Name: Blake Ogden
Age: 26
Hometown: Baxley, Ga
Expected graduation year: 2018
Schoolf of Law achievements and awards: Henson Family Scholarship recipient; Law School Association Scholarship
School of Law extracurricular activities: Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law, Articles Managing Board; Research Assistant with Alexander Campbell King Law Library and Associate Dean Lori A. Ringhand; Red Clay Conference board member
Undergraduate university, degree(s), year(s): Young Harris College / A.A. / 2011, University of Georgia / B.S.E.S. / 2013
1. What did you do before attending law school?
Prior to law school, I worked as a line manager in a poultry plant in Gainesville, Georgia.
2. Why did you choose to attend the University of Georgia School of Law?
It was really a combination of things. Growing up in Georgia, I have always thought of UGA as the flagship school of the state. The school has a great reputation and cost, plus my wife and both enjoyed our time here as undergrads, so it was really a great fit.
3. What inspired you to become a lawyer?
Growing up in a small town, lawyers acted as pillars of the local community. I want to be able to serve in a role like that for my community.
4. What are your plans after graduation?
After law school, I will be working with the transactional team at Andersen, Tate & Carr in Duluth, Georgia.
5. Who is your favorite School of Law professor? Why?
Dean Lori Ringhand. I have taken her for Constitutional Law and Election Law. She does a great job of taking complex legal issues and breaking them down for students.
6. What are some activities/clubs/clinics you are involved in at the law school?
This past semester, I have been involved in the Criminal Defense Clinic with the Public Defenders office here in Athens. The clinic has been a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in criminal law. I even had the opportunity to act as an advocate before the court for clients.
7. What do you enjoy most about law school?
Probably Friday lunches with my fellow fathers. On the first day of orientation, I met three other dads who decided to "go back" to law school. From that day forward, we have maintained a close friendship and eat lunch together downtown nearly every Friday.
8. What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy playing guitar in my spare time. A few of my fellow 3Ls and I formed a band and we get together and play on Friday nights. It's a great way to relax after a long week. We're still working on a band name.
9. Where is your favorite place to study? Why?
My favorite place to study is at a table by the big windows in the law library. It's relaxing and has great view of North Campus
10. What do you like most about living in Athens?
My wife and I have love the food scene here in Athens. On any weekend morning you can find our family at a local brunch spot.
11. What do you do to handle the stress of law school?
I try to get away and spend time with my wife and son. I make a point to set aside time to put down work from school and spend time with my family.
12. What is your favorite place on campus? Why?
You can't beat Sanford Stadium on a Saturday afternoons, especially when the season went this well.