To memorialize his life and legacy, the law firm of Holland & Knight established the John M. Hogan Fund for Public Interest Litigation at Miami Law. The fund will be used to provide scholarship assistance to Hogan Scholars—law students who are Certified Legal Interns, with a preference given to students who wish to be placed at Legal Services of Greater Miami or the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.
"The Hogan Scholarship is an integral part of our fostering public service through the Litigation Skills Program," said Laurence M. Rose, Professor of Law Emeritus and Director of the Litigation Skills Program. "With the great disparity in starting salaries between private firms and public service offices, the Hogan Scholarship assists in leveling the playing field for new graduates by reducing their school debt. More importantly, it recognizes the professional commitment incumbent upon all lawyers, as exhibited by John Hogan's career and legacy."
“John was revered by his colleagues because of his commitment to the firm, our clients, our communities, and our profession,” said Steven Sonberg, managing partner of Holland & Knight, explaining why the firm established the Fund. “We can think of no better way to honor him than to encourage young lawyers to follow in his footsteps by giving back to the profession and to the community.”
Gianna Fina, J.D. ‘20, was recently named as the first recipient of the John Hogan Scholarship. A native of Miami and graduate of the University of Florida, Fina is a Miami Public Interest Scholar at Miami Law and has interned at the State Attorney's Office in Miami and Dade Legal Aid. She has also distinguished herself as a litigation skills fellow.
"It truly is an honor to be the first recipient of this scholarship," said Fina. "Mr. Hogan exemplified not only the kind of social justice advocate I want to be as a lawyer but also the kind of person I strive to be. His colleagues describe him as one of the most honest, hardworking, kind, and caring people they knew. I hope that throughout my career I can work towards exhibiting those incredible qualities every day."
Watch the celebration here.
