In his role as the associate dean for career advancement, Tony Waller equips students, staff, and faculty at the School of Law with the essential tools to present themselves effectively.
Waller’s association with the law school commenced after completing his undergraduate studies. Armed with a freshly earned bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, he embarked on his law school journey in 1990.
Upon graduation and after practicing law for some time, Waller transitioned to a startup in Washington, D.C., primarily undertaking human resources responsibilities. It was there that he uncovered his true passion.
“The aspect I found most enjoyable was determining who would be the best match for various clients and roles,” he stated.
In 2000, he made the decision to return to Athens, securing a position as the associate director for legal career services at the law school. Waller remained in this role for six years before taking on the assistant dean for career planning and professional growth at the University of Illinois College of Law.
He and his spouse returned to Athens in 2011. During this period, Waller managed a startup previously named Children First Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for children in foster care throughout Georgia.
“My responsibility was to ensure that those doing the essential work didn’t have to stress about getting paid,” he remarked. “They didn’t need to worry about maintaining the building’s operations or how we would sustain the organization.”
In 2015, he ultimately returned to the University of Georgia when Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge, the then dean of the law school, honored a promise made to the students.
“He stated he would recruit someone to concentrate on government and public interest advising. I practiced local government law and, naturally, managed a nonprofit here in Athens,” Waller shared. “Therefore, he brought me in as the inaugural public interest advisor within the Career Development Office.”
For the subsequent five years, Waller held various career development roles at the school before officially becoming the assistant dean in 2021. In this capacity, he leverages a blend of skills and principles acquired throughout his journey to optimally support the law school community.
“Many individuals enroll in law school primarily because they aspire to assist others, and I share that motivation,” Waller expressed. “I have the ability to aid students in recognizing and attaining their full potential, equipping them with the necessary skills to embark on successful careers.”
As an evident extrovert, Waller delights in his role as it allows him to engage with others.
“I feel a genuine sense of joy when individuals discover their calling,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a monumental revelation; even small realizations matter.”
Having resources like Waller available is crucial for students as the school and job market become increasingly competitive. UGA law students are annually becoming more academically adept, paralleling the rising talents in the job arena. It is Waller’s mission to assist students in overcoming these additional challenges.
With nearly 600 students and 300 to 500 partner employers each year, every day presents new challenges. One day, Waller might focus on providing professional development opportunities for students, while on another, he may allocate time to assist a student in securing funding for a career pursuit. Regardless of the task, Waller is dedicated to ensuring that the law school community excels.
“If I’ve executed my responsibilities effectively, they should have the chance to function almost seamlessly,” he said.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Waller is actively involved in the local community and the legal field. With three children, he consistently makes an effort to engage with their schools, participating in PTO boards and booster clubs. He also contributes to the National Association of Law Placement (NALP) and served as its president for the 2023-2024 term.
Alongside a group of friends, he co-hosts a podcast focused on UGA athletics. “Waitin’ Since Last Saturday” has featured guests such as Brett Bawcum, director of athletic bands, and Amanda Mull, a Grady alumna and writer for The Atlantic.
Throughout Waller’s tenure at the School of Law, he will forever cherish the remarkable spirit of the institution.
“I am continually impressed by the authentic warmth and sense of community that the law school embodies,” he noted. “Despite the numerous challenges in the world, we are exceptionally fortunate to possess such a supportive community.”
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