By: Tara Said, Partner, Pensacola

The day broke bright and sunny. Every young lawyer dreams about that one day that she might be offered the opportunity to be admitted to the United States Supreme Court. I have been a Florida licensed attorney for sixteen years but had always wanted to do this. It was the first day court was in session in 2015. I grabbed an Uber to the court. The line snaked down the front of the court to get in. I walked up to a police officer and hesitantly asked where I was to go as I was BEING SWORN IN TODAY! I smiled so big I think I scared the officer. Suddenly the significance of the day hit me. I was led me to a side door where I was glared at by tourists waiting to get in to see the court in action. Judge Patty Millet, a wonderful friend and military spouse sponsored me for admission. My husband is a general in the United States Air Force and through the military community, I was able to meet Judge Millet and now call her friend. I was invited to a breakfast prior to admission for military spouse lawyers. They even had biscuits for this southern girl! The Clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court, Scott S. Harris, in his ever-so-dapper morning coat, came in to greet and welcome us.

We were then lined up and escorted into the courtroom. We were first on the agenda and were seated front and center, right behind the parties arguing that morning’s docket. As the opening bell sounded, we stood as we heard the call opening the court, “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” (translated hey y’all, court is in session) The justices entered and our jaws hit the floor. I think I pinched myself at least twice. There they were, less than six feet away, facing us! Justice Scalia, Justice Sotomayor (I think she even smiled at me) and of course, the ever so classy Justice Ginsburg in her lace collar, and the rest.

Chief Justice Roberts called the motions before the court and Judge Millett presented her motion to the court, naming each person she was sponsoring and the state we were barred in. We then stood together and took the oath. We then sat fascinated as we heard two cases argued. As the morning concluded, I headed back down the hill to Union Station to travel home.  As I reflected on the events of the day, I reached three important conclusions: (1) Justice Ginsberg’s lace collar was a bit fancy and looked like it itched; (2) It made me very proud to be part of the American Justice System; and (3) I could not wait to get back to practicing law in Florida!