Graduates In the News | University of Georgia School of Law

School of Law graduates are often the focus of news stories appearing in a variety of media outlets. Below are links to some of those stories.

'I Was Extremely Nervous': How a First-year Lawyer Secured a $1.3M Verdict at Her Second Trial

Alumna Haley K. Kairab (J.D.'22) was featured in the Daily Report regarding securing a $1.3 million jury verdict in her second trial. The article was written by Alex Anteau and published 11/21/23.

Awards recipients, initiates recognized at 2023 Blue Key Awards Banquet

Alumna Lisa Godbey Wood (J.D.'90) was presented with a 2023 Blue Key Service Award at the group's annual banquet during November. The article was written by Averi Caldwell and published 11/12/23.

UGA Foundation honors Judge Steve Jones with award, named scholarship

Alumnus Steve C. Jones (J.D.'87) recently received the UGA Foundation's Distinguished Service Award, which includes the establishment of a scholarship in his name. The article was written by Lindsay Tuck Morris and published 10/16/23.

Supreme Court Welcomes 2023-24 Class of Term Law Clerks

Recent graduates Frances F. "Frankie" Brown (J.D.'23), Rachel L. Byers (J.D.'23), James Mitchell "Mitch" Fucetola IV (J.D.'21), Evan I. Long (J.D.'21) and Roya Naghepour (J.D.'22) were featured by the Georgia Supreme Court for being selected as 2023-24 term judicial clerks.

The Future of Food

Alumna Ertharin Cousin (J.D.'82) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding her role as a global leader for solving food insecurity. The article was written by Jayne Robets and published in the magazine's Fall 2023 edition.

Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler Dies

Alumnus Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler (J.D.'57) was featured on GeorgiaDogs.com regarding his recent passing. The obituary was published 8/28/23.

University of Georgia names new alumni president, board members

Alumnae Yvette K. Daniels (J.D.'89), Jessica McClellan (J.D.'03) and Dominique Holloman (J.D.'04) were featured on UGA Today regarding their new roles with the UGA Alumni Association. The article was written by Elizabeth Elmore and published 7/28/23.

UGA Alumni Association announces 2023 class of 40 Under 40

Alumnus Christopher Bruce (J.D.'12) was featured on UGA Today regarding his inclusion on the UGA Alumni Association's 40 Under 40 list, which honors graduates who uphold the three pillars of the Arch: wisdom, justice and moderation. The article was written by Lindsay Tuck Morris and published 7/12/23.

UGA Foundation elects new leadership, members

Alumnae Yvette K. Daniels (J.D.'89) and Eleanor F. Banister (J.D.'80) were featured on UGA Today regarding their new positions with the UGA Foundation. Daniels was elected trustee and Banister was accorded emeritus trustee status. The article was written by Elizabeth Elmore and published 7/13/23.

Who Are the 2023 Most Effective Deal-Maker Honorees. Find Out Here.

Alumnus G. Kirk Domescik (J.D.'94) was featured in the Daily Report as part of the Southeastern Legal Awards for Most Effective Deal-Makers, which recognizes attorneys who have had success brokering deals. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/16/23.

Who Are the 2023 Best Mentor Honorees? Find Out Here.

Alumnus Daniel L. "Dan" Huynh (J.D.'09) was featured in the Daily Report as part of the 2023 Southeastern Legal Awards for Best Mentors, which recognizes attorneys for their efforts in guiding and developing younger lawyers. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/16/23.

Who Are the 2023 Distinguished Leader Honorees? Find Out Here.

Graduates Mark B. Carter (J.D.'03), Michael T. "Mike" Rafi (J.D.'11), Joseph G. "Joey" Silver and Michael B. "Mike" Terry (J.D.'87) were featured in the Daily Report as part of the 2023 Southeastern Legal Awards for Distinguished Leaders, which recognizes attorneys for their efforts as leaders in their field/practice area. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/20/23.

On the Rise

Graduates Ashley A. Heintz (J.D.'11) and Jonathan D. Parente (J.D.'10) were featured in the Daily Report regarding their recognition as some of the Southeast's top lawyers who are 40 and under. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/15/23.

Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson: The Spirits Squad

Alumnus Charles B. "Charlie" Thompson (J.D.'03) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding his leadership role at ASW Distillery. The article was written by Aaron Hale and published in the summer 2023 issue.

Jacqueline Bunn: Lawfully Made

Alumna Jacqueline F. Bunn (J.D.'87) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding her position on Georgia's State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The article was written by Alex Shimalla and published in the summer 2023 issue.

Georgia governor signs bill to create cold case unit

Former UGA law student Tara Baker, who was murdered during her first year of law school, was memorialized by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signing into law the Coleman-Baker Act. The act establishes a cold case unit within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, among other policies and procedures. The Associated Press article was published 4/28/23.

UF announces Levin College of Law interim dean

Alumna Merritt E. McAlister (J.D.'07) was featured in The Alligator regarding her appointment as interim dean of the University of Florida Levin College of Law. The article was written by Claire Grunewald and published 4/26/23.

'Marks a news history': Here's what to know about Joan Gabel, Pitt's new chancellor

Alumna Joan T.A. Gabel (J.D.'93) was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette regarding her appointment as the University of Pittsburgh's first female chancellor. The article was written by Megan Tomasic and published 4/4/23.

'The Law Is a Jealous Mistress': From Criminal to Civil to Pro Bono and Back, Former Gov. Roy Barnes Reflects on Legal Career

Alumnus Roy E. Barnes (J.D.'72) was featured in the Daily Report regarding his life and career. The article was written by Mason Lawlor and published 1/20/23.

Age well. Live Well.

Alumnus and former adjunct professor Bertis E. Downs IV (J.D.'81) was featured in Connections regarding his life and career, including his relationships with the School of Law and the band R.E.M. The article was written by Carlie Russell McMann and was published in the Winter 2023 issue.

Melanie Wilson to Serve as President-Elect of AALS

Alumna Melanie D. Wilson (J.D.'90) was featured in The Columns regarding her service as the 2023 president-elect of the Association of American Law Schools. The article was published 1/10/23.

UGA President Jere Morehead On Progress & Success

School of Law alumnus and UGA President Jere W. Morehead (J.D.'80) was featured in James Magazine regarding the University of Georgia and its initiatives. The interview was conducted by Phil Kent and published in the January/February 2023 issue.

Del. Justice Montgomery-Reeves Is Confirmed to Third Circuit

School of Law alumna Tamika Montgomery-Reeves (J.D.'06) was featured on Law.com regarding her confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She will become the second Black woman on the Third Circuit bench, after being the first Black person to serve on the Delaware Supreme Court and the Delaware Court of Chancery. The article was written by Aleeza Furman and was published 12/12/22.

UGA Alumni Association announces Bulldog 100; five graduates included

Congratulations to Chris Atkinson (J.D.'02) (Atkinson Ferguson), Charles Ferguson (J.D.'03) (Atkinson Ferguson), Michael Caplan (J.D.'06) (Caplan Cobb), Benjamin Osorio (J.D.'11) (Murray Osorio) and Jay Roberts (J.D.'01) (Roberts Civil Engineering), who were recognized by the University of Georgia Alumni Association for being selected for this year's Bulldog 100 list. The award recognizes the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.

Randy Evans JD'83: Luxembourg, 2018-2021

School of Law alumnus J. Randolph "Randy" Evans (J.D.'83) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding his service as ambassador to Luxembourg. The article was published in the fall 2022 issue. Read the article

Verda Colvin: A Higher Calling

School of Law alumna Verda A. Colvin (J.D.'90) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding her path to the Supreme Court of Georgia. The article was published in the fall 2022 issue. Read the article

Ken Gross JD'78: Tajikistan, 2009-2012

School of Law alumnus Kenneth E. "Ken" Gross Jr. (J.D.'78) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding his career in the Foreign Service. The article was published in the fall 2022 issue. Read the article

Bill Roebuck JD'92: Bahrain, 2015 - 2017

School of Law alumnus William V. "Bill" Roebuck Jr. (J.D.'92) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding his career in the Foreign Service. The article was published in the fall 2022 issue. Read the article

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston dies at 68

School of Law alumnus David E. Ralston (J.D.'80) was memorialized by Georgia Public Broadcasting. At the time of his death, he was the longest currently serving state house speaker in the country. The article was published 11/17/22. Read the article

ABA Executive Director Jack Rives, a UGA Law Grad, Stepping Down in February

School of Law alumnus Jack L. Rives (J.D.'76) was featured on Law.com regarding his 12 years of service as the executive director of the American Bar Association. The article was written by Christine Charnosky and published 11/14/22. Read the article

Grayson Lambert, UGA Law School grad, on record day vs. Gamecocks and post football life

School of Law alumnus Greyson Lambert (J.D.'21) was featured in the Athens Banner-Herald regarding his time as quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs and his post-football life as a lawyer. The article was written by Marc Weiszer and published 9/15/22. Read the article

Prominent attorney Page Pate drowns off Georgia Coast

The untimely death of alumnus Page A. Pate (J.D.'94) was reported by the Associated Press. The article was written 9/13/22. Read the article

Emily Ward: Raising the Bar

School of Law alumna Emily Ward (J.D.'13) was featured in Georgia Magazine regarding her work with the Atlanta Bar Association, her life as a lawyer and owning two restaurants with her husband. The article was written by Eric Rangus and was published in the summer 2022 issue. Read the article

UGA Alumni Association unveils 2022 Class of 40 Under 40, including four School of Law grads

School of Law graduates Kayla E. Cooper (J.D.'08), Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay (J.D.'09), Joel L. McKie (J.D.'08) and Brendan F. Murphy (J.D.'08) were selected by the UGA Alumni Association as members of its 2022 Class of 40 Under 40, which celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of successful UGA graduates under the age of 40. Read the 7/13/22 release

President Biden Names Twentieth Round of Judicial Nominees

Alumna Tamika Montgomery-Reeves (J.D.'06) was recently nominated as a judicial candidate for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Read the 6/29/22 White House release

Best Mentor: Randy Scoggins

Alumnus Randall B. "Randy" Scoggins (J.D.'71) was featured in the Daily Report as a Best Mentor, an accolade given to attorneys for their efforts in guiding and developing younger lawyers. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/16/22. Read the article

Best Mentor: Andrew "Drew" Beal

Alumnus Andrew M. "Drew" Beal (J.D.'86) was featured in the Daily Report as a Best Mentor, an accolade given to attorneys for their efforts in guiding and developing younger lawyers. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/16/22. Read the article

Legal Innovator: Ronnie Mabra Jr.

Alumnus Ronnie Mabra Jr. (J.D.'04) was featured in the Daily Report as a Legal Innovator, an honor given to attorneys and legal professionals for their innovative efforts. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/16/22. Read the article

Lifetime Achiever: Mike Bagley

Alumnus Mike Bagley (J.D.'80) was featured in the Daily Report as a Lifetime Achiever, an accolade that is given to anyone living who has left a lasting imprint on the state’s legal community. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/17/22. Read the article

Lifetime Achiever: Marlan Wilbanks

Alumnus Marlan B. Wilbanks (J.D.'86) was featured in the Daily Report as a Lifetime Achiever, an accolade that is given to anyone living who has left a lasting imprint on the state’s legal community. The article was written by Everett Catts and published 6/17/22. Read the article

Ibram X. Kendi: We are in a pitched battle to create anti-racist society

Alumna Sharon "Nyota" Tucker (J.D.'74) was referenced in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding her relationship to author Ibram X. Kendi. The article was written by Maureen Downey and published 6/16/22. Read the article

On the Rise

Several School of Law graduates were named to the Daily Report's 2022 Georgia Legal Awards On the Rise list, which recognizes the state’s best attorneys 40 and under. Among them are: Bryan Bennett (J.D.’09), Bryan Schivera (J.D.’11), Amanda Kay Seals (J.D.’12), Emily C. Ward (J.D.’13) and Matthew M. Weiss (J.D.’08). Read the full article

Morehead reappointed president of Southeastern Conference

Alumnus Jere W. Morehead (J.D.'80) was recently reappointed president of the Southeastern Conference. Read the 6/3 UGA announcement

Melanie D. Wilson Named Next Dean of Washington and Lee University School of Law

Alumna Melanie D. Wilson (J.D.'90) was recently named the new dean of the Washington and Lee University School of Law. Read the 3/25 announcement

Savannah native Kiran Ahuja recaps first year as head of Office of Personnel Management

Alumna Kiran Ahuja (J.D.'98) was featured in the Savannah Morning News regarding her position as the head of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The article was written by Nancy Guan and published 2/17/22. Read the article

Gov. Kemp announces Four Judicial Appointments

Alumni Andrew Pinson (J.D.'11), Ben Land (J.D.'92) and Benjamin Richardson (J.D.'92) were appointed to three state courts by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Pinson was named to the Georgia Supreme Court, Land to the Georgia Court of Appeals and Richardson to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Read the 2/14/22 release

VSU Shannon Center open house celebrates diversity

Alumnus Robert L. Shannon (J.D.'91) was featured in the Valdosta Daily Times regarding the opening of a center bearing his name - the Shannon Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - at Valdosta State University. The article was written by Brittanye Blake and was published 2/10/22. Read the article

Savannah fans witness Georgia's first national championship since 1980

Alumnus Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler (J.D.'57) was featured on Connect Savannah regarding his trip to the 2022 College Football National Championship game with UGA's beloved mascot Uga X. Seiler was a law student at UGA when his bulldog was invited to become the university's live mascot. The article was written by Christopher Sweat and Bunny Ware and published 1/12/22. Read the article

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Amit Bose as 15th Senate-Confirmed Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration

Alumnus Amit Bose (J.D.'04) was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the 15th administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Read the 1/12/22 release

'An Amazing Impact on Consumer Safety': Meet the Lawyer with Seven $100M Verdicts

Alumnus James E. "Jim" Butler Jr. (J.D.'77) was featured in the Daily Report regarding his impact on consumer safety. The article was written by Katheryn Hayes Tucker and published 1/7/22. Read the article

Court Loses the 'Ultimate Professional' Upon DeKalb County Superior Court Judge's Retirement

Alumna Linda Warren Hunter (J.D.'80) was featured in the Daily Report regarding her retirement from the DeKalb County Superior Court bench. The article was written by Cedra Mayfield and published 1/5/22. Read the article