The Chattanooga-based law firm of Summers, Rufolo and Rodgers has made a $5 million donation to the University of Tennessee College of Law.
The gift will support the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, the Legal Clinic, the Douglas Blaze Professorship and scholarships for students interested in pursuing legal careers in advocacy.
Summers firm member Jeffrey Rufolo said the continued support of the firm’s clients made this and other gifts possible.
“Philanthropic support for the UT College of Law is paramount to the long-term success and sustainability of the legal profession in Tennessee,” Rufolo says.
College of Law Interim Dean Doug Blaze says he hopes the gift will challenge others to offer their financial support to the school.
“We’re grateful for our partnership with Summers, Rufolo and Rodgers and their particular interest in advancing our students’ appreciation of legal advocacy,” Blaze says. “Partnerships like these are invaluable to us.”
The College of Law has named a classroom and will name the moot court program after the Summers firm.
College of Law graduate Jerry Summers founded the Summers firm in 1969. Rufolo is a 1991 College of Law graduate; Jimmy Rodgers, Jr. is a 1994 graduate.
Other Summers firm attorneys are Marya Wegenka Schalk, a 2005 College of Law graduate, and Benjamin McGowan.
Source: University of Tennessee College of Law