Monday, December 4, 2017 marked a historic day at the DC Court of Appeals (DCCA).  The DCCA admitted in excess of 600 new lawyers to the DC Bar – the most ever in a single day.  Since the DCCA’s adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam format in March 2016, applications for membership to the DC Bar have grown exponentially.  In July 2017, nearly 1,200 candidates sat for the bar exam.  With an overall pass rate of 72%, the DCCA’s Committee on Admissions & Unauthorized practice of law staff, under the leadership of its new Director, Ms. Shela O. Shanks, quickly mobilized to begin the herculean task of certifying in excess of 800 successful examinees to be sworn-in.  The December 4^th ceremonies marked the culmination of those efforts, as Associate Judge Fisher, Associate Judge Thompson, and Senior Judge Steadman welcomed the newest members to the DC Bar.  In her welcoming remarks, Judge Thompson gave a brief history of how the DCCA was established, and reminded the new attorneys to revel in this “significant and momentous occasion.” Moreover, she encouraged the new admittees to protect what they had achieved, to be mindful of the need for lawyers to serve the residents of DC through pro bono service, and to take advantage of the many training opportunities that the DC Bar provides.  As attendance swelled beyond the ceremonial courtroom’s capacity, family members and friends watched with great pride as the ceremonies were streamed live in two standing-room-only overflow rooms.  CONGRATULATIONS to the newest members of the DC Bar!