Olivia Hatch has been selected as the Garrison Social Justice Scholar for the Class of 2027. Smith’s honor was announced by Assistant Dean and Martha Craig Daughtrey Director for Public Interest Beth Cruz ’10.
The Garrison Social Justice Scholarship supports students who will use their legal training to advance social justice by serving clients who have been disenfranchised, suffered discrimination, and who are unable to protect their rights. The scholarship, which is endowed by Amy Price Garrison (BA’79) and Frank M. Garrison ’79 (BA’76) through the Amy and Frank Garrison Social Justice Fund, is awarded each spring to a member of the current 1L class. Garrison Scholars receive a supplemental annual scholarship for their second and third years of law school. The scholarship also includes stipend support to allow recipients to pursue unpaid legal work with public interest organizations during the two summers prior to graduation.
“The Garrison Social Justice Scholarship perfectly aligns with my career goals of pursuing a life in public interest law and using legal tools to fight for equity, dignity, and justice — especially for those who have historically been denied it,” said Hatch. “This scholarship not only supports me financially in pursuing a public interest career but also connects me to a community of like-minded advocates and mentors who share a commitment to justice.”
Hatch will spend her 1L summer participating in the ACLU of Indiana’s office in Indianapolis, where she will be assisting with civil rights and civil liberties litigation, conducting legal research, and supporting advocacy efforts focused on protecting and expanding individual freedoms. This work addresses issues such as reproductive rights, free speech, voting rights, and criminal justice reform.
“I’m excited to contribute to work that aligns so closely with my passion for justice and systemic change,” she said.
She chose to attend Vanderbilt because of the school’s commitment to public interest law, the supportive community, and the opportunities she would have to grow personally and professionally. “The school offers incredible clinical opportunities, dedicated faculty, and a network that empowers students to pursue meaningful, change-driven legal careers,” she explained.
As a 1L, Hatch has pursued several public interest opportunities, including the Spring Break Pro Bono program, and participated in the 1L Mock Trial Competition. She also attended the ABA’s Clerkship Mid-year conference.
In her second year, Hatch will be assuming several leadership positions, including Community Coordinator of If/When/How, Treasurer of the Voting Rights Association, and Co-Director of Street Law. In addition, she is also a leader of the school’s new Community Justice Legal Project, which partners with local attorneys and organizations to bring direct legal assistance and resources to underserved communities.
Hatch earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in English from Indiana State University. After graduating, she worked at the Indiana Statehouse as a legislative intern with the Indiana House of Representatives, and later as a Court Liaison and Casework at Vigo County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She also worked as the assistant campaign manager for Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun.
“The Garrison Scholarship is more than funding,” said Hatch. “It’s a statement of support for the work I aspire to do.”
