Vermont Law School (VLS) will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a live event featuring prominent attorney Willie Gary delivering a keynote address entitled “Our Social Responsibility: Using the Law to Honor Dr. King’s legacy.”

Organized by the VLS Office for Student Affairs, the free, virtual event is open to the public and will take place Jan. 19, 2021, from 12:45 to 2 p.m. For more information, or to watch the celebration via livestream visit www.vermontlaw.edu/live.

Despite overwhelming odds, Gary used hard work and sheer determination to become one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers. Gary’s keynote address will draw on his personal story to motivate and inspire VLS students to accept the social responsibility that comes with a law degree, and encourage them to carry on the important work of Dr. King.

“I can’t think of any other person who is better suited to share with the VLS community the power of the law, and the relevance of Dr. King’s impact, even to this day,” said Shirley Jefferson, associate dean for student affairs and diversity. “During these difficult times that we face as a nation, Mr. Gary’s experience, insight, and perspective are especially important for us all to hear and learn from.”  

The event will also include two singing performances by VLS student Arielle King JD’21: “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “We Shall Overcome.”

To watch the celebration via livestream, go to www.vermontlaw.edu/live.