Commencement
Judge Roger L. Gregory uplifts courage in his commencement speech at Richmond Law
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
Today we celebrate the time, talent, hard work, and sacrifice that brought you to this moment. Earning a law degree is no small achievement, and you have every reason to be proud. As you begin your careers, remember that the practice of law demands the highest standards of virtue, vigor, and valor. Whether you represent the powerful or the powerless, the wealthy or the poor, the popular or the scorned, your calling is the same: to pursue justice with integrity.
The well-being of our profession depends on the priorities we set and the paths we choose. I hope your legal careers are guided by humility, empathy, and respect for the humanity of others. Do not allow the law to become merely an occupation. It is a noble endeavor that gives you the privilege of helping individuals, institutions, and communities navigate their most difficult challenges.
“Courage must accompany reason when justice is at stake.”
Alexis de Tocqueville once described lawyers as America’s aristocracy, not because of birthright, but because of their knowledge and responsibility. Lawyers play a vital role in preserving democracy. We help ensure that passion yields to reason, that disputes are resolved through the rule of law, and that our nation remains capable of repairing its faults and living up to its highest ideals. The health of our democracy depends on lawyers embracing that responsibility.
As graduates in the year of America’s 250th anniversary, you should remember that lawyers helped lay the intellectual foundation for the Declaration of Independence. Its authors did more than proclaim principles; they assembled facts, constructed arguments, and presented their case to what Jefferson called “a candid world.” They demonstrated that courage must accompany reason when justice is at stake.
There will be moments when you face obstacles that seem too high and challenges that seem too difficult. When those moments come, find a cause worthy of your faith and commitment. Toss your cap over the wall, and then find the courage to follow.
Justice is never self-executing. It depends on people who believe in it, work for it, and refuse to abandon hope. May you carry that hope forward, for the fruits of justice and equality lie just on the other side.