Charity Scott
The Catherine C. Henson Professor of Law
Five retiring Georgia State Law faculty leave behind tremendous legacy
JUNE 8, 2020
Center for Law, Health & Society found director retires
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Virtual Celebration
Well Wishes
“Charity will always be a part of Georgia State Law for the students she has taught, the faculty she hired and mentored and the programs she built. Her impact has been truly immeasurable, and she has inspired so many to pursue health law. We wish her the very best as she goes onto this next journey.” - Leslie Wolf, Interim Dean and Distinguished University Professor, Georgia State University College of Law
"I can say unequivocally that Charity was the best teacher I ever had. She not only served as teacher, but also as mentor, coach, confidante, collaborator, and friend. Through her dedication, will, perseverance, and fortitude, Charity brought to life HeLP, the HeLP Legal Services Clinic, and an experiential legislative class known as Health Legislation & Advocacy. Charity both directly and indirectly provided assistance, guidance, and opportunities for so many--students, lawyers, academics, friends, and neighbors." - Sylvia Caley (M.B.A. ’86, J.D. ’89), Co-founder, Health Law Partnership (HeLP) and Clinical Professor of Law Emerita, Georgia State University College of Law
“Not only did I love the intellectual challenges in Professor Scott’s health law class, but I also loved the fact at the center of every discussion was a human being. There wasn’t a class that we had that didn’t discuss how the impact of some legal decision affected someone’s life. That health law class and the way Professor Scott presented it left an impression on me.” – Dawn M. Jones (J.D. ’00), Managing Member, The Firm of Dawn M. Jones, LLC, and President, State Bar of Georgia
“Charity Scott has brought tremendous wisdom, inspiration, encouragement and healing to law students and lawyers through her many courses, presentations and articles on mindfulness. The power of Charity’s embodied skill and wisdom is transformational for the legal profession as it finally begins to recognize that supporting and protecting the health and well-being of lawyers and law students is inseparable from developing and sustaining our professional competence and capacity.” - Plamen Russev (J.D. ’03), Attorney, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, and Co-Chair, Mental Well-Being Subcommittee, Attorney Wellness Committee, State Bar of Georgia
“Aside from her significant scholarly accomplishments, Charity remains the kindest, most thoughtful, most tolerant and most emphatic person I have ever encountered in health law, a field full of wonderful people. No one in our little field is loved and admired more than Charity.” - Ted Hutchinson, Executive Director of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics
Dear Professor Scott, I wish you a wonderful retirement. I took one health law class you taught and was so impressed with your passion. I still remember the video about Dax that you showed. I know that you have singlehandedly raised the stature of Health Law at the College of Law to towering heights. Well done!" -Joe Farrell
"Charity you built the Health Law Center and they came! Congratulations on a distinguished career! Enjoy a well-deserved retirement!" -Tanya Washington
"Congratulations, Charity!! You are one of a kind and your passion shows in all you do! Enjoy the well deserved change and THANK YOU for everything." -Amy Grover
"Professor Scott, I had you for torts my 1L year back in 2009. Out of all of my schooling, all of my professors, all of my classes, yours stood out as my favorite and you as the best professor I have ever had. Your style of teaching is dynamic and engaging and I am so sad for future generations of law students that don't get the pleasure of taking one of your courses. Best wishes on your retirement!" -Missy Koefod
"Professor Scott is my Shero! She was my torts professor and in addition to being a kind human being, she is truly one of the best professors I ever had in my 15-year college career. I wish I had been half as good in my academic teaching career as Professor Scott. She brought mindfulness to the law school and taught her classes with such thoughtfulness about the learning experience of her students. My husband and I, along with Brandon Kopp (GSU CoL 2019, seen in the photo with me and Professor Scott) were fortunate enough to be treated to a fantastic brunch at her home and I will forever cherish that memory. She always welcomed me into her office for in depth reflection and conversation about my future law career. GSU CoL is losing a great professor, but I wish her the best in her retirement. Thank you Professor Scott! Cheers to you as close this chapter of your journey." -Kristi Gibbs
"Professor Scott's passion for mindfulness and helping students to learn how helpful mindfulness can be to our well-being was invaluable. She was patient with us in class and allowed us to embrace mindfulness in a safe and encouraging environment. Thanks you Professor Scott for bringing such an important learning tool to GSU students. I use mindfulness every day to help manage stress and I owe it to your introduction. Best wishes on a joyful retirement. You will be missed." -Lindsay Roach
"I think I took every class Professor Scott taught while i was in law school. By far, one of the best! Her classes were thought provoking and challenging and I am a better lawyer because of her. Thank you and good luck." -Sandra Partridge
"Congratulations, Aunt Charity!!! Happy retirement." -Emily, Brendan, Charlie and Oliver
"Congratulations on your amazing career. Thank you for teaching the future generations of lawyers. We are all so proud of everything you've accomplished. Karyn and I cannot wait to celebrate with you." -Austin Scott
"Dear Professor Scott: This year I celebrate, with my fellow Y2K graduates, twenty years of practicing law. Although I seldom spoke in your epic, year-long introduction to torts law, each day that year I felt the buzz of excitement sparked by your energy and insight. I have been the appellate lawyer for the D.A.'s office here in Augusta for the last seven years, and before that I was a public defender for eight years (I also was an assistant solicitor-general for five years), so each day I return to the ideas of injury and responsibility we explored together that first year when I assist young lawyers in my office as they approach their first cases. Thanks for being a great teacher, if only I could borrow some of your wattage and warmth to help me teach my students. I guess when you love the law, the watts arrive-- maybe the real lesson you so generously taught us. All the best in your retirement."- Joshua Smith, Class of 2000, Assistant District Attorney, Augusta Judicial Circuit
"Prof Scott... or I would dare say: Charity, Charity Charity Charity. You were WAY TOO smart for me and I definitely did not belong in ANY of your classes. I was part of your earlier integration of Health Law and the med students and I remember every part of it. Your passion for the subject matter is what I remember most, by far. You never had a dull moment teaching us because your heart was in it 100%. I didn't get a 100% in your class but I walked away with a part of you that will last forever. I am not sure a professor can ask for anything more than to influence their students and your influence goes beyond the law. Your influence goes into every part of my life and encourages me to be passionate about the things I am doing before I present them to a jury or student. I recognize when I am not passionate about something and consider whether you would have been as impactful if you gave me 50%; and I quickly conclude you wouldn't have been. You gave us 100% in 2003 and I know you did the same through 2020. All the best to you!" -Mark Issa
"Congratulations, Professor Scott, on your retirement! You were my Torts professor back in 2005 and boy were you tough - in an amazing way. You pushed us to really think about the law, the policy, and the real life implications of the decisions we studied. I enjoyed your Torts class so much that I tried to take as many of your courses as I could. Your leadership of the Health Law program has been extraordinary to say the least. I was lucky enough to be a part of the health law collaboration with Emory, which was my absolute favorite course during law school. I know that the COL will be sad to see you go, as you are one of a kind. I wish you the best for your retirement." -Meredith Guerrero
"Congratulations on your retirement! You were an amazing Torts professor. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have been assigned to your class. Your teachings were so clear that I still think of things you said and apply your teachings on a daily basis now, over twenty years later. I wish you well and I rest assured that many of the students, mentees and colleagues that you taught and inspired will help us through this incredibly difficult time where law and the healthcare community must work together. Hope you attack your retirement with as much enthusiasm as you taught our class!" -Lara Smith
"Dear Professor Scott, wow, wow, wow - I am just one small piece to your enormous impact and legacy at the GSU College of Law. I am grateful to have met you and to have had the honor to work closely with you as your Graduate Research Assistant. Thank you for seeing something in me. Your compassion for students and genuine care for people is a positivity this world is blessed by. Congratulations on your retirement. Wishing you much health, joy and peace." -Chae Mims
"Professor Scott, You may recall that we ran across each other quite recently at the Law School; I'm the fellow who has already retired from law and has returned to GSU as an undergraduate, just for the entertainment value.
Please don't fret if you don't remember me. From your perspective, I was merely one of the gaggle of 1st year Torts students, circa 1993. While I found the subject interesting enough, your wit and verve were what made the class captivating and memorable.
In my humble opinion, Law, as a human philosophical construct, dribbles and wafts through our society in a most uneven fashion, sometimes vanishing, sometimes appearing as a deluge of ideas and solutions. On the other hand, your wit, compassion, and smile will last forever, always a part of my life and any other life touched by you and me." -Dan Thompson
"I had the pleasure of attending a class with you. Law school is a difficult and stressful time, but you helped to shepherd us through and taught us valuable things that we now use in our own practice. Your enthusiasm and passion for the subject you teach captured our attention, and like a vessel, it helped to deliver the material we needed to grasp a complex subject. You made it enjoyable and interesting. I wish you well on your retirement and will remember you fondly. You helped to shape my law school experience for the better and helped me to have the confidence to practice law and be a leader. Thank you for your service to us." -Ryan Coskrey
"To all my former colleagues at GSU Law - I wish you the very best on your retirement. I can't imagine GSU law without this strong team teaching, advising students, and running the law school. Congratulations on your retirement." -Ellen Podgor
"Big thanks for your your contributions to the GSU community and best wishes for your future. Enjoy a well-earned retirement." -Ted Solley
"Dear Professor, I was a student and took your Wills, Trusts and Estates class your first year teaching at GA State. You were the best professor I ever had and you made a complex subject seem simple. I now practice fiduciary law for a bank and i am eternally grateful to you for your guidance and expertise. My son is a part time law student at GA State and I regret that he will not be able to have you as a professor. I wish you all the best for the future and thank you so very much for your service. It was a privilege to be in your classroom!" -Vicki M. Mudano
"Congratulations on your retirement! I have fond memories of your class and benefited greatly from the knowledge you shared and the way you presented the material. GSU is a much better place because of you. I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your career." -Ben Jordan (Class of 2006)
"Thank you for everything you did in making me the person I am today. I give you the credit and at the same time sign a waiver of liability for any harm I may have caused. Thank you for what you have done for Georgia State University College of Law and the legal profession. Best wishes and stay safe." -Phillip Jackson
"Congratulations to all of the retirees. Prof. Scott, I enjoyed your classes very much and the enthusiasm with which you taught. I will miss reading updates about your work and contributions to the law school community. I hope each of you enjoys a fulfilling retirement." -Donna Johnson
"It’s no exaggeration to say that Professor Scott is a visionary. When she saw the need to develop a connection between law and medicine, she set out to accomplish that in the most comprehensive way possible, to the benefit of countless clients, patients, students, law and medical schools, hospitals and communities. The results speak for themselves, both at GSU and nationwide. Thank you, Professor Scott, for making such a difference and being a great friend and colleague." -Roy Sobelson
"Congratulations Professor Scott!! Loved your class because you brought so much of you to each one." -Alecia Bell
"One of my favorite professors.. so wise and funny and charismatic. Thank you for making law school fun. May God bless you always Professor Scott!" -Pamela Stewart
"Oh, Charity, both you and Mary retiring about the same time. Congratulations and much happiness in your retirement. You two are among my fine memories of working there...many years ago. In fact, it's been so long, you may not remember me." -Nina Thomas
"Congratulations Professor Scott! It is hard to find the right words to describe the impact you made on GSU College of Law and its students/graduates. Best of luck in this new chapter!" -Crystal Filiberto
"Professor Scott, thank you for teaching me torts and negotiation. I am so well equipped to help my business clients enforce their contract rights with the help of both my tort knowledge and my skills at negotiation. I never took any health law course with you but I now help medical providers and love being part of the health law community. I wish you the very best in your retirement!!" -Danielle Hudson Laughlin
"I remember when you came to the College of Law in 1988 so we have known each other for over 30 years. I think there was one health law course at the time. As an older, part-time student, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. You helped me see how many different aspects of health law there are. I recall sitting in your office going over footnotes for an article I wrote for the health law bulletin, and thinking how much I enjoyed writing. I gained confidence and went on to spend 23 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where I was able to author several publications. I have fond memories of the gatherings in your home with other students. I am so proud to be a graduate of the school ranked #2 in Health Care Law. You were instrumental in making this happen. I retired in 2016 and I hope you enjoy this next life chapter as much as I do. My very best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement!" -Gail Horlick, MSW, JD 1990
"The news of all of your retirements is bittersweet for me. Each of you helped guide me and showed great friendship to me in different ways at my time at the College of Law - still my favorite professional years. Here's wishing each of you much joy and many successes in retirement. It's hard for me to think of the College of Law without each one of you!" -Colin Crawford
"Wow, there could not be a group of four GSU Law professors who have had more of an impact on my professional life! Employment Discrimination, Labor Law, Torts, and ADR--these classes, which the four of you taught me, form the backbone of my day-to-day practice as an employment lawyer.
Professor Radford, it was while sitting in your Employment Discrimination class in 1997 and marveling at your ability to bring those cases to life that I was inspired to be an employment lawyer--truly one of the defining and most satisfying characteristics of my life. Professor Kaminshine, I remember so clearly being fascinated and infuriated in your Labor Law class. Professor Scott, your wit, humor, and piercing engagement w/ your students was a marvel to behold for my One L self. And Professor Yarn, getting to know you not just as your ADR class student but also as your ADR research assistant was such a pleasure and honor. I remember each of you so well, and so fondly. Thank you for giving of yourselves so wholly and with such dedication. Enjoy retirement-you've earned it!" -Bob Coursey
"Charity--Congratulations on your retirement from GSU COL. You are leaving an exciting legacy and should be most proud. I admire how you never gave up on establishing the HELP program and now so many families have benefitted. Best wishes for the next phase of your life." - Susan Kelley
"Charity, thank you so much for everything you have done for "the field." - Dena Davis
"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your service to GSU Law! I loved learning Torts and Health Law from you as a 1L and 3L, and I will forever associate any reference to Palsgraf with you." - Michael Moebes
"Congratulations on a long and inspiring career. Your many contributions to the College of Law, including HeLP and the HeLP Clinic, positively impacted the lives of so many and forever transformed the institution. Wishing you the very best for your retirement years." - Lisa Bliss
"Your pathbreaking entrepreneurship leaves an extraordinary legacy here at GSU. Those of us teaching health law are so grateful for your leadership and your example." - Tim Lytton
"Congratulations, Charity! It was your vision (and your understanding of the breadth and importance of health law) that made our Center what it is today. Thank you for all that you did for our students as well as for all of us. With best wishes, Jonathan" - Jonathan Todres
"Congratulations on your retirement and on your amazing legacy. Your commitment to health and wellness has played an integral part in shaping the law school community and has personally had an extremely positive effect on my career. Best wishes!" - Courtney Anderson
"Charity, thank you for your friendship and mentorship over the years. You have been such a role model for so many of us, both at GSU and in the health law community at large, that it is truly difficult to imagine what things would be like without you. We will miss your powerful voice and strong advocacy for patients, students, health law teachers. Enjoy your well earned retirement! Be well and continue enjoying those delicious grandkids!" - Yaniv Heled