Matching Excellence with Access

January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year! I am delighted to report that the busy spring semester is well underway. Over the next few weeks, we will welcome U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Paul B. Matey as our Edenfield Jurist in Residence, during which he will teach a short-course and deliver a lecture titled “The American Legal Tradition.” We will also host a reception for Georgia Superior Court judges, hear remarks from German Consul General Melanie Moltmann, and learn from a Georgia Law Review panel on geofence warrants.
 
Our law school was recently named as the best return on investment in legal education and was counted among the Top-5 law schools with the “most to do for fun.” Both rankings reflect our goal of redefining what it means to be a great national public law school. We are proud to provide great value, and we do it with real joy.   
 
January is designated as National Mentoring Month, which provides an opportunity to celebrate our school’s commitment to building genuine relationships. Our innovative mentorship program connects interested incoming law students to a four-person team, including a faculty mentor, a career counselor, an upper-level law student and an alumni/professional mentor. If you are interested in influencing the next generation of legal leaders, please visit our Mentorship Program page to register. 
 
There are so many Law Dawgs out there working hard and giving back every day. I do want to provide a special shout-out to David Dove (J.D.’14), who was recently elected chair of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. An excellent lawyer and leader, he personifies our vision of producing well-rounded students who will succeed and thrive in their chosen professions.
 
As always, thank you for your support of Georgia Law! Go Dawgs!  

- Dean Usha R. Rodrigues 

Dean Usha R. Rodrigues regularly runs with students (and four-legged companions), which provides a great mix of fresh air, exercise and meaningful connection.  

UGA Law wins prestigious national brief writing award

Wilbanks CEASE Clinic secures $4.3 million verdict for survivor

UGA captures two national advocacy titles

Gibbs receives Law School Student Access to Justice Award

Burch publishes book 

Profs present at Yale, Chicago, Columbia & Georgetown

UGA Law ranks #16 for alumni serving as Article III judges 

Fourteen grads & their businesses named to Bulldog 100

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