For alumnus John Latham, thankfulness became a bridge back to Emory — and a way to pay forward the opportunities that once opened doors for him.

John Latham 79L is reluctant to talk about himself. Asked about his nearly five-decade relationship with Emory, the experienced litigator deftly steers the conversation to the university. “I can draw a direct line from the opportunity and experience I had at the law school to my success as a lawyer,” Latham says. “We had tremendous professors who taught us the critical thinking skills that became the foundation of our work, and we had a class full of tenacious people who have done some amazing things.” 

He might not say it himself, but Latham is clearly one of them. A retired partner at Alston & Bird, he was recognized by his peers as one of the nation’s top securities lawyers. 

He and his wife, Sheri, are also committed to giving back to Emory. They’ve supported the university for more than 30 years, most recently with a gift of an endowed Distinguished Professorship in Civil Litigation at Emory Law. Latham also served on Emory’s Board of Trustees and helped lead the 2O36 campaign for the Law School. 

“I’m a bit of an introvert, and fundraising is not something that comes naturally to me,” he says. “But I believe strongly in Emory’s mission and believe the campaign has been an opportunity for Emory to break out and accomplish important things.” 

Latham says his support for the university is grounded in gratitude. He came from modest means and relied on scholarship assistance to attend law school at Emory. He says he never imagined he’d have a career as successful as the one he’s had and believes he should pay his success forward to new generations. 

“I got to a point in my career where the bills were paid, so I started turning my efforts to trying to repay and provide opportunities for people who have had similar experiences.” 

Along with the professorship and his work on the Board of Trustees, those efforts have included creating a need-based scholarship for Emory Law students and funding the Latham Lobby in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts honoring Sheri, who taught ballet at Emory for 28 years. 

Latham says that giving, in any amount, strengthens the bond with the Emory community. Four years ago, he began providing funds to incentivize the university and individual schools to raise money for Emory Day of Giving, including matching gifts. 

It’s a great way to help programs across the campus, he explains, and a great way to foster grassroots and first-time giving. Latham says he checks in on the results every year to see how successful the giving competitions and match challenges are. “They’re critical not just in terms of money, but they connect our community to the schools,” he says. 

Latham says actively participating in campus life, whether as a donor or as a regular attendee of dance performances, nearly 50 years after graduating from Emory is fulfilling. 

“Giving reconnected me in a deeper way to the law school and the students there. I feel incredibly blessed,” he says. “I needed help when I came to Emory. Anything I can do to help others is important to me.”

Reflecting John Latham’s comprehensive support of Emory Law, we offer Funds for Excellence, which provide leadership with the flexibility to strengthen the school across programs and initiatives.