The Mercer School of Law held its annual Alumni Dinner on March 8 at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, where it presented its 2025 alumni awards. The Honorable Samuel D. Ozburn received the Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award. The award honors those who have served the legal profession in an outstanding manner and brought honor to themselves and the school. Ozburn is noted for his service as chair of the Council of Superior Court Judges’ Court Security Committee and various other judicial roles.
Ozburn has had a distinguished career, having served as a justice by special designation on the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2005 and spoken at numerous legal seminars. His legal career began in private practice, focusing on corporate law, domestic relations, real property, and personal injury matters. He has also been involved with several community organizations and received multiple awards for his service.
The Meritorious Service Award was given to The Honorable Sara L. Doyle, class of '94. This award is for alumni who have shown significant support for the Alumni Association and Mercer Law School through their contributions of time and gifts. Doyle has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since 2009 and was chief judge from 2015 to 2017. She played a key role in implementing jurisdictional changes within Georgia's courts.
Doyle began her career as a civil litigator and later became an equity partner at Holland & Knight, LLP, focusing on education issues. Recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer from 2004 to 2008, she has been active in various professional organizations and received multiple accolades for her service.
Maj. Wesley Watts, class of '22, was awarded the Young Alumnus/Alumna Volunteer of the Year Award for his commitment to enhancing Mercer law students' experiences. Watts has volunteered frequently at the law school while stationed at Robins Air Force Base and serves as special trial counsel for the Air Force.
Watts provides leadership and mentorship within his role in the Air Force’s Office of Special Trial Counsel. His past responsibilities included managing combat-coded aircraft valued over $12 billion and leading over 1,000 troops. Despite not attending the dinner due to family commitments, Dean Sneddon accepted Watts' award on his behalf.