Feb. 15, 2012
Convention Attendees Meet Supreme Court Justices

Students from law schools across the country’s heartland had a chance to mingle today with members of Ohio’s highest court.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justice Yvette McGee Brown of the Supreme Court of Ohio attended a reception for members of the Midwest Black Law Student Association held in conjunction with the group’s annual convention.

“How exciting to see so many of you here this evening. You are on the path to an exciting career filled with opportunity to do justice and make a difference. As we celebrate Black History month, your presence makes a powerful statement that the sacrifices of others are paying forward generations later by your achievements and success. We consider your success our success,” Justice McGee Brown said.

Touching on the theme of the convention, she continued, “As you focus on ‘Getting to Esquire and Beyond,’ I encourage you to stay focused on your path, your journey. You are not here by accident. You are here because of hard work and sacrifice. This same tenacity will carry you to ‘Esquire and Beyond.’”

“There are no short cuts to success. It’s about sweat equity — how much you put in is how much you will get out of your career. Obstacles are overcome by commitment and tenacity, never forget that. This is a profession that requires your best,” Justice McGee Brown said.

The MBLSA 2012 Regional Convention runs from today through February 19. Saturday, Justice McGee Brown will judge the convention’s Frederick Douglass moot court competition. Winners will advance to the national competition, March 7 to 11, in Washington.

A regional arm of the National Black Law Students Association, the MBLSA has chapters at law schools in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

To read more about Justice McGee Brown, visit www.supremecourt.ohio.gov.

For a high-resolution, print-quality photo of Justice McGee Brown, visit: http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/PIO/news/images/justices/mcgeeBrown_highres.zip.

Contact: Chris Davey or Regina Koehler at 614.387.9250.