On Monday June 19, 2017, Dean Blake D. Morant petitioned Chief Justice John Roberts for admission of 44 law school alumni and one faculty member into the Supreme Court Bar. The Supreme Court Bar Class of 2017 had at least one alum from the past six decades, spanning from the Class of 1966 through 2013. Attendees traveled to the Capitol from across the country for the in-person admission. To be admitted into the Supreme Court Bar, applicants must be in good standing with their state or jurisdiction's bar for at least the past three years.
While the court was in session, the admits were able to hear the opinions and dissents from several cases ranging from copyright laws, immigration issues, and limits of detention during wartime. After the opinions were read, the 45 admits were part of the 80 total admits moved forward.
After the ceremony, the admits were joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She spoke to the group about her thoughts on the pace and direction of the court. She fielded questions from the group about her fitness routine, favorite case (1996 United States v. Virginia 518 U.S. 515, striking down the male only admission policy at Virginia Military Institute) and her opinions on the newest Justice, Neil Gorsuch.
Organized by the GW Law Alumni Office, this event has been occurring every few years. Due to interest and continued success, they are working to confirm a date for admission in 2018.
To be admitted into the Supreme Court Bar, applicants must be in good standing with their state or jurisdiction's bar for at least the past three years. They then complete an application, pay a processing fee, and obtain a certificate of good standing from their bar.