Marlan Wilbanks Named Chairman of the Board of Visitors at UGA School of Law

The University of Georgia (UGA) School of Law has announced that Marlan Wilbanks has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Visitors. In this prestigious role, he will continue his longstanding support of the law school’s mission—to provide a high-quality, affordable legal education while expanding experiential learning opportunities for students.

A Commitment to Affordable and Accessible Legal Education

Wilbanks’ appointment comes at a time when access to legal education and student affordability are at the forefront of discussions within the legal community. Under his leadership, the Board of Visitors will focus on ensuring that students not only receive an exceptional legal education but also have the resources to navigate financial challenges beyond tuition costs.

“Our law school is on a trajectory of which we can all be proud. Now, more than ever, we are doing more to help students experience a quality legal education at an affordable price—addressing not only tuition costs but non-tuition expenses that can be extremely crippling to one’s bottom line. Additionally, the 17 clinical and experiential learning opportunities afforded to our students allow them to contribute directly to society as they hone their legal skills and passions.”
— Marlan Wilbanks

Wilbanks’ Impact on the UGA School of Law

Marlan Wilbanks, a UGA Law graduate and respected attorney, has made significant contributions to the University of Georgia and the broader legal community. His efforts have helped shape legal education, advocacy programs, and experiential learning initiatives for aspiring lawyers.

One of his most notable contributions is his support for the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Clinic, the first law school clinic in the nation dedicated to providing legal representation and advocacy for survivors of child sexual abuse.

The Wilbanks CEASE Clinic is a groundbreaking initiative that:

• Provides pro bono legal services to survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Trains law students in litigation, advocacy, and trauma-informed legal representation.
• Engages in policy reform efforts to strengthen child protection laws.
• Empowers survivors by giving them legal pathways to justice.

Wilbanks’ dedication to the UGA School of Law’s mission extends beyond financial support—his leadership and advocacy work have had a direct impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.

The Role of the Board of Visitors

The Board of Visitors at UGA School of Law is a distinguished group of legal professionals, alumni, and leaders who provide strategic guidance and financial support to the law school. Their work includes:

• Advising on legal education trends and ensuring UGA remains competitive.
• Supporting scholarships and financial aid initiatives to reduce student debt.
• Expanding clinical and experiential learning programs for hands-on legal training.
• Strengthening alumni engagement to provide mentorship and career opportunities.

As Chairman, Wilbanks will lead the Board in advancing these key objectives, helping shape the future of UGA’s legal education while upholding the school’s commitment to excellence and public service.

The Legacy of UGA’s Commitment to Public Interest Law

UGA School of Law has a long-standing tradition of preparing students for public interest law careers. The expansion of clinics and experiential learning opportunities, such as the Wilbanks CEASE Clinic, underscores the university’s dedication to:

• Training future lawyers in public service and advocacy
• Providing legal assistance to vulnerable populations
• Enhancing practical legal education through hands-on experience

Through his leadership on the Board of Visitors, Wilbanks will continue to champion these initiatives, ensuring that students receive both the education and real-world training needed to make a difference.

Learn More About Marlan Wilbanks and His Contributions

For those interested in learning more about Marlan Wilbanks’ impact on the UGA School of Law, resources are available:

• Read the Wilbanks CEASE Clinic’s work and mission here
• Explore the 2019 issue of the UGA School of Law Advocate for insights on his contributions

Read more about Marlan Wilbanks’ work with the UGA School of Law in the 2019 issue of the UGA School of Law Advocate.