07/17/2026
Meet the 2026 Finch Fellows ⚖️
Six of our students spent the summer serving rural Alabama communities in Scottsboro, Fayette, Union Springs, and Ozark, working alongside the judges who preside over those courts. On June 3, they attended oral arguments before the Alabama Supreme Court.
The Finch Fellowship Initiative gives students a firsthand look at rural practice: how much it asks of an attorney, and how much it offers in return.
Abigail Tanner (Ozark, AL), a summa cm laude graduate of the University of Alabama, served under Judge William Filmore in the 33rd Judicial Circuit.
Jensie Britt (Scottsboro, AL), a summa cm laude graduate of Athens State University, served under Judge John Graham in the 38th Judicial Circuit.
Logan Knapp (Milton, GA) served with Judge Sam Junkin in Fayette and plans to pursue a general practice after law school.
Rachel Jenkins (Huntsville, AL), a University of Alabama graduate, served with Judge John Graham in Scottsboro and plans to pursue a career in litigation.
Sidney Gilley (Enterprise, AL), an Auburn University graduate, served under Judge Smithart in the 3rd Judicial Circuit and is spending the second half of the summer with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program.
Llayne Skinner (Danville, AL), a summa cm laude graduate of Mississippi University for Women, served under Judge Sam Junkin in the 24th Judicial Circuit.
We are proud of these outstanding students and grateful to the judges, attorneys, and communities who make the Finch Fellowship Initiative possible. Together, they are building the next generation of lawyers committed to serving Alabama communities.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2s475sjf
Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8lpnsPIEp8
