This scholarship is available to a student interested in pursuing a career in government or public law. The student may demonstrate that interest by:
– meaningful employment, internship or field placement in a government office prior to or during law school
– successful completion of LAW 6004 or LAW 5410 at the Law Center
– otherwise showing, to the satisfaction of the Scholarship Committee, a significant interest in a public law career
The scholarship may be awarded to a 1L, 2L or 3L and may follow the student for successive years.
Dr. E. Kay Kirkpatrick had a fulfilling career in public service. She holds four degrees from Louisiana State University. Before coming to law school in the fall of 1974, Kirkpatrick earned a bachelors, a masters and a Ph.D. in speech. Early in her law career, she accepted a job offer from the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney, Ossie Brown. She particularly enjoyed appellate work, arguing appeals to the LA 1st Circuit and LA Supreme Court. In 1988, newly-elected Governor Buddy Roemer’s office needed advice on the many criminal cases that were sent to the Governor for review. Kirkpatrick came on board for that purpose but her work quickly expanded to matters of environment, public finance and education. She was often in legislative committees, speaking on behalf of the Governor. In 1992, Richard Ieyoub was elected Attorney General and chose her to be his deputy, heading the Civil Division for more than 10 years. She became Executive Counsel for the University of Louisiana System in 2005 and retired from state service in 2010. She reflects on a career that was stimulating, challenging, productive and filled with opportunities she never dreamed existed. She knows her work helped many people — some individuals, but more importantly, the people.
Dr. Kirkpatrick made her gift in 2017. She hopes that her scholarship recipients understand that working in public law is a privilege — a privilege they should pursue with deliberation and dedication. And she hopes they enjoy their careers every bit as much as she enjoyed hers.
