was administered, Tonya Greenblatt, a cantor at a Tallahassee synagogue, asked Justice Lewis if it would be OK if she sang the Shehecheyanu, a Jewish prayer to celebrate special occasions and to offer thanks for new and unusual experiences.

“Why not? This is a joyous occasion,” Lewis responded.

As Tonya’s prayerful song filled the courtroom, Greenblatt beamed with pride.

At the close of this unusual experience, Greenblatt rested his hand on Justice Lewis’s elbow as the pair, along with Karly the guide dog wagging her tail, walked the long hallway to the clerk’s office to officially file the paperwork that marked the beginning of a new lawyer’s career.