2025 Rodney K. Smith Award – Deadline for Nominations: Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Each year, the Rodney K. Smith Award recognizes the exemplary pro bono work and contributions of one or more Memphis Law students. The Award was created in 2003 by Interim Dean of the Law School, Rodney K. Smith, to honor students who exemplify an ethic of giving back to the community through public service, whether through individual case service or law reform work. Dean Smith chose this method of recognition to inspire University of Memphis Law Students to engage in pro bono service as a lifelong commitment. The Rodney K. Smith Award requires legal service as opposed to general, non-law related work and is presented by PALS and the Dean of the Law School to one or more law students in recognition of their exemplary pro bono legal work. The nominee must not have received any type of financial reward, which includes grants from service organizations, for the student’s service.

Nominations are accepted from faculty and staff, from organizations sponsoring student pro bono work, from PALS members, and from general members of the Law School student body. The Executive Officers of PALS will evaluate each nominee based on the amount of hours contributed and the type and quality of the work performed, and then present a recommendation to the Dean of the Law School, who makes the final decision as to who shall receive the Award. In the event of a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof, the affected board member(s) will recuse themselves from the decision-making.

If you wish to nominate a law student for the Rodney K. Smith Award, please send the following to Professor Danny Schaffzin by Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.: (1) name of the student being nominated, (2) a letter of reference, and (3) a brief statement from the student being nominated as to the nature and content of their pro bono legal work. Please contact Professor Schaffzin with any questions about the Award or the nomination process.

Thank you!