The University of Georgia School of Law remains one of the best returns on investment in legal education in the country, according to a recent ranking by National Jurist. The School of Law has been ranked as the #1 or #2 best value law school for the last five years. This ranking examines outcome-driven metrics such as bar passage and employment rates in addition to average indebtedness, tuition and cost of living.
Congratulations to third-year student Benjamin S. "Ben" Causey and second-year student N. Molly Laughlin for winning the Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Many thanks to finalists Abigail C. "Abi" Hartlein and Emily P. Johnson, both second-year students, and the other competitors for contributing to a wonderful tournament.
The School of Law regrets to announce the passing of law student S. Davis Bergsagel on October 9, 2021. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 2018 with honors and was pursuing his Juris Doctor at the law school. A memorial service will take place 3 p.m. October 15 at Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta Street, Roswell.
Congratulations to third-year student Jacob D. Swanstrom for winning the Best Direct Examination Award at the King of the Hill Mock Trial Competition recently. He competed in the tournament with his classmates Charles D. Calkins, Peyton J. Clark, Varad R. Dabke and Brandon D. Waller. Collectively they finished as national quarterfinalists out of 32 teams. The team was coached by 2014 alumnus Jeremy B. Dailey, with assistance from William D. "Will" Ortiz (J.D.'20), Amelia Welch Ortiz (J.D.'21) and Ian L. Kecskes (J.D.'21).
New Veterans Legal Clinic Staff Attorney Katie Becker successfully persuaded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to award survivor’s benefits to the 15-year-old daughter of an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran whose post-traumatic stress disorder caused his death by drug overdose. The VA had denied the dependent’s benefits because it found overdose to be unrelated to the veteran’s military experience. Becker argued that the drugs resulting in his death included some prescribed by the VA for his combat-related PTSD in addition to others he used to self-medicate to help with his severe symptoms. This decision has resulted in a substantial retroactive award and ongoing monthly payments to support the veteran’s surviving child.