One question came to mind after reading Meredith Hobbs' article, “UGA Law Launches Benham Scholars Program“: How can I help?

The article describes how UGA Law School created a new program to attract and support students, particularly from rural areas, who might think law school is beyond their reach. The program is named after Justice Robert Benham, who was the law school's second African American graduate and is an inspiration to all of us who practice law.

After reading that the program was started with $44,000 in funding, I sent Dean Bo Rutledge an email asking how I can help. Specifically, how to donate.

Donating is simple. You can donate on-line using the following link, or you can mail a check made payable to the University of Georgia Foundation (with “Benham Scholars Fund” in the memo) to the University of Georgia School of Law, Office of Law School Advancement, 225 Herty Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-6012.

While I was fortunate enough not to need financial assistance to attend law school, there were many people who reached out to help me throughout my career. Every person I've helped over the past 22 years—and every person I plan to help before I retire—has these mentors, teachers and colleagues to thank.

Like the help I received, I am hopeful that the Benham Scholars Program will not only have an impact on the student recipients, who while academically qualified face barriers to entering law school, but will likewise have an impact on thousands of people who will receive the assistance of these students after they join our profession.

We all know that $44,000 is not enough to fully fund the program. It is also not enough to honor Justice Benham. Please join me in donating to the Benham Scholars Program. Please join me in making a difference.

Noah H. Pines, Atlanta