Earlier today, U.S. News & World Report issued its latest ranking of the nation’s law schools, and once again the University of Georgia School of Law was ranked in the Top 20. This is UGA Law's second year in a row at this position, which is its highest ever. The School of Law remains the highest ranked law school in the state of Georgia (for the fourth year) and is counted among the top seven public law schools in the nation (again).
The University of Georgia recognized this year’s Alumni Awards honorees during a luncheon recently. The annual Alumni Awards were first presented in 1936 to celebrate those individuals and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to UGA. Among the 2024 honorees were the School of Law's Wyckliffe A. "Wyck" Knox Jr. (LL.B.'64) and David B. Dove (J.D.'14). The law school has also received strong support from the Callaway Foundation and Susan Waltman, which were recognized as well.
The family of alumnus Ryan Scates has established a new scholarship at the University of Georgia School of Law. The scholarship will benefit those intending to become Double Dawgs (i.e., those who have earned at least one degree from UGA before entering UGA Law). The scholarship will also support those who are married and/or have children or dependents and those with an exceptional commitment to and passion for UGA as demonstrated by leadership, volunteerism, mentorship and service.
Each year the School of Law community looks forward to Awards Day, when we celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and faculty. Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge said the hard work of those selected certainly deserves recognition, credit and acknowledgment of a job well done. "Thank you for joining me to recognize the accomplishments of our 2024 Awards Day recipients. Congratulations to all on a job well done!"
The School of Law regrets to share news of the passing of Sibley Professor Emeritus Julian B. McDonnell. He passed away on March 27, 2024. He retired from the law school in June 2003 after more than 30 years of service. Specializing in contracts, commercial paper and secured transactions, his scholarship includes five books and numerous articles. In addition, McDonnell was the principal drafter of the Georgia Financial Institutions Code, which was enacted in 1974 as the code for Georgia state banks, and the Georgia Article Nine Revision, enacted in 1978. Well-respected by his students, McDonnell was selected by members of the graduating class to receive the Faculty Book Award for Teaching Excellence on five occasions and was the recipient of the Professional Responsibility Award. McDonnell received the law school’s highest honor – the Distinguished Service Scroll Award – in 2003. He is survived by his sons, Patrick McDonnell and Christopher McDonnell, and his siblings, Maury McDonnell, Elizabeth Shivers and Tom McDonnell.