Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford returned to her alma mater this month to deliver the commencement address at the University of Iowa College of Law.
Justice Crawford spoke to graduates on May 15 at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, where she reflected on her own path from law student to lawyer, circuit court judge, and justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Justice Crawford, a 1994 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, told graduates that she did not begin law school with a fixed career plan. She said that growing up in Chippewa Falls, she did not personally know any lawyers and originally planned to become an English professor. Law school, she said, became a way to explore how she could help people address problems in their communities.
The central message of the speech focused on service, flexibility, and the willingness to step forward when opportunities arise.
“Look for ways you can help. And then raise your hand,” Justice Crawford told the graduates.
She encouraged graduates not to measure their future careers only by grades, titles, or carefully mapped plans. Instead, she told them to focus on preparation, respect, service, and the people they are able to help.
“What will determine the course of your legal career is how you serve your clients,” Justice Crawford said. “Who have you helped, and how?”
Justice Crawford also described moments in her own career when she had to step into public roles that brought scrutiny and pressure, including her first courtroom argument before the Iowa Court of Appeals and her campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Those experiences, she said, strengthened the importance of doing the work, showing up prepared, and choosing service even when the path is uncertain.
She closed by encouraging graduates to use their legal education not only in their careers, but also in their communities.
“Your knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed in your community,” Justice Crawford said. “Look for ways to use your powers for good. Raise your hand.”
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov