The Distinguished Law Fellowship offers several unique opportunities for some of the school’s brightest students over the course of their legal education. Considered UGA Law’s most prestigious scholarship, recipients benefit from domestic and international externships, guided research experiences and opportunities to meet some of the country’s top legal, business and government leaders, all in addition to generous scholarship support.

Third-year student Trudi Sundberg (left) and first-year student Harrison Russ (right) stand with John Rees III at a recent law school reception. Rees is the son of the late John Bartow Rees Jr., a member of the UGA Law faculty for more than 40 years. Both students are Rees Distinguished Law Fellows.

During the past academic year, fellows enjoyed a small-group lunch with Judge Britt C. Grant of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. They also connected with members of the school’s alumni boards and some of their benefactors at receptions.

These gatherings allow fellows to engage with leading legal figures and provide crucial help with building strong professional networks. These experiences enrich the fellows’ education and better prepare them for their own career journeys.

Initially established in 2016 by a gift from The John N. Goddard Foundation, the Distinguished Law Fellowship program currently has the ability to offer more than 25 full-tuition-plus scholarships. The program is modeled after the university’s prestigious Foundation Fellows initiative, which was established in 1972.