Judge Nicholas Nazaretian talks professionalism with incoming Cooley law students
'Your reputation is essential to being successful as an attorney. You will work years to earn it and it takes just minutes to burn it.'
Incoming law students at Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus recite the Cooley Honor Code Oath during law school orientation. “As you navigate through your law school career, you will notice going through a transition to becoming lawyer,” said 13th Circuit Judge Nicholas Nazaretian, a Cooley graduate. “Part of that transition will be the ethical aspects of your new career, and the importance of civility and professionalism.”
Thirteenth Circuit Judge Nicholas Nazaretian recently spoke to the new Cooley Law School students about integrity, professionalism, and ethics during its Tampa Bay campus orientation and Professionalism in Acton Program.
“As you navigate through your law school career, you will notice going through a transition to becoming lawyer,” said Judge Nazaretian, a Cooley graduate. “Part of that transition will be the ethical aspects of your new career, and the importance of civility and professionalism. Your reputation is essential to being successful as an attorney. You will work years to earn it and it takes just minutes to burn it. You will be challenged in your careers; you will see other attorneys acting unethically and maybe getting ahead. Don’t follow that lead. Once you start down that slope, your doomed. It is easy to be ethical when everyone is watching, the true test will be when you’re alone and maybe no one will find out – except there is always one person that knows. Who? You.”
Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus incoming class includes 57% minority enrollment and 27% of students are coming from outside of Florida, according to the law school.
