The 158th Commencement of the George Washington University Law School was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Events took place throughout the weekend and included the Pro Bono Recognition Celebration, Academic Awards Celebration, Dean’s Reception, University Commencement, and the GW Law Diploma Ceremony.
The Jeffrey & Martha Kohn Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Steven L. Schooner announced the commencement. In Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew's address to the graduates, she said:
"You are entering the legal profession at a pivotal moment in the history of our nation and our world. We are at an inflection point in time. Perhaps now more than ever the world needs lawyers who are dedicated to advancing the rule of law, protecting democracy, and creating a more just society. Class of 2025—we need you now more than ever to do the marvelous, earth-shattering things that propelled you to pursue a law degree. We need you to help solve the world’s most pressing challenges, and your law degree has equipped you with the skills to do exactly that."
Dayna Bowen Matthew
Dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law
Cherissa Lindsay, President of the GW Law Student Bar Association, addressed her fellow graduates and presented five awards to faculty and staff as voted on by the graduating class.
Jacob Burns Foundation Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Laurie S. Kohn received the Distinguished Dean Award. The Distinguished Faculty Service Award was presented to Associate Professor of Law Kathryne Young. Professors Gregory Maggs and Craig Leen received the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Service Award. The SBA Distinguished Service Award was presented to Associate Professor of Fundamentals of Lawyering Cheryl Kettler. And Bobby Walis, program coordinator, received the Distinguished Staff Service Award.
Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law and former dean of the Yale Law School, gave the keynote address. In his address, Professor Koh said:
"During my career, I’ve had the honor of working with a great many able lawyers, some of whom sit in this room or on this stage. They have taught me that the scarcest quality among lawyers is not intelligence or hard work; you’re all intelligent and work hard. The scarcest quality in a lawyer is courage: the courage to speak up when people are being bullied. The courage to stick by your principles against intimidation. The courage to use your legal training for the powerless, to help level an uneven playing field. What I’ve learned from my dad, from my wife, from my family is that courage is contagious. So is cowardice. What you decide is a choice. And when your moment comes— and believe me, it will—please make sure that the decision you make is one you can live with."
Harold Hongju Koh
GW Law's Class of 2025 Keynote Speaker
Watch the Law Diploma Ceremony.
