The Appellate Litigation Clinic was successful in getting a client released from detention after 19 months of being held without a bond hearing. The 26-year-old Cuban client has asthma and a history of cancer and faced a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 while detained. Efforts to have him released included a bond motion and hearing at the Immigration Court, multiple parole requests to ICE, a habeas petition to the District Court and an opening brief and motion to expedite before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Recent graduates Addison Smith (J.D.'20) and Spencer D. Woody (J.D.'20) together with third-year student Steven L. Miller and second-year students Christopher O. Brock, Destiny J. Burch and Maria C. "Mia" Hughes each played a role in this clinic success.
The New Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion grant program is one of many ways the University of Georgia is demonstrating its commitment to recruiting and retaining underserved, underrepresented and first-generation students, according to President Jere W. Morehead. "These important efforts help to prepare participants for success well beyond their time here at UGA," he said. The School of Law's Robinson Scholars Program is counted among the initiatives supported by this grant program.
The University of Georgia School of Law is pleased to welcome the newest members joining its alumni/alumnae boards, as well as officers for 2020-21. Together, these alumni/alumnae leadership boards work in conjunction with the dean, faculty, staff and students to advance the law school's mission, which is represented in three words - Prepare. Connect. Lead. They also support efforts to achieve the law school's vision of being the best return on investment for a legal education in the country, while serving to strengthen connections between the school and its approximately 11,000 living graduates.
This week, the School of Law proudly welcomes 195 students who will become future leaders for state and society. These Juris Doctor, Master of Laws and Master in the Study of Law students will earn their first-rate legal education from an institution that is counted among the best returns on investment in legal education. There are 175 students in the J.D. Class of 2023, and they comprise the most academically talented class in the law school's history - boasting a median LSAT score of 165 and median undergraduate GPA of 3.78. These J.D. candidates are joined by an accomplished group of 11 LL.M. and nine M.S.L. students.
The First Amendment Clinic was a principal author of an amicus brief filed in Puerto Rico's federal district court during August arguing that a recently enacted "false information" law gives journalists pause when reporting on public emergencies and burdens the public's First Amendment interest in receiving information from the press. PEN American Center, Inc., collaborated on the brief and Clinic Legal Fellow Samantha Hamilton and Clinic Legal Intern Jeffrey Murphy contributed.