Class of 2022 Welcomed to UVA Law

Appellate litigator Cate Stetson ’94 told new University of Virginia School of Law students in her orientation address Monday to challenge themselves and to become good friends as well as good lawyers.

She urged students to set goals for each other — and hold each other accountable to them — and to cultivate long-lasting friendships and relationships to help make their education and the legal profession fulfilling.

“Surprise yourself in big ways and in small ways every day,” Stetson said. “Think about who you want to be and who you can be and grow toward that.”

Stetson is a partner at Hogan Lovells, where she co-directs the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. She has made 100 arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court and other appellate and district courts across the nation.

As they absorb the doctrines, concepts and theories about the law, Stetson said students need to look around and think about how the law governs their lives.

“I want you to make the most of your time here by challenging yourself every day, being an open-minded friend and classmate, and become an example of what a true lawyer is, someone who does not argue but persuades, someone who counsels not contends, and someone who wins the trust and respect of everyone around them, colleagues and adversaries alike,” she said.

Dean Risa Goluboff, Assistant Dean and Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk ’01 and Student Bar Association President Jasmine Lee ’20 also spoke at the welcome session.

The day concluded with a picnic for new students in Spies Garden.

On Friday, professors Anne Coughlin, George Geis, John Harrison, Toby Heytens ’00 and Sarah Stewart Ware gave students an overview of what to expect from the first-year curriculum.

On Sunday, incoming students participated in the 11th Annual Virginia Law New Students Public Service Day, volunteering at the local Ronald McDonald House.

Orientation continues Tuesday, and first-year students begin classes Wednesday.