Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold D. Melton will deliver the University of Georgia School of Law's 2021 Commencement address May 22 in Stegeman Coliseum, with social distancing measures in place.
Approximately 215 students will be eligible to participate in this year's ceremony for Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L) candidates.
The ticketed event will start at 10 a.m. with social distancing measures and the university's Clear Bag Policy in effect. The virtual program is available at 2021LawCommencementProgram.pdf , and the ceremony will be livestreamed at /graduation21 . You can also connect with the School of Law on social media using the hashtag #ugalaw21.You can also connect with the School of Law on social media using the hashtag #ugalaw21.
Melton was appointed to Georgia's highest court in 2005 by Gov. Sonny Perdue and became chief justice 13 years later. Before becoming a member of the judiciary, he served as executive counsel to Perdue, representing the governor on legal issues covering the entire scope of state government. In this role, he helped safeguard Georgia's interests in water rights disputes with Alabama and Florida, and he actively participated in administration efforts to advance the delivery of criminal justice services in the state. His other public service includes 11 years in the Georgia Department of Law under two attorneys general dealing with issues ranging from the creation of the Georgia Lottery Corporation to the administration of Georgia's tobacco settlement. Prior to leaving to join the Governor's Office, Melton served as section leader over the Consumer Interests Division. Melton earned his Juris Doctor from UGA and his bachelor's degree from Auburn University.