On May 16, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille R. McMullen delivered the commencement address at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee Law School. Judge McMullen was selected by the graduating class of 2024 to share her insights and experiences.
"Being chosen by the students of the Class of 2024 to deliver the commencement address was an honor and a privilege I will forever cherish," said Judge McMullen. "Looking back to when I first stepped on UT Law’s campus, I never would have believed I would be standing here to share my thoughts on success in the law to such an outstanding group of graduates."
Judge McMullen aimed to emphasize through her speech that the legal profession is one of immense importance and impact. She encouraged the graduates to stay engaged, passionate, and committed in their work.
"You have the power to make a real difference in your client’s lives and by extension-society," she said. "But to do so, you must remain genuinely engaged, passionate, and committed to your work. When you feel apathy begin to set in, fight it. Your law degree has given you immense power to change the world, don’t waste it."
She further shared that despite technological advances, at its core, the legal profession is about people and upholding rule of law. The judge also warned against falling into a pattern of going through motions without genuine engagement with work.
"We must first remind ourselves that the law is not just a set of rules and regulations but a means to protect and uplift the lives of the people we serve," said Judge McMullen. "The antidote to apathy is exploring different areas of practice and finding the one that speaks to you."
Judge McMullen was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in 2008 by then Governor Phil Bredesen and elected Presiding Judge in 2023. She received her J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1996.