Incoming first-year students at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law) embraced their future roles as lawyers and public citizens by reciting an induction pledge at the conclusion of the orientation program on August 13. The ceremony, held in the Louise H. Keelty and James Keelty, Jr. Atrium, featured welcoming remarks from Dean Stephen C. Payne and a brief address by the Honorable Rainey Brandt '95, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, who subsequently led the students in reciting the pledge.

Rainey Ransom Brandt was nominated to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by President Obama in 2012 and 2016, then again by President Trump in 2017 and 2019. She was finally confirmed by the United States Senate on August 1, 2019. Prior to that, she served as the deputy presiding magistrate judge, having been a magistrate since November 7, 2012.

The legal community has recognized Judge Brandt over the years for her commitment to justice. The Council for Court Excellence selected her as a recipient of its Justice Potter Stewart Award, in recognition of her work on behalf of the administration of justice. This very prestigious award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the law, the legal system, the courts, or the administrative process in our nation's capital. Rising for Justice (formerly known as DC Law Students in Court) selected Judge Brandt as its Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient in 2015.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Brandt was a long time board member with D.C. Law Students in Court Program (now referred to as Rising For Justice) (program assists the low income persons in DC with landlord tenant issues and misdemeanor arrests), and an executive board member of the Voices for a Second Chance (formerly Visitors Services Center, a nonprofit that works to see that those released from jail reintegrate into their DC community). Since becoming a judge in 2012, she has presided in the Domestic Violence, Civil and Criminal Divisions. Judge Brandt continues to mentor young lawyers and students, and serves on several judicial committees within the Court.

Catholic Law’s induction oath: “I, [name], do solemnly swear or affirm that to the best of my ability I will be professional and ethical in all that I do as a member of the community at the Columbus School of Law; I will treat all persons whom I encounter with fairness, integrity, and civility; and I will strive to use my knowledge and skills to advance society, improve the quality of justice, and increase access to justice for all.”