Two alumni of the University of Mississippi School of Law are giving back to help reduce financial barriers for the next generation of attorneys.
With a $50,000 gift, John Keith Perry Jr. and Ravonda L. Griffin, co-founding partners of Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law, have established the Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law Scholarship Endowment. The fund will provide financial support to qualified students pursuing Juris Doctor degrees at the law school.
Perry, a 1998 graduate of the law school, and Griffin, a 2012 graduate, lead a practice serving clients across Tennessee and North Mississippi. Their firm handles a wide range of legal matters, including criminal defense, DUI, family law, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, real estate closings, civil rights and estate matters.
“Recognizing the immense commitment required of law students, we wanted to make a gift that could meaningfully support them in that journey,” Perry said. “Our hope is that it helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that accompany attending law school.”
For Griffin, the scholarship represents an opportunity to support future attorneys who share the same aspirations she had as a law student.
“As someone who understands the journey of becoming a lawyer, I know firsthand that the path to the legal profession requires determination, sacrifice and support,” Griffin said. “Providing a scholarship for law students is my way of helping lift others as they pursue their calling to the legal profession.”
Dean Frederick G. Slabach expressed appreciation for the attorneys’ commitment to investing in future legal professionals.
“The generosity of Mr. Perry and Ms. Griffin will empower generations of law students to pursue their academic and professional goals without the added strain of financial hardship,” Slabach said.
The scholarship will be awarded to full-time law students who demonstrate financial need and may be renewed for up to six semesters for recipients who remain in good academic standing.
Both attorneys credit their experiences at the University of Mississippi with shaping their professional paths and commitment to service.
During his time at Ole Miss, Perry served as vice president of the Law School Student Body. He received the American Jurisprudence Outstanding Student Award for Federal Trial Practice and was a finalist in the Steen Reynolds Dalehite Trial Competition. Today, he remains active in numerous professional organizations and public service roles throughout Mississippi and Tennessee.
Griffin graduated cum laude from the law school in 2012. While a student, she earned the American Jurisprudence Outstanding Student Award for Criminal Procedure and demonstrated significant leadership within the law school community. She served as president pro tempore, attorney general and Senator of the Law School Student Body, and was a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council.
Before earning her law degree, Griffin completed a Master of Education from the UM School of Education in 2005 and a Bachelor of Accountancy from the UM School of Accountancy in 2001. Her legal practice focuses on family law, personal injury, estate matters and real estate closings.
Both attorneys remain active in professional and civic organizations, including the American, Tennessee, Mississippi, DeSoto County, Magnolia, Memphis and Ben F. Jones bar associations. Griffin is also active as a board member of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
The Perry Griffin PC Attorneys at Law Scholarship Endowment welcomes additional support from individuals and businesses. Gifts may be made by sending a check to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655, with the fund name included in the memo line, or by giving online here.
For information about supporting the School of Law, contact Greg Carter, associate director of development, at gjcarter@olemiss.edu or 662-915-1849.
By Bill Dabney / UM Foundation