Joe Biden. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi

Columbia Law School has landed a big name for its first-ever virtual graduation ceremony: former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

The school announced Wednesday that Biden will deliver remarks to graduating law students May 20, in a ceremony that will take place 1 p.m. on the school's YouTube channel.

Law schools across the country have been forced to shift commencement online or postpone ceremonies altogether with campuses shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic and prohibitions on public gatherings. But newly minted J.D.s and LL.M.s at Columbia can take heart that they will be addressed by one of the most high-profile lawyers in the country. In addition to Biden's years in the U.S. Senate and the White House, he is also a 1968 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law.

"Vice President Joe Biden is synonymous with public service," said Columbia law dean Gillian Lester in her announcement of Biden's commencement appearance. "His enduring and exemplary career as a leader, lawyer and public servant sets an example for our students as they prepare to begin their own course as legal professionals."

Few law schools have publicly unveiled speakers for their virtual commencements. In a typical year, law campuses will secure high-profile government lawyers, general counsel and public interest legal advocates to give remarks to new graduates. One or two U.S. Supreme Court justices typically make the law school commencement circuit in a typical year. It remains to be seen whether the usual commencement speakers will also participate in virtual law graduations, though the logistics are actually easier than traveling to speak in person at ceremonies.

In addition to Biden, graduating Columbia law students will hear from Bert Huang, a professor and expert on torts, civil procedure and courts and the legal process. Huang will receive the 2020 Willis L.M. Reese Prize for Excellence in Teaching—an award that is given by the graduating class.

Biden's schedule has been more open of late, with campaign rallies and other in-person appearances on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It's possible that he will offer commencement remarks to graduates elsewhere. The University of Pennsylvania is home to the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, though Biden has taken a leave of absence during the presidential campaign. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School has a virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for May 18.