3L Class Gift Program

The 3L Class Gift Program provides a way for members of the graduating class to come together and give back to the law school in order to ensure that the students who follow in their footsteps are met with the same excellent educational experience and collegial environment they had. Contributing to the class gift efforts allows 3L students to show their appreciation for their legal education, the experiences they have had, and the memories they have created during their time at Vanderbilt Law School. 

Why should you give? 

Excellent question! Did you know that tuition only covers 76% of the actual cost of your legal education? The remainder is made up by donations from alumni, students and friends. Because of these gifts, the law school is able to best support the students--through funding student organizations, bringing in renowned guest speakers, providing top-notch career services to ensure professional development and job placement, maintaining the extensive library, keeping class sizes down and continually upgrading technology. Additionally, support for scholarships, awards and programs allows us to attract, recruit and retain the highest caliber of students and reduce their future loan burden.  

Areas of focus

The Class of 2021's Class Gift Committee has chosen three funds to spotlight as areas of focus: the Racial Justice Initiatives Fund, the Public Interest Stipend Fund, and the Law Student Emergency Relief Fund. Descriptions of these three are detailed below. We would love for you to support one or more of these funds with your gift, but please know you can always choose to support any fund at the law school--your favorite student organization, the journal for which you work so many hours, a scholarship that has positively influenced your life, or the general Law School Fund. All gifts to the law school will count toward Class Gift totals.

Racial Justice Initiatives Fund

Because we've seen and learned more about the racial bias presented in our justice system, the committee has chosen to focus support on the Racial Justice Initiatives Fund. Established in 2020 to support the law school's current student initiatives addressing issues of racial justice. Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Community, Yesha Yadav, is driving this work and is responsible for administering these funds. 

Public Interest Stipend Fund

The lack of resources for lawyers representing the most vulnerable in our society is simply unacceptable. We want to help that cause by asking class members to donate to the Public Interest Stipend Fund. Established in 2014, this fund provides public interest fellowship support to Vanderbilt Law students. Specifically, stipends are available to students participating in a summer pro bono fellowship that supports traditionally underserved populations. This is a merit-based award and helps defray cost-of-living expenses.

Law Student Emergency Relief Fund

Taking care of our community when disaster strikes is a key part of why the Vanderbilt Law community is so special. In partnership with AccessLex Institute, the Law Student Emergency Relief Fund was established in 2020 in response to the hardships students began facing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who find themselves in financial need due to the unique disruption in their educational and professional lives due to the pandemic are eligible to apply for up to $500 in assistance. More information about this assistance, including a link to the application, can be found here.  

 

Make Your Gift

As we prepare for the Class Gift program for current 3Ls, members of the Class of 2021 are welcome and encouraged to go ahead and make their gift to the law school. A contribution of any amount will help the class reach the participation goal. You can set up a monthly recurring gift or make a one-time gift online. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question or concern that is not answered above? Email Sydney Talley, associate director of annual giving. 

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