192nd Hooding ceremony at UC Law to recognize Class of 2025
Event Information (passed)
For the 192nd time, the University of Cincinnati College of Law will conclude its academic year with the traditional Hooding Ceremony, to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena on the University of Cincinnati campus. Haider Ala Hamoudi, Dean and Nippert Professor of Law, will preside over the 90-minute event. In addition to remarks from Dean Hamoudi, outgoing Student Bar Association President Lauren Schwab will also address the graduating class.
During the ceremony, the College will confer 129 Juris Doctor degrees, 17 Master of Laws in U.S. Law (LLM) degrees, and 21 Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degrees.
Those who are unable to join the celebration in person can watch via the live YouTube link. The live stream icon will be on this YouTube page an hour before the ceremony starts
Guests celebrate the Class of 2025
This year’s Distinguished Hooding Speaker is Michael L. Cioffi ’79, Partner at the law firm Blank Rome and Chair of its Cincinnati office. Cioffi brings extensive experience in the management and practice of complex commercial tort and environmental litigation. His practice includes litigation involving contract and trade disputes, defending clients in actions brought by state and federal environmental agencies, and representing clients in private party cost recovery actions and alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. He has also advised on internal environmental audits and investigations, represented policyholders in major environmental insurance coverage litigation, and handled mass tort cases involving alleged exposure to products, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
The recipient of this year’s Nicholas J. Longworth III Alumni Achievement Award—which honors graduates for their exceptional contributions to society—is Lindsey Burke ’15. A social worker turned attorney, Burke is the founding attorney and executive director of Micah Legal. She also serves as the state representative for Kentucky’s 75th District, representing Lexington. Burke has held leadership roles with the Kentucky Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, the Fayette County Bar Association’s Family Law Section, and several nonprofit boards of directors.
About the venue rules and procedures
Doors open to guests at 12:00 pm. Guests may not bring any balloons or outside food or drink into the venue. Concessions will be available. All who enter the arena must pass through metal detectors.
Cincinnati Athletics Clear Bag Policy: Guests will be able to bring one clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a clear bag tote no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” – and a small clutch bag or wallet that is roughly the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”) into Fifth Third Arena. Non-approved bags include backpacks, camera cases, oversized purses and other large bags.
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