Keeping it brief, Hamilton gave the audience two pieces of advice: “Strive to be the best person you can be,” and “Don’t be afraid of change; change can be good.”The Santa Clara School of Law held its commencement May 17. The Honorable Phyllis Hamilton J.D. ’76, a U.S. District Court judge, told the 311 students receiving law degrees that now is as exciting a time as ever to be a lawyer. She noted that while 8.4 percent of law school graduates were women the year she received her degree, women make up about 50 percent of the 2008 law school grads. “The opportunities available to you are virtually limitless,” she said.
Hamilton was presented with an honorary degree by President Locatelli.