Justice Joy Cunningham stood at the podium of the Marriott Hotel on May 18 recalled her own John Marshall graduation.
“Never in a million years did I think I would deliver this address,” she told the 329 graduates. It would have seemed preposterous to her in 1979 when she started law school—the only African-American student in her class.
Throughout her career, as a practicing attorney, a hospital administrator, a circuit court judge and now on the Illinois Appellate Court, Cunningham has found the law to be a most valuable tool. “The possibilities on how you use your degree are endless,” she said.
Along the way, Cunningham said she has had time to reflect on her work and career. She offered graduates three pieces of advice:
“First, practicality and passion. You need to find a balance between practicality and passion. I know you all have loans due, but I argue that there has to be passion for how you’ll use your degree,” Cunningham said. She still is passionate about the law and the legal profession, but it’s not all been work. “It’s been fun, too.”
Second, do good. Pro bono work and her years of service with organizations, including the presidency of the Chicago Bar Association, have been important to Cunningham.
“Use your degree for the good of the community. It is important to make a real and lasting difference in peoples’ lives. As a young lawyer, I did many pro bono cases. I helped others and I learned as well.” The justice reminded them that a law degree “can be a very powerful tool.”
Third, network. Although social media is the latest communication tool, networking and meeting one-on-one are still the best means to collegially interact and learn from other attorneys, Cunningham argued.
“To be a really successful lawyer, you’re going to need help. In-person networking is still the life blood of this profession,” she emphasized.