School of Law honors our military this
Veterans Day
Dear alumni, alumnae and friends,
As we prepare for Veterans Day, the University of Georgia School of Law salutes all who served, especially those who are a part of our law school community.
To commemorate this day, I would like to share with you some of the ways your law school supports our veterans:
Veterans Legal Clinic
Since its establishment through a lead gift from renowned trial attorney James E. “Jim” Butler Jr. (J.D.'77), the Veterans Legal Clinic has helped approximately 800 veterans and their families claim more than $3 million in benefits during its first five years of operation. The clinic, which assists Georgia veterans with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides law students an opportunity to engage with real-world clients, cases and communities.
The clinic has received support from other law school graduates, including Michael Evert (J.D.'83), his wife Angi and their daughters – Emily Evert Scanlon, Georgia Evert O’Donoghue and Maggie Evert Jones – who created the Michael and Angi Evert Family Endowment for the Veterans Legal Clinic, which offers perpetual support to help fund the clinic's operations.
The Butler Commitment — Financial Aid
Butler also established the Butler Commitment, which guarantees financial assistance to 100% of veterans who matriculate. To date, 14 law students have been recipients of this fund.
Professional Development Stipends
The School of Law also received a generous gift from The John N. Goddard Foundation to assist student veterans with bar preparation expenses, professional attire, summer work grants, books and other costs. This contribution provides essential funding for those "other" professional development expenses necessary for the successful entry into the legal profession.
I remain grateful to Jim Butler, the Evert family, The Goddard Foundation and every other member of our law school community who has offered support for this important cohort of students. Gifts such as these help the School of Law redefine what it means to be a great national public law school by offering a world-class, hands-on, purpose-driven educational experience with a pioneering commitment to accessibility and affordability.
Additionally, I want to recognize the hard work of Associate Professor & Veterans Legal Clinic Director Alexander W. Scherr, who was elected earlier this year to a three-year term on the National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium, which advocates for veterans in judicial, legislative and administrative forums.
With gratitude on this Veterans Day,
