The official admittance to practice law is a solemn but exciting moment for any newly licensed lawyer. Backed by her own accomplishments early in her legal career, LPHS associate Gloria Cangé was selected by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers to address a group of newly admitted lawyers, along with their friends and family, at the DAYL’s annual swearing in ceremony held on May 1 at the Arts District Mansion. Gloria’s remarks focused on three pieces of mantras for those beginning their legal careers: give yourself grace, make the most of this moment, and know you are not alone. Remarks were also given by BB Sanford, DAYL president, and the Judge presiding over the ceremony, Judge Rachel Craig.

Gloria recalled how earlier in the week, she was in a boardroom surrounded by executives and attempting to process a barrage of information about something she barely understood. She recounted three mantras that helped her overcome her anxiety to be fully present in that boardroom, and shared those mantras with those beginning their legal careers. 

The first mantra was to "Give yourself grace." Gloria stressed that building up the skills it takes to be a good lawyer, never mind an excellent one, takes time. "Keep your chin up," she encouraged, "work hard and trust in your ability, it has brought you this far." 

The second mantra was to "Make the most of this moment" by listening, learning, and staying engaged because those actions would allow for being fully present in each precious fleeting moment. "There is no other moment like this moment. And this moment is already gone." 

The last mantra Gloria shared was "Know you are not alone." While the intellectual load accompanying the legal profession can be incredibly daunting, tiring, and stressful, not to mention the social responsibilities it entails, Gloria emphasized how important it was to find a community that could offer solidarity and support. She encouraged the newly licensed group to join a DAYL committee such as the Wellness, Aid to the Homeless, or Animal Welfare Committee. 

"Congratulations, lawyers," she concluded. "This is only the beginning!"