Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP presented the 2014 Donald C. McCleary Gardere Leadership Scholarship to Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law student Allyson Gault at the Dallas Bar Foundation Fellows Luncheon on March 26.
The scholarship is awarded annually to a second-year SMU law student in memory of former Gardere Managing Partner Don McCleary. Recipients are evaluated and chosen based on excellence in academics, leadership, character and involvement in both law school and the community, core values embraced by Mr. McCleary.
"It is with great pride and admiration that we present the 2014 Donald C. McCleary Gardere Leadership Scholarship to SMU law student Allyson Gault," says Gardere Chair Holland N. O'Neil. "Allyson's academic record, her civic and community service efforts, and her drive and initiative embody the spirit of Don McCleary's passion for excellence in leadership and pro bono service. We had many worthy applicants, but Allyson set the bar high!"
Ms. Gault, who is consistently named to the Dean's list, is heavily involved in SMU law school organizations and activities. She currently serves as the staff editor for the SMU Law Review Association, and she is a member of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honors Fraternity, Veterans Law Association (former secretary), Association for Public Interest Law and SMU Women in Law. Through APIL, Ms. Gault encourages other students to become involved in public service and helps raise money for summer public interest internship stipends. She has given back to the community by participating in summer internships with Jesuit Refugee Services in Malta and Mosaic Family Services in Dallas.
Ms. Gault is a 2009 summa cum laude graduate of Texas State University. She currently works as a law clerk for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Mr. McCleary served as Gardere's managing partner from 1991 through 1995, before he passed away in 1996. His vision for Gardere included participation in local, state and national public affairs, humanitarian activities and pro bono work. He established many of the community outreach programs that have become the hallmark of the Firm, including the Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, which this year celebrated its 22nd anniversary in Dallas and its 18th anniversary in Houston.
For additional information regarding the Donald C. McCleary Gardere Leadership Scholarship, including a list of past recipients, please visit the Gardere Community page.