On Monday, March 30, 2026, Director of Alumni Relations, A.J. Doucett, moved for the admission of Emeritus Dean Jace C. Gatewood and seven AJMLS alumni to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) Bar.
To be admitted to the Court, an attorney must have been admitted to practice before the highest court of a state for at least three years and be in good standing. Those sworn in were Nooshin Bagheri (’16), Joel Beck (‘00), Teresa Belin (’11), Jace C. Gatewood, Michael Harty (’06), Latoya Hutchinson (’11), Evita Jantaraweragul (’13), and Carlos Vilela (’12).
Following the ceremony, the newly admitted attorneys and their guests remained in the courtroom to observe oral arguments in two cases. In Abouammo v. United States, the Court considered whether federal prosecutors may bring charges not only in the district where an alleged offense occurred, but also where the intended effects of that offense were felt. In Jules v. Andre Balazs Properties, the Court examined the scope of federal court jurisdiction in enforcing arbitration awards.
Later that evening, they gathered at Old Ebbitt Grill for a celebratory reception. This experience remains one of the most unique opportunities available to alumni. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations look forward to continuing this tradition and offering future admission opportunities in upcoming terms.