Billy Martin, a 1976 University of Cincinnati law school graduate who gave the commencement address at Saturday's law school graduation, is one of the most powerful and well-known lawyers in Washington.

        He represented Monica Lewinsky's family during the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton, and the Chandra Levy family in their search for the missing congressional intern.

        Most recently, he represented the city of Cincinnati in a U.S. Justice Department investigation into the patterns and practices of the Cincinnati Police Department.

        But he started his legal career as a government lawyer in the Cincinnati solicitor's office, he told the 127 graduates of the UC College of Law.

        “I didn't want to, at that time, go into public service. I can tell you it's the best thing I've ever done,” he said.

        “For those of you who will get to a big firm making $150,000 or $175,000, don't rest on your laurels. For those of you who are not, never stop pushing,” he said.

        “You have a great opportunity with this new tool you have. You can shape the law, you can follow the law, and sometimes you can even challenge the law,” said Mr. Martin.

        In his remarks to the law school's 167th graduating class, Mr. Martin recalled the April 2001 riots that shook the city as the students were concluding their second year and said the national image of Cincinnati was an unfair “smear” on the city's reputation. And he said he was “honored” to be asked by his former law school classmate, Mayor Charlie Luken, to return to Cincinnati and work on a groundbreaking settlement on issues of racial profiling and the police use of force.

        Mr. Martin told the graduates not to take anything for granted.

        “As you all traveled here for this graduation, this moment is not promised to you. Tomorrow is not promised to you,” he said. “Remember that God has given you a moment.”

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