The Center for Transactional Law and Practice celebrated its fifteenth anniversary May 18, 2023, at the Miller-Ward Alumni House. The celebration recognized leaders, benefactors, adjuncts, and those who have supported the center over the years. The charge set by the center’s advisory board was to honor and highlight the center’s journey and to follow through with Charles Howard Candler Professor Emeritus William J. Carney’s aims set forth when he donated a large gift catalyzing the creation of the advisory board. 

Kicking off Alumni Weekend, the event welcomed people who have been a part of the center in some way over the past 15 years. It featured live music and food. Dean Bobinski gave remarks recalling the legacy of the center and the eminence of the honorees. 

The celebration highlighted the start of the Center for Transactional Law and Practice and Tina Stark, who became Emory Law’s first professor in the practice of law and the founding executive director of the center. Stark’s vision led her to create a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that allows students with interests beyond litigation to follow a well-developed path to learn transactional law. Today, Emory’s program offers an extensive course of study that blends legal doctrine, business acumen, and practical skills training.

Since its founding in 2007, The Center for Transactional Law has experienced exponential growth in many areas. As of today, the Transactional Law and Skills Certificate Program has produced 565 Certificate graduates and has more than 200 second- and third-year students currently enrolled in the program. The charge is steadfast.

Those honored at the celebration include the following:

Leaders and Founders

Thomas L. Bisanz

In recognition of his contributions as an Advisory Board Member, Benefactor, and Creator of The Thomas L. Bisanz Endowed Scholarship

William J. Carney

In recognition of his contributions as a Founding Faculty Member, Benefactor, and Creator of The William and Jane Carney Fund for Transactional Law and Practice and Endowed Professorship

James Elliott

In recognition of his contributions as a Founding Faculty Member and Loyal Supporter

Ian L. Levin

In recognition of his contributions as First Advisory Board Chair, Benefactor, and Adjunct Professor

Carol D. Newman

In recognition of her contributions as Executive Director and Professor in the Practice of Law

Sue Anne Payne

In recognition of her contributions as Executive Director and the William and Jane Carney Professor of Transactional Law and Practice 

Tina L. Stark

In recognition of her contributions as Founding Executive Director and Professor in the Practice of Law

Outstanding Adjunct Professors 

Jeff Alperin