The culmination of years of legal studies took place on the historic University of Miami Coral Gables Campus Saturday, as School of Law graduates and their families danced to the beat of Tag Team's "Whoomp!(There It Is)” and cheered.
Commencement speakers emphasized the importance of humility and moral leadership over merely striving to be a great lawyer, encouraging graduates to embrace their roles as leaders who should inspire trust, reflection, and a commitment to doing what is right in an increasingly complex world.
"Do not strive to be just a lawyer—not even a great lawyer," said commencement speaker Dov Seidman, entrepreneur, author, and founder and chairman of The HOW Institute for Society and LRN. "Instead, strive to become a great leader who practices law."
Seidman is a thought leader who fosters ethical cultures in organizations worldwide. His work emphasizes the importance of principled performance and moral leadership, offering valuable lessons for young leaders as they navigate their careers and redefine success through ethical behavior.
Many speakers, including University President Joseph Echevarria, alluded to the challenges of graduating in tumultuous times.
"In pursuing opportunities here, you—the centennial class—have been undeterred. Despite distractions. Despite obstacles. Despite constant change," Echevarria told the 415 graduates, including the first ever candidate for the Doctor of Juridical Science degree, and thousands of their friends and families. "As you graduate, the questions surrounding yesterday's conventions leave so much open for reconsideration. The credential you have earned signals your ability to finish what you started."
Student speaker Diego Troncoso Breton gave his address in commemoration of his dedication to service and leadership, earning honors such as cum laude and the Director's Book Award for Excellence in Litigation Skills.
"If there's ever a day to celebrate your wins, it's today," he said to the applause of his classmates. "Because no matter what you went through, no matter how you got here, no matter where you started or where you ended, you've reached this goal."
He said the legal profession is entering a pivotal moment as it grapples with complex issues where justice is not always straightforward. He said the legal system remains a powerful tool for achieving justice, relying on dedicated and compassionate lawyers to navigate its challenges effectively despite its flaws.
"So, Class of 2025, may your arguments be persuasive, may your objections be sustained, and may your time be billed. But most importantly, may you never forget that you've earned every bit of this moment," Troncoso Breton said.
After passing the Bar this summer, he will join Holland & Knight as a first-year associate, building on his extensive involvement in student organizations and advocacy work throughout his academic journey.
Interim dean Patricia S. Abril encouraged the graduates to leverage the knowledge and skills gained during their studies as a foundation for their legal careers. She told them that the relationships formed and values instilled at the School of Law will inspire them to impact the world as they step into practice positively.
"Graduating from law school is no easy feat, and throughout this journey, you exemplified discipline, resilience, and integrity as you rose to meet the challenges before you,” she said. "As you transition into practice, embody the values you have learned at the University of Miami, and do not forget the passion to make a difference that brought you here. Use your law degree to make the world a better place."
Before embarking on their new journeys, Seidman convinced the audience to do a full-on wave and left the graduates with a final piece of advice: "Like happiness, if you pursue professional success directly, it will, today, increasingly elude you," Seidman said. "But when you pursue significance by serving others, success tends to find you. There's a profound difference between doing something in order to succeed and doing something and succeeding."
