Triplets among 200+ new NY lawyers sworn in at ceremony

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Sandra Wolk Gelb and her husband, Jay Gelb, were three times as proud as the other parents at the swearing-in ceremony for new attorneys on Wednesday.

That’s because they had three children taking the oath at the same time.

Nicole, Robert, and Matthew Gelb were the first set of triplets to graduate from Syracuse University School of Law last spring, and the first set to be sworn in together in the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court, Fourth Department.

“It’s a very exciting event. It’s great that we all passed, and we’re just excited that all of our hard work has paid off,” Matthew said before the ceremony at the Eastman Theatre.

“They worked hard in law school. It’s a wonderful feeling to have all three of them, not only graduate law school, but pass the bar at the same time,” said Jay, a licensed mortgage banker who operates Rochester Home Equity.

Sandra, a 1992 SU Law graduate, already does legal work for the company.

“Whenever we need legal advice, we always have in-house counsel. Now, instead of one, we’re going to have three more,” Jay said.

The triplets represent the fourth generation of their family to attend SU School of Law. The legacy started with Robert Miller, who graduated from SU Law in 1929. His son, Michael J. Miller, graduated from SU Law in 1963, and daughter, Joan Miller, graduated from the SU School of Education in 1958.

Joan married Allan Wolk, a 1960 SU Law graduate. Their daughter, Sandra Wolk Gelb, graduated from SU Law in 1992.

Before law school, the triplets also graduated from the University of Rochester, their mother’s alma mater.

The trio is now studying for the Florida bar exam at the end of February.

The Gelbs were among about 220 new lawyers sworn in Wednesday.

Justice Gerald J. Whalen, presiding justice of the Fourth Department, told the new attorneys that they have joined the profession during “extraordinary times.”

“I suggest that you embrace the opportunity that exists today to make a meaningful difference in our society, and the lives of those most in need,” Whalen said.

“There are many organizations through which you can offer your expertise to assist persons in need of pro bono representation in a wide variety of practice areas,” he said.

“You will find that it is time well spent, and you also will find it’s incredibly rewarding,” Whalen said.

Justice Amy C. Martoche, administrative judge for the Eighth Judicial District, was the keynote speaker.

“You’re taking an oath today that reflects deep responsibilities entrusted to the members of our profession … Today is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line. It’s the starting point,” she said.

“Lawyers occupy a special place in American society … you are entering an honorable profession that has been essential to our nation’s development,” Martoche said.

“People will come to you in moments of fear, conflict, loss and even hope. They will rely on your judgment, your honesty, and your courage. Never forget that behind every case there is a human being whose life may be changed by how seriously you take your work,” she said.

“When you enter the courthouse remember you will be judged, not only by what you say, and the words that you use with the judge, but your actions with everybody in the courthouse — how you treat the court officers, how you treat the stenographers, how you treat the people who are cleaning in the hallway. It all matters,” Martoche said.

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