Hofstra Law

U.S. Supreme Court Swearing-In

Swearing-In Ceremony

Tuesday, December 3

We are once again excited to offer Hofstra Law alumni an opportunity for admission to the Supreme Court of the United States and participation in the Swearing-In Ceremony on the morning of Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Photo from the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court Swearing In

As of early this morning, September 11, 2024, Hofstra Law is AT CAPACITY for the maximum number of applications allotted to our law school group admission. As previously communicated, we are limited to 12 applications this year because it’s an “argument day.” This process was on a first come basis and we regretfully cannot accept any more applications.

If you are interested in applying directly to the Court for Admission to the Supreme Court Bar, please use this link https://www.supremecourt.gov/bar/

Application and Registration Deadlines

The U.S. Supreme Court application deadline for Hofstra Law is Monday, September 16, 2024. 

All completed applications must be in our office on or before this date. We will not accept late applications. 

How to Register

Please review the instructions below carefully.

  1. Complete the Supreme Court’s Application for Admission to Practice (PDF).
     
  2. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing. 
    • Do not submit certificates of good standing from bar associations.
    • Certificates of Good Standing from the high state court are accepted, with the following potential exceptions:
      • District of Columbia Court of Appeals (DC Bar)
      • Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Division
      • Please note Georgia Supreme Court admission is separate from the Bar Association.
    • Certificates of Good Standing are good for 1 year from the issuance date. Example: Certificate issued January 1, 2022 will expire January 1, 2023.
    • Electronic/digital certificates with visible seals are accepted. Obtaining ORIGINAL certificates is always recommended.
       
  3. Mail, in advance of the Monday, September 16, 2024 deadline, your completed U.S. Bar Application and Certificate of Good Standing with your check payable to Hofstra University to the address below.

    To participate in the Supreme Court Bar Admission Swearing-In Ceremony on December 3, 2024, the fee is $300 ($200 for the Supreme Court fee, $100 for the Law School processing fee).

    Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
    Office of Development and Alumni Relations
    Attention: Diane Gayer
    121 Hofstra University, Room 244
    Hempstead, NY 11549-1210

Since the assigned date is an “argument day,” we are limited in the number of alumni applications we can submit to only 12 for the Hofstra Law School group. Space will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are unable to join us on December 3, 2024 and would like to apply for Admission to the Bar separately, please see the instructions under Bar Admissions Instructions (PDF).

Dress Code for Courtroom

  • Business Attire is required, including suits, ties, dresses with blazers, and pantsuits. Blazers are not required with a shoulder-covered dress.
  • No scarfs, pins, hats should be worn into the courtroom.
  • This dress code does not apply to guests.

Guests

  • Only the Applicants ARE PERMITTED to bring guests. Children six and over are permitted.
  • Following the one guest, per applicant rule, no additional guests are permitted. (No waiting in assigned room).
  • If there is a GUEST CANCELLATION, you do have the option to add a second guest for the applicant.
  • Members of the Bar attending the ceremony as guests must first obtain their passes, then join group.
  • A seat is reserved for the coordinator as a guest in the courtroom.

Instructions for Supreme Court Bar Admission with Hofstra Law

In this Open Court Admission, the applicants from the law school are presented in court on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, during a special session. The application and instructions for open court admission to the bar are as follows:

  1. To qualify for admission to the Bar of this Court under Rule 5, an applicant must have been admitted to practice in the highest court of a State, Commonwealth, Territory or Possession, or the District of Columbia for a period of at least three years immediately before the date of application; must not have been the subject of any adverse disciplinary action pronounced or in effect during that three-year period, and must appear to the Court to be of good moral and professional character.
     
  2. Complete the Application for Admission to Practice (PDF). Application must be completed online and printed. It is best to download the form before completing it. For both Applicant and Sponsor, scanned/electronic signatures are accepted. [Make sure the latest version of Adobe reader or pro is installed to complete application.] 
     
  3. You must have endorsements of two sponsors who are members of the Supreme Court Bar who know the applicant personally and are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations can assist with this requirement where necessary.
     
  4. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from a presiding judge, clerk or authorized official of the highest court of a state, commonwealth, territory, or possession. (See acceptable criteria noted above).

Application deadline: Monday, September 16, 2024

Please do not send admission materials to the Court. The Law School will coordinate on your behalf.

Travel and Hotel Accommodations

Travel and hotel accommodations are not provided by the Law School. 

The Supreme Court has provided the following information about visiting the Court.

Local hotel information can be found by visiting the following website: https://washington.org/

Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation from the Law School that your application has been accepted and approved by the Supreme Court.

** Detailed schedule of events to follow.