The Veterans Legal Clinic has successfully helped two women obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In one case, the clinic helped a woman veteran who lived for years with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from a military sexual trauma: a rape by another service member. Second-year student Eli F. Klenberg and third-year students A. Ligon Fant, Riley Gardner, Trisha D. Hyatt, Lauren A. Johnson and Bethany L. Strain developed the evidence that supported her claim. The decision resulted in increased monthly benefits and recognition by the VA of the long-term impact of the trauma. In the second case, the clinic assisted the widow of a Vietnam veteran who died of stomach cancer resulting from chronic substance use to self-treat his post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his experiences in service. Class of 2022 graduates Margaret Uhler and Jack Mayo identified and researched the medical links between his mental and medical conditions that materially contributed to this win. The decision resulted in a substantial retroactive award and ongoing monthly payments to the widow.
The School of Law regrets to announce former employee Kathryn Jo "Kathy" T. Burkes passed away December 27, 2019. She worked at UGA from March 1993 to April 2002. During that time she served as an administrative assistant in the school's advocacy office. She will be missed by law school faculty, staff and former students.
The University of Georgia School of Law has reached another milestone as it seeks to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school – one that offers a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven educational experience while never surrendering its commitment to accessibility. In the U.S. News & World Report law school rankings released earlier today, the school now ranks 20th among the nation’s 196 fully ABA-accredited law schools (our highest ranking ever). This historic ranking places the School of Law among the top seven public law schools in the nation and as the leader in Georgia for the third straight year.
Congratulations to third-year student Ellen T. "Ellie" Williams for her selection for the Equal Justice Works Regional Public Interest Award for the South Region. Recipients were chosen for "their innovation, impact, and commitment to public interest law," with each student being recognized for "providing extraordinary service through clinics, volunteer work, internships, and more."
An authority on Chevron deference, Kent Barnett focuses his research on the separation of powers in the federal administrative state, administrative adjudication and judicial review of agency actions. He offers a breakdown of Chevron deference and what the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimando during the October 2023 term could mean.