Dear alumni/alumnae and friends,
The start of the fall semester at the University of Georgia School of Law is always met with great excitement, and this year is no exception. In addition to being counted among the Top-20 law schools in the nation for the second straight year, we have just welcomed the highest academically credentialed Juris Doctor class in the school’s history.
In mid-August, we greeted 178 J.D. students who collectively boast a 169 median LSAT score and a median 3.91 undergraduate GPA. This class is just over 60% women (which represents another record), and 32% self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented population. While 69% are Georgia residents, the class represents 25 states and four countries and holds degrees from 71 colleges and universities.
Approximately 17% are first-generation college graduates, who will benefit from the First-Start Scholars Program (initiated by a gift from 1982 alumna Kathelen V. Amos and the Daniel P. Amos Family Foundation). Additionally, nearly two-thirds are the first in their families to attend law school.
Four former military members – who are guaranteed financial assistance through the Butler Commitment (proudly supported by 1977 alumnus Jim Butler) – are also part of this historic J.D. class.
Eighteen foreign-trained lawyers have arrived in Athens to earn their Master of Laws. They hail from 13 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This talented group includes outstanding law graduates, experienced corporate and private practice attorneys, and a career prosecutor. Several of the LL.M. students have more than 14 years of professional legal experience. Five hold master’s degrees in law and two have earned doctoral degrees in law.
The Master in the Study of Law program also welcomed seven new students who seek to merge the study of law with their professional interests. This group includes military veterans, a sheriff’s deputy, an insurance professional, an IT professional, a recent college graduate with an interest in sports management and a water specialist. They will earn their degrees studying both in-person and online.
We are currently in our fourth year of offering an Undergraduate Minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. Demand for this program remains high, and we admitted roughly 215 new students this spring. While some of these students will go on to become members of the legal profession and others will apply their talents to other fields, they will all benefit from the first-rate legal education provided by our world-class faculty.
Coming to UGA Law with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, each of these students will contribute something different to our community of learning. These future lawyers, legal practitioners and professionals will help address significant 21st century challenges like the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence. As future leaders for state and society, I am confident we will be in good hands.
As the School of Law seeks to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school, I am proud to share that 77% of the J.D. entering class is receiving scholarship aid. This significant percentage is made possible by you, our graduates and friends. Thank you for your continued support and for helping to make us one of the best returns on investment in legal education!
Sincerely,
