A viral video showing a judge swearing in a new lawyer while holding her baby restored many people’s faith in humanity.
Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Richard Dinkins was seen holding the baby in his arms while administering the oath to Juliana Lamar, the 1-year-old child’s mother who had graduated from Belmont University College of Law.
Lamar said that just before she was sworn in, Dinkins told her he wanted her son, Beckham, to “take part in the moment.” She shared that she was very grateful her son could be part of one of the most meaningful moments of her life and described it as a true blessing. She also said that while working as a clerk in Dinkins’s court, the judge was “a guiding light during my legal career.”
Lamar said, “When I was nine months pregnant, the day before I found out I needed to be induced, Judge Dinkins spoke on the importance of voting at an event I hosted as the president of my school’s Black Law Students’ Association,” she continued. “During this event Judge Dinkins reminded me of how proud he was of me and that he knew I would do great things, even with a baby in tow.”
Lamar gave birth while attending law school and later spoke about the intense pressure she faced shortly after giving birth due to the university’s strict absence policies.
“The pressure I felt was horrible, and I hope it has led my law school to rethink its policies for future mothers,” she said.
“I understand having a child during law school is often a choice. However, as young female professionals there is not a perfect time for us to have children,” she added.
The moment was widely praised at the time, highlighting both Lamar’s perseverance and Judge Dinkins’s compassion. Many viewers said the incident sparked important conversations about supporting young mothers in professional and academic settings.
Watch: Tennessee judge holds baby of law student while reading out the oath
Y’all. Judge Dinkins of the Tennessee Court of Appeals swore in my law school colleague with her baby on his hip, and I’ve honestly never loved him more. pic.twitter.com/kn0L5DakHO
— Sarah Martin (@sarahfor5) November 9, 2019
