William Elliott Stiles Jr. (J.D. '06) has donated his Concept Collection to the University of Georgia School of Law.
The artist, a 2006 cum laude graduate of the law school, began painting while in high school and said this creative activity was a much needed stress reliever during his time as a law student. In fact, while studying in Athens, he created and donated a piece titled “The Common Law” to the school. This painting reflects relevant case law, theories, ideas and history examined during the first semester of legal studies.
The images in the Concept Collection are “firmly rooted in the practice of law with excerpts of U.S. Supreme Court opinions in the background.” Stiles began this body of work after experiencing a significant health scare in 2015. While recovering, law school classmates and former professors encouraged him to return to this creative outlet. Stiles said his law school family “helped to restore his confidence” and rediscover this stress reliever.
Stiles, who specializes in commercial vehicle litigation, currently practices with Bey & Associates in Atlanta. He is married to Amber Barrow Stiles, also a 2006 graduate of the School of Law.
In the tradition of legal studies and a common approach of daily preparation of law students, the following is a brief of the Concept Collection paintings now on display at the University of Georgia School of Law (“UGA Law”). So not to 1) undermine the artistic principle that Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder or 2) limit the imagination and thoughts of anyone viewing the painting, these descriptions are limited to the key elements of each painting.
In closing, I can’t express enough my gratitude for this honor. THANK YOU - Stiles
List of Titles