mcdonnell pic

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.

Zoe Taylor and Charlsey Kelly

Congratulations to third-year student Zoe K. Taylor and second-year student Charlsey A. Kelly for finishing as semifinalists at the Tulane International Fútbol Negotiation Competition. Faculty member Daniel S. Serviansky serves as the negotiations team coach.

David Shipley teaching in classroom

Almost 26 years ago, Georgia Athletic Association Professor David E. Shipley became a member of the University of Georgia School of Law community, initially serving as dean for five years before renewing his commitment to full-time teaching in 2003. In recognition of his service, several School of Law graduates have established a scholarship in his honor.

three Class of 2021 graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 for posting an Ultimate Bar Passage rate of 99.48%, meaning over 99% of these graduates who sat for the bar exam within two years of graduation passed. This near perfect Ultimate Bar Passage rate and the school's position as one of the nation's best returns on investment in legal education are helping UGA Law to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school – one that offers a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven educational experience while never surrendering its commitment to affordability.

Sarah Guilot and Leila Harrison

Congratulations to third-year students Sarah C. Guilot and Leila Y. Harrison for finishing as regional finalists at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition. The pair were also recognized for their oral skills, placing 10th and 4th (respectively) as the competition's best oralists. Second-year students Garfield A. McIntyre Jr. and Taylor L. Stablein also competed and excellently represented the law school.