Josephine M. (Jo) Bahn '13

My proudest professional accomplishment remains passing the bar. I still remember finding out I passed the bar exam at 4:30 a.m. on Halloween. It was the greatest feeling of relief I’ve ever known. I’m proud of the person that fought through law school and earned a spot in a profession that only in recent generations has become as encouraging and accommodating for women. I am also proud to be part of a law firm that strongly values diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession and workplace.

A lot of strong, determined people came to mind with this question, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg still shines above all of them for me. Constantly and consistently, she persevered through seemingly unending challenges and remained unapologetically true to herself. Brilliant jurist? Absolutely. Fighter for good? Without a doubt. Decent and good person? Above all else. I hope to be half of any of the above as I continue to grow as a lawyer, leader and chair in the ABA, and person.

It’s all about unseen hours. Remember that people only post the good parts of their lives for the internet to see. Rarely do you see the hard times — but know that we all have them, every single day. Second guessing yourself from time to time will keep you humble, but know that you are enough — and that you belong in that room or at that table.

I am the first person to graduate from college in my family — my mother didn’t get her high school diploma until I was out of diapers. We all have a story to tell, and face challenges that are not always apparent to the outside world. I try to remember that in all of my interactions with people.

I remember my orientation learning about cura personalis, the magis and ad majorem Dei gloriam. The care for the whole person, for the greater glory of God, and the more are still grounded in how I live each day. I’m a better person, lawyer, mother, friend and sister because of my time learning and growing as a person at SJU. Well beyond my time spent in the classroom with amazing instructors like Jay Carter, Jeff Hyson and Susan Liebell, it was the time spent wandering in the Chapel, grabbing lunch with friends in DB, and cheering our men’s and women’s teams on at Hagan that shaped me. St. Joe’s helped shape me personally and professionally. I take its teaching with me through all things.