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.
Please be sure to keep the McDonnell family in your thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time.
An informal celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m. at the Stratford Clubhouse located on South Stratford Drive, Athens, GA 30605.
UGA Law School Association bestows its highest honor on McDonnell and Mobley (Media Release 6/19/03)