Nearly 100 Jesuit alumni—spanning classes from 1970 through 2019—gathered inside a newly renovated federal district courtroom for a special Continuing Legal Education program designed exclusively for Jesuit-alumni attorneys. Organized by the Jesuit Alumni Association in collaboration with Peter Mansfield ’96, Brandon Briscoe ’98, and U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey ’69, the complimentary event reflected the deep commitment of Jesuit graduates who continue to distinguish themselves in the legal profession while remaining devoted to their alma mater. The program featured two signature presentations: Chris Zainey ’01 offered “Ethics Goes to the Movies,” and Fr. Penn Dawson, S.J. delivered “Ignatius and Professionalism in the Practice of Law: Integrating a Healthy Work & Faith Life.”

Drawing on 23 years of practice as a trial attorney and his later formation as a Jesuit priest, Fr. Dawson invited alumni to consider how Ignatian spirituality can enrich their work, support their well-being, and deepen their sense of integrity within an often demanding and unpredictable profession. He began by acknowledging national studies showing significant levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and loneliness among attorneys—statistics he has witnessed firsthand from years representing lawyers facing malpractice or disciplinary issues. These struggles, he explained, are not merely personal or professional concerns but spiritual ones as well, moments of desolation that can distort judgment and lead to ethical missteps if not recognized and addressed.

Fr. Dawson emphasized a central Ignatian insight: the difference between being drawn to a client’s cause out of justice, clarity, and vocation, and being driven by anger, fear, resentment, or the pressures of the adversarial system. Ignatian spirituality, particularly the practice of the Examen, helps attorneys examine the inner movements of their hearts and ask what truly motivates their decisions. This interior honesty, he suggested, is essential for maintaining freedom, integrity, and compassion in the courtroom and beyond.

He also described a series of warning signs that lawyers should not ignore, including irritability, apathy, avoidance, exhaustion, or a persistent sense of losing control. When such feelings take root day after day, they can quietly lead attorneys toward unhealthy habits or ethical vulnerability. Pausing long enough to acknowledge these feelings—naming them honestly—can prevent long-term damage and restore balance.

Fr. Dawson spoke powerfully about law as a vocation, not simply a career. He highlighted the example of Joseph of Arimathea, whose legal and social standing uniquely positioned him to care for the “body of Christ” after the Crucifixion. Just as Joseph’s abilities allowed him to do what even the apostles could not, modern attorneys, he suggested, also have unique opportunities to protect the “body of Christ” in society through advocacy, justice, and service. In this way, the work of attorneys becomes a vital expression of the Kingdom of God, lived through the ordinary circumstances of professional life.

He encouraged alumni to consider the Examen as a daily spiritual tool—an opportunity to recall God’s presence, express gratitude, review the events of the day with honesty, notice patterns of consolation or desolation, and look ahead to tomorrow with hope. Even brief moments of reflection, he said, can foster resilience, self-awareness, and moral clarity.

The strong turnout at the CLE demonstrated the profound devotion Jesuit graduates maintain toward their alma mater, their profession, and one another. Judges, litigators, corporate counsel, and young associates gathered not only for continuing education but also to strengthen the intergenerational bonds that define the Blue Jay tradition. Jesuit is also grateful for the support of courthouse colleagues and alumni working behind the scenes, whose generosity and hospitality contributed to the success of the day.