Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Chancellor Bonita Brown was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar on March 21 during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Brown, who holds a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law, joined a delegation of 40 Wake Forest Law alumni in this achievement.
Admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar grants attorneys the privilege to file petitions, motions, and briefs directly with the Court, as well as to present oral arguments in granted cases. To qualify, applicants must be in good standing with their state bar, have practiced law for at least three years, obtain sponsorship from two current Supreme Court Bar members, submit an application with a fee, and take the oath of admission.
Reflecting on the occasion, Brown stated, “Being sworn into the Bar of the United States Supreme Court is a moment I will never forget. As chancellor of Winston-Salem State University and an alumna of Wake Forest School of Law, I was proud to stand in that historic chamber carrying with me the legacy of WSSU and the hopes of our students, alumni, and HBCU community.”
WSSU, a historically Black public university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is part of the University of North Carolina system. As of Fall 2024, the university reported an undergraduate enrollment of 4,192 students, with 87.7% being undergraduates and 12.3% graduate students.
The ceremony was part of Wake Forest Law’s biennial trip, during which alumni are sworn into the Supreme Court Bar. The two-day event included a welcome reception and a breakfast at the Supreme Court, featuring a visit from Chief Justice John Roberts, who shared insights from his career and answered questions.
Prior to her role at WSSU, Brown served on the Wake Forest Law Board of Visitors. In October, she collaborated with Wake Forest Law Dean Andrew Klein to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, creating a pathway for up to two WSSU students to be admitted to Wake Forest School of Law each admission cycle, each receiving a scholarship of no less than $35,000 per year for up to three years.
This accomplishment underscores Brown’s commitment to fostering connections between WSSU and broader legal communities, enhancing opportunities for students and reinforcing the university’s dedication to academic excellence.
