From the beginning of their law school journey, the Class of 2025 was assured St. John’s Law would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the legal profession. Over the next three years, they took rigorous courses, gained real-life experience, and indeed developed the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

Along the way, amidst the memos, case briefs, and oral arguments, they learned one of the most vital lessons a St. John’s Law education can instill: the value of giving back to their communities and positively impacting the legal profession.

View the 2025 Commencement Photo Gallery

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, welcoming the graduating class and their families and friends to the Law School’s Commencement exercises, Dean Jefferson Exum shared her excitement. “You are a class that will always have a special place in my heart because you are my first graduating class as dean of St. John’s Law,” she said. “And you are the first class of graduates that I get to send off to live out our school’s important mission.”

Dean Jefferson Exum reminded the 248 J.D. and 52 LL.M. degree candidates that they possess unique values as a St. John’s lawyer. “I’ve seen you use your legal knowledge and skills for the good of society and for the good of our institution,” she shared. “I’ve also seen you use your legal knowledge and skills to help each other.”

Before hooding the graduates, Dean Jefferson Exum advised them to support one another as alumni. “Whatever your varied stories of arriving at St. John’s Law are, you will now have a uniting characteristic. You will be St. John’s lawyers,” she said. “You are a lawyer who has the knowledge, skills, and values to be leaders in the law.”

“Now, you will be joining a group of alumni who live out the values of our great Law School through service and leadership in remarkable ways,” Dean Jefferson Exum added. “We’re counting on you to do the same.”

Commencement attendees then had the opportunity to hear from James Pitaro ‘94, Chairman of ESPN, who reiterated the importance of giving back and serving the greater good.

“Work hard, be nice to people, and do right,” he remarked. “Integrity is the foundation of a successful legal career.”

Pitaro emphasized that the most successful lawyers do not only embody advocacy skills. They also earn trust through their character, and they are of service to others. The newest St. John’s Law alumni are entering the profession at a critical time in history. “You’re stepping into a world that needs your dedication to justice more than ever,” Pitaro said. “I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion.”

Following to conferral of the degrees, Alumni Association President James Herschlein ‘85 welcomed the Class of 2025 into a community comprised of 17,000 alumni who are leaders of the bench and bar, government, and not-for-profit business entities.

Herschlein told graduates that no matter where their careers take them, they now have a welcoming and supportive network around the world. He encouraged them to actively participate in Alumni Association chapters, including the First 10 Chapter, the Alumnae Leadership Council Chapter, and the Alumni of Color Chapter, all of which put on regular events and programming throughout the year.

When the newest St. John’s Law alumni approach the legal profession, Herschlein advised them to stay true to the values instilled in them at the Law School. “Emulate lawyers whose careers exemplify service and dedication to the rule of law,” he said. “Lead with integrity, passion, and a moral compass that is unwavering. Aspire to be great, to lead, and to care. Sleep well at night because your decisions are based on honesty, integrity, fairness, courage, and compassion.”

Ready to celebrate their accomplishments, and prepared to lead and succeed with unwavering values, Dean Jefferson Exum empowered the graduates, saying, “I hope you take on this new role as a St. John’s lawyer with the pride and responsibility it deserves. Most importantly, I hope you take it on with excitement.”

Congratulations, Class of 2025! You can learn more and get involved in the St. John’s Law Alumni Association online.