Gov. Jay Nixon paid a visit to the MU School of Law on Wednesday as part of an event hosted by the Missouri Student Chapter of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. Nixon, a graduate of MU’s law school, gave a brief speech and fielded questions from students about the profession.

Chapter President Josh Sumner called it a privilege to announce Nixon as the event’s speaker before rehashing Nixon’s career as a lawyer and public servant.

Nixon began by reassuring students that the seemingly tedious procedures they learn in the law classroom truly are important.

“These procedures are an ordered way to solve issues that can only be solved in the courtroom,” Nixon said. “The law becomes real as soon as you leave the classroom. It jumps out of your pages and into your life.”

Nixon evidenced this by using examples of problems he had encountered in the real world that aren’t taught in the classroom.

“We as the lawyers take the real problems people have and through skill and experience turn those into causes of action for justice,” Nixon said.

He also talked about how law can often be ahead of society in progressing into the future and referenced how law has helped minorities and the underprivileged gain more equal status throughout history.

“We touch the history in law, but we also chart the future,” Nixon said.

Nixon then moved to the ethical side of law, emphasizing the importance of keeping your word until a case is complete, when lawyers agree to represent someone.

“The people that really succeed in this profession are unafraid of taking things all the way to the finish line,” Nixon said.

But getting to the finish line is an uneasy task, Nixon said, especially when many cases drag on for long periods of time. Nixon said, however, that it is essential to success in the legal world.

“We belong to a very honorable profession,” Nixon said.

Sumner echoed Nixon’s sentiment regarding the place the law profession holds in the world.

“I appreciated the Governor’s reminder to all of us that being a good lawyer puts one in a unique position to help improve our state and our country,” Sumner said in an email.

Nixon said law school is great training to be in public service and, with a degree, opportunities to work in this area will be plentiful. He also cautioned against becoming too involved.

“The people are going to want you be on every board there is,” Nixon said. “Find something that fits your passion, and if you enjoy it continue to go forward.”

He said the world is in dire need of people who read critically and write precisely.

“The public discourse today has been taken down to bumper stickers and sound bites,” Nixon said. “The world is full of talkers, but the people who truly leave an imprint are in the books.”