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LOCAL UGA LAW STUDENT HONORED AT GRADUATION [Taylor]

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Thursday, June 7, 2001

WRITER: Molly Barrett, (706) 542-5172

CONTACT: Kathy R. Pharr, (706) 542-5172, pharr@arches.uga.edu

LOCAL UGA LAW STUDENT HONORED AT GRADUATION

ATHENS, Ga. - Lisa Michelle Taylor of Atlanta, a May 2001 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, has been presented with the law school's Ellen Jordan Award for Public Interest Law. The award recognizes exceptional commitment to and achievement in the practice of public interest law. It is named for the late Ellen Jordan, a former UGA law professor and associate dean who also served as associate vice president for academic affairs at the University of Georgia.

Taylor was an extremely active student in law school. She participated in the Public Interest Practicum, a program in which students serve as advisers and ombudsmen for poor, unrepresented, homeless or jailed citizens in Athens. She also received the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Scholarship, served as the articles editor for the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law, and had her note published in the same publication. She was elected to the executive committee of the National Association for Public Interest Law and presently serves as president of that group. She also has been active with the Georgia Chapter of NOW. In addition, she obtained funding for a public interest job guide which she complied to assist new students in the pursuit of public interest work while in law school. Taylor will be joining the Office of Civil Rights in the Justice Department this summer.

"The program is stronger, more organized and more compassionate because of her presence," said Public Interest Practicum Director Alex Scherr. "She displays an intense thoroughness and creativity in the options she considers for advocacy and persistence, diligence and diplomacy in negotiating outcomes on behalf of clients."

Taylor graduated from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with an English degree. While in college, she was the president of the Student Government, was named to the Dean's List, won the Presidential Service Award, received a Naval ROTC scholarship and served as Student Adviser to the College President. After graduation from college, Taylor served two years in the United States Navy as a division officer.

Taylor is the daughter of Thomas and Nannette Taylor of Atlanta. She is married to Anthony Thomas.

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Photo caption: Lisa Taylor of Atlanta, left, receiving her award from Associate Dean Paul M. Kurtz from the University of Georgia School of Law.

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