Q: I have not yet received my law license/state bar number. May I still participate in the Swearing-In Ceremony?
A: Yes. Many times law licenses/state bar numbers are issued after the ceremony. However, you must bring your letter from the Board of Law Examiners stating that you have passed the bar exam.
Q: I cannot attend the MCB Swearing-In Ceremony. How do I schedule an individual swearing in?
A: Please contact Eva House at the Trial Court Administrator's Office 704/686-0143.
Q: What is the attire for Swearing In?
A: As is with any court session, new attorneys and their sponsors MUST be dressed in appropriate court attire. Gentlemen must wear a tie and jacket, and ladies should wear a suit, preferably neutral colors - blue, black or grey. (Failure to comply with this dress code will prohibit participation.)
Q: I have more than 3 guests. Can you make an exception for me?
A: Due to space and cost constraints, we are unable to make exceptions. Please plan accordingly.
Q: I have a child under the age of 7 that I would like to bring. Can you make an exception for me?
A: The court specifically and respectfully requests that no children under the age of 7 be allowed entrance.
Q: Is my sponsor included in the 3 person guest limit?
A: Your sponsor is not included in the 3 person guest limit.
Q: When does my sponsor need to arrive and how long does he or she have to stay?
A: Your sponsor should arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. He or she must stay until they have presented you to the court. Names are called alphabetically, so the further along in the alphabet you are, the longer your sponsor will be required to stay.
Q: What does my sponsor need to do in the ceremony?
A: New attorneys will be called to the stage in groups of 10. When your name is called, your sponsor will stand next to you and briefly (30 seconds or less) present you to the court. Suggestions are for the sponsor to state his/her name, the new attorney's name, new attorney's undergraduate school, law school and where he/she will be working. We encourage you to forward this information to your sponsor so he/she will know the requirements and expectations.
Q: I have already been sworn into State Court and would like to be sworn into Federal Court. Can I still attend the ceremony?
A: Yes, however, there are new procedures for being sworn into Federal Court. For more information, please visit the USDC Web site at www.ncwd.uscourts.gov/Attorneys/Admissions.aspx. We are unable to answer questions on behalf of the Federal Court and request that you contact them directly for more information on their procedures.
More questions? Please call 704/375-8624 or e-mail events@meckbar.org