Category: Alumni News

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is delighted to announce the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients: Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert (’12), Antonio Lee (’14), and Vincent Phillips (’96). The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have obtained distinction in their professional careers. Those honored share the same characteristics of leadership, progressive thinking, high standards, uncompromising integrity, commitment, courage, and confidence. Their careers serve as models for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students and alumni. We will celebrate the 2024 honorees at the Alumni Awards Reception on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Click here to view past award recipients.

Congratulations!

Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, Class of 2012

Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert is an accomplished attorney and the founder of Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, a reputable personal injury firm with multiple locations throughout the Atlanta Metro. Jennifer and her team specialize in representing clients injured in auto accidents, trucking crashes, slip-and-fall incidents, wrongful death cases, and more. With a strong focus on maximizing case values and streamlining the legal process using technology and efficient communication, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group has become known for its exceptional client service and results-driven approach.

Under Jennifer’s leadership, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group has experienced exponential growth in cases, revenue, and employee size since its establishment in 2013. Jennifer’s dedication and expertise have also earned her numerous accolades, including Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018-2024, Daily Report’s Award for Best Social Media, National Trial Lawyers Award for Best Social Media 2024, Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, the Avvo Top Personal Attorney Award, and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Lawyers Award, among others. Most recently, her firm was recognized on the Inc 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies in the US in 2022 and 2023. Jennifer also was one of the co-authors of the book “Tiger Tactics CEO Edition” published in 2023. She has appeared in many news articles include USA Today, as well as podcasts, and stages speaking about her entrepreneurial legal journey.

In addition to her legal work, Jennifer is committed to giving back to her community by supporting local events, sponsoring scholarships for college students, and donating to the Backpack Project, which provides backpacks and school supplies to students in need. Jennifer also coaches personal injury attorneys and business owners on topics such as personal injury law, practice management, and business marketing. She currently serves as the Past President of the Alumni Association at Atlanta’s John Marshall, where she works to reinvigorate the alumni community and support the school’s mission. She is also the President of Georgia Association for Women Lawyer’s Foundation, which focuses on philanthropy by women lawyers in Georgia for the benefit of the community as well as, scholarships for women law students in Georgia.

Antonio Lee, Class of 2014

Antonio Lee is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana at the U.S. Department of Justice. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Lee was an Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA) at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he handled all aspects of defensive civil litigation for torts and civil rights cases in state, appellate, and federal court. Prior to his position as an ASA, Mr. Lee was selected into the prestigious U.S. Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program, where he served as Attorney Advisor for then-Commissioner, now Chair Charlotte A. Burrows at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, dealing with complex employment discrimination issues on a national level. Through the PMF program, Mr. Lee also worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Justice – Community Relations Service. 

Mr. Lee holds several local and national leadership positions while tutoring law students to successfully pass state bar examinations. He currently serves as Vice President of the Cook County Bar Association, Board Member-at-Large for the National Bar Association (NBA), Chair of the NBA’s LGBTQ Division, Chief-of-staff for NBA’s President-elect Wiley Adams, Lead Coordinator for NBA’s Economic Empowerment national programming, member of the General Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), member of ISBA’s Young Lawyers Division Section Council, and member of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s Advisory Council to eliminate bullying in the legal profession. 

Mr. Lee is a licensed attorney in Georgia, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. He graduated from Ball State University and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, cum laude.

Vincent Phillips, Class of 1996

Recognized nationally as one of the most influential attorneys in entertainment and culture, Vincent “Vince” Phillips is a trailblazing attorney, music executive, prolific business strategist, genre-transforming global brand creator, and social anthropologist.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Atlanta-native Vince Phillips is a Founding Partner at Arrington and Phillips, LLP, specializing in entertainment law. Acknowledged as a Billboard Magazine “Top Music Lawyer” for several years, A Variety magazine Top Entertainment Lawyer and is considered a pioneer of the music and entertainment presence in Atlanta, Vince is one of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished and sought-after attorneys, representing artists and producing cultural phenomena that changed the landscape of urban and global music. He currently represents several chart-topping, recording artists, labels and award-winning film and television actors and executives.

Vince is considered a pioneer for the Atlanta entertainment industry. Vince was a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BME Recordings, LLC, which he co-founded with multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning producer and artist Lil Jon. As one of the most successful independent hip hop record labels and publishers in America, BME created the “Crunk Music” sub-genre of hip hop that rocked and transformed a generation. 

A graduate of Georgia State University and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Vince is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Georgia State Bar Association, and sits on the board of the Black Entertainment and Sports Association. He is tireless in his work to end youth exploitation and human sex trafficking; serves on the Board of Directors of youthSpark, a nonprofit organization providing support services, interventions, and public policy advocacy for victims of abuse; and Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA). Vince also serves as a strategic advisor to Beloved Villages, a start-up social enterprise focused on building, scaling, and replicating the beloved community of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream.

Vince is an avid reader, father of two, and community servant with a passion for humanitarian and sustainability issues impacting the world.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., Class of 1992, as the Law School’s 2024 commencement speaker. Commencement exercises are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the Rialto Center for the Arts, located at 80 Forsyth St., NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The event will be live streamed at this link. Tickets are required for entry and have been distributed to graduates individually, additional tickets will not be available at the door. For general information you can visit our graduation page here and/or our logistics page here for further details.

“We are delighted that Judge Ramsey accepted our invitation to be this year’s commencement speaker. We have been celebrating our 90th anniversary this past academic year and his journey to the bench truly embodies what it means to leave a lasting legacy and inspire the next generation of legal professionals. We are proud of his success and look forward to welcoming him back.”

– Dean Jace C. Gatewood

“I am honored to have the opportunity to congratulate the commitment and resolve of those who have navigated the arduous, yet rewarding experience of law school and to impart some sage words to facilitate their journey into proficient, charitable and integrous legal careers.”

– Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr.

About Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr.

Judge Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., is the immediate past Presiding Judge of Division –B and led the court through the recent world-wide pandemic by leading a team to develop technology innovations, including virtual proceedings and other platforms that will serve the court and citizens of DeKalb County for years to come. Judge Ramsey also successfully negotiated with county leadership for relocation and construction of a new State Court – Division B, courthouse with expected occupancy in early 2025. In 2021, Judge Ramsey was also instrumental and reshaping legislation to transform the governance and equity of the court. Judge Ramsey is the immediate past District Chair for the Council of State Court Judges, where he also served as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee.

Ramsey began his professional career in Atlanta, with the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency, after graduating with honors from North Carolina Central University in 1981. While working full-time as a federal investigator and hearing officer, Judge Ramsey enrolled as an evening student at John Marshall Law School. Immediately upon being admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1992, Judge Ramsey became a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) legal team for the ensuing two years. He also became a certified mediator during that period and remained a key member of the Justice Center of Atlanta’s mediation team for eighteen years.

Judge Ramsey left government service in 1994, to become the Southeast Regional Counsel for the Laborers International Union. During that period, he also served as an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School. Three years later, Judge Ramsey became the Director of Labor Relations and Legal Affairs for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for nearly 2 years.

In 2000, the Honorable Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. was appointed as the first African-American to serve as a Municipal Court Judge in the City of Stone Mountain, Georgia, where he served until 2007. While serving on the bench, Judge Ramsey engaged in the private practice of law in the areas of criminal defense, labor and employment, business and probate law. His mediation and arbitration services also comprised a significant portion of his practice.

In 2015, Ramsey resigned his nine-year tenure as Georgia State Senator and his ten-year tenure Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District to accept an appointment by Governor Nathan Deal as an Associate Judge on the DeKalb County State Court.

Judge Ramsey is a past Judicial Section Chair of the historic Gate City Bar Association. Judge Ramsey is also past District 4 Representative of the American Bar Association/ Judicial Division/ National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, where he was subsequently elected to the executive committee and ultimately served a successful term as Chair of the Conference. In 2022, Judge Ramsey was the second African American Judge appointed to serve as a Judicial Outreach Liaison for the American Bar Association/ Judicial Division. Most recently, in 2023, Judge Ramsey was elected to serve on the House of Delegates for the American Bar Association.

Judge Ramsey has been married to his wife, Doris, for over 38 years and they are the parents of two adults, both of whom are graduates of the University System of Georgia.

It was an incredible year for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumni. Each month in the alumni newsletter, top attorneys are recognized for their achievements, honors, and exciting announcements. If you or someone you know have earned a spot in our Alumni on the Move series, please submit the information here. Below are our 2023 alumni highlights. Our hometown Atlanta law school has been educating Atlanta, Georgia, regional, national and international legal professionals for 90+ years and it is our pleasure to celebrate their achievements.

If you would like to update your information to receive the alumni newsletter, please email Director of Alumni Relations, AJ Doucett, at adoucett@johnmarshall.edu.

January 2023

Lisanne Edelman (’17), Meaghan Eustice (’15), Randy Fry (’99), Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert (’12), Fernanda Hottle (’10), Shilpa Jadwani (’12), Megan McClinton (’13), Calina Plotkey (’12), Mary-Anne Uzoka (’14) — Congratulations to these nine alumni for being sworn into the Supreme Court of the United States Bar during our annual trip!

Matthew Momtahan (’09) — Congratulations to Matthew for being selected by the Newspapers of West Georgia as one of the 40 Under 40, West Georgia’s Rising Stars!

Ginger Arnold (’11) — Congratulations to Ginger as she joins the firm of Deming, Parker, Hoffman, Campbell, & Daly, LLC, as Associate Attorney where she will focus on estate planning!

Lauren Boone (’11) — Congratulations to Lauren on her appointment as a Judge to the Cobb County Magistrate Court Bench! Lauren will serve part-time on the bench while still continuing with her corporate practice.

Gulliana Goehring (’21) — Congratulations to Gulliana on being named partner at The Fry Law Firm! The firm will now be known as Fry | Goehring!

February 2023

Steven V. Bennett (’94) — Congratulations to Judge Bennett for being sworn in on January 3, 2023, as only the third ever “elected” juvenile court judge in the state of Georgia. Floyd County is unique as being the only county in the State that allows citizens to choose their juvenile court judge.

Timothy White (’98) — Congratulations to Timothy on celebrating his 25th year of private practice in Jasper, GA.

Wes McDaniel (’10) — Congratulations to Wes on his recent promotion to equity partner at The Hansford Law Firm. The firm will now be known as Hansford McDaniel, LLC, and will continue to exclusively represent injured workers throughout Georgia and Alabama.

Nick Schnyder (’11) — Congratulations to Nick and his firm, Nick Schnyder Law Firm, on opening their 4th location in Buckhead.

David Windecher (’12) — Congratulations to David for being awarded the very first NFL Inspire Change – Changemaker Award for his work with his non-profit Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED). David was presented the award at the annual Falcons Community Honors Dinner, surrounded by his RED staff, board members, and even a few former participants.

Raina Spencer (’16) — Congratulations to Raina and her new firm the Law Office of Raina Spencer, LLC. Her firm’s primary practice area is personal injury representing clients who are involved in car accidents, slip & falls, wrongful death, and catastrophic accidents.

Narissa Juitt-Jackson (’13) — Congratulations to Narissa and her firm, Juitt-Jackson Law Firm, for being named the 2022 Best in Georgia Family Law Firm by the Georgia Business Journal.

Alexandros Cornejo (’17) — Congratulations to Alexandros and his firm, The Cornejo Law Firm, on opening their 4th location in Newnan, GA. Alexandros is excited about this location because it is “literally home and it is an honor and a privilege to help my community in this part of town”.

Shiela Guider (’18) — Congratulations to Shiela on her promotion to Assistant Attorney General at the Georgia Department of Law, representing State Licensing Boards. She previously worked in the areas of Elections, Education, and Local Government as a paralegal for over 17 years.

March 2023

Adam Malone (’99) — Congratulations to Adam for being ranked as #1 in the 2023 Georgia Super Lawyer’s list. Additionally, Adam was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2023 for his work in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Alpa Amin (’10) — Congratulations to Alpa on being awarded the Unsung Devotion to Those Most in Need awarded by the Emory Public Interest Committee (EPIC) for her work as Executive Director of Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network.

Jenna Fowler (’13) — Congratulations to Jenna Fowler on being named partner at Wood, Smith, Henning and Berman. Jenna works at the Atlanta office of the firm, where she focuses on complex civil litigation.

Bryan Dayton (’19) — Congratulations to Bryan Dayton on joining the firm of Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, LLP on February 23, 2023, as an associate attorney. Wilson Elser is a preeminent defense litigation firm in the United States.

Maria McCoy (’19) — Congratulations to Maria for being selected as a 2023 Georgia Super Lawyer’s Rising Star and for making the Best of Georgia’s list in family law.

Renee Richardson (’21) — Congratulations to Renee for being selected as a 2023 Georgia Super Lawyer’s Rising Star. Renee works for the Manely Firm, P.C. where she focuses on family law.

April 2023

Randy Fry (’99) — Congratulations to Randy for being selected as a 2023 Georgia Super Lawyer, his fourth straight year in a row!

Jason Shepherd (’10) — Congratulations to Jason Shepherd on his appointment to the Board of the Development Authority of Cobb County by District 1 Commissioner Kelli Gambrill. He was approved by a 5-0 vote by the full County Commission on February 28, 2023, and began his four-year term on March 14, 2023.

Mariette Clardy-Davis (’13) — Congratulations to Mariette on joining the home office of Primerica as the Assistant Vice President, Assistant General Counsel where she provides strategic guidance to support their overall securities business including their broker-dealer and registered investment advisor.

Tom Kirkbride (’19) — Congratulations to Tom B. Kirkbride on his appointment as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Morrow, GA. Judge Kirkbride was sworn in during the Marrow City Council session on March 14, 2023.

May 2023

Jenna Melton Fowler (’13) — We extend a huge congratulations to Jenna for being named partner at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP.

Billy Collins (’17) — Congratulations to Billy on embarking on a new journey as an attorney at Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Jessica Melgarejo Devins (’20) — Congratulations to Jenna on joining The Manely Firm, as a new associate attorney.

Brittany Larcart (’21) — Congratulations to Brittany for becoming the newest personal injury attorney at Schnyder Law Firm.

July 2023

Zach H. French (’12) — Congratulations to Zach for starting a new position as Vice President at SeedTrust Escrow.

Jennifer B. Gore-Cuthbert (’12) — Congratulations to Jennifer and her law firm, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

Joshua H. Elbaz (’22) — Congratulations to Zach for opening the new law firm of Elbaz & Stimpson, LLC.

Nicole A. Rizza (’22) — Congratulations to Nicole on being appointed as a Board of Directors Member for the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia as well as launching the Nicole A. Rizza, PC, law firm.

August 2023

Ashley S. Murphy (’12) — Congratulations to Ashton as she becomes the new Deputy Director of the Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia.

Delenia A. King (’21) — Congratulations to Delenia for starting her new position as Civil Litigation Associate Attorney at Hall Booth Smith, P.C

Jason R. Warren (’22) — Congratulations to Jason for starting his new position as Associate Attorney at The Dennis Law Firm, LLC.

Corey Washington (’22) — Congratulations to Corey as he starts his new firm The Washington Process Law Firm where he will specialize in criminal defense and personal injury.

September 2023

Kenneth J. Lewis (’11) — Congratulations to Kenneth on receiving recognition from the Supreme Court of Georgia for his noteworthy amicus curiae brief, which contributed to their deliberations in their case. (See Footnote 1: Hamon v. Connell).

La’Porscha T. Smalls (’18) — Congratulations to La’Porscha on her new position as litigation associate at State Farm.

Whitnie C. Riden (’21) — Congratulations to Whitnie on launching her new firm, The Riden Firm. Whitnie is the managing partner and specializes in Intellectual Property, Sports/Entertainment and Estate Planning.

Eddis W. Freeman (’23) — Congratulations to Eddis on joining the Georgia Public Defender’s Council as an Assistant Public Defender I in Clayton County.

October 2023

LaToya A. Hutchinson (’11) — Congratulations to LaToya on starting her new position as Assistant District Attorney at Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Serving Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Morgan, and Putnam Counties in Child Support Cases.

Fallon E. Brink (’17) — Congratulations to Fallon on joining the Georgia Secretary of State Securities & Charities Division as an Enforcement Attorney.

Andrienne K. McKay (’19) — Congratulations to Andrienne on her recent admission to both the Court of Appeals of Georgia and Supreme Court of Georgia.

Dallas L. Hawkins (’20) — Congratulations to Dallas on joining Garson Johnson LLC as a Civil Litigation Attorney where she is excited to join a team commitment to client success, professional excellence, and personal well-being.

Gulliana L. Goehring (’21) — Congratulations to Gulliana, on winning the 2023 Excellence Award in the Professionals category from TUMI-USA! The Tumi Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Peruvian immigrants in solidarity, dedication, professionalism, and community service.

November 2023

James R. Haug (’09) — Congratulations to James and his firm, Haug Barron Law Group, on winning a $30 Million verdict for a family in a wrongful death case. One of the top ten largest medical malpractice cases in Georgia history.

William “Bill” J. Black, III (’18) — Congratulations to Bill on having his op-ed published in James Magazine Georgia, where he discusses the legal needs of homeless veterans and highlights the AJMLS Homeless Veterans Clinic.

Gandara G. Gallishaw (’23) — Congratulations to Gandara on her promotion to Assistant District Attorney at Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, where she previously served as a legal intern and apprentice prosecutor.

Victor J. Gordon (’23) — Congratulations to Victor on the creation of his new firm The Law Office of Victor Gordon. We wish you and your firm all the best of luck.

Congratulations to all of our alumni who recently passed the July 2023 bar!
Katie Adams, Estibaliz Afanador, Allyssia Andrews, Lauren Briggs, Hanna Canavan, Lance Carruth, Kyra Clark, Keith Collins, Danyelle Davis, Brittany Davis, Mercedes Dickerson, James Dixon, Shane Downard, Beverly Fratto, Donsherrhea Frison, Myah Fuqua, Gandara Gallishaw, Victor Gordon, Chauncey Graham, Jacob Gregory, Sharon Hansrote, Brooke Harrison, MarQuita Jones, Raford Kelly, Bethany Keyes, Esther Ko, Sabrina Leverette, Elizabeth Marra, Daniela Martinez, Katie McClelland, Richard Mejia, Dean Moore, Amy Morris, Austin O’Neill, Russell Preston, Jessica Regalado, Grant Schrantz, Joan Smoot, Lauren Spencer, Tishana Springer, Ashley Starnes, Melanie Stepho, Michael Stewart, Samantha Taylor, Kendall Taylor, Javion Thomas, Clint Tyler, Rochelle Walker, Kya Williams, Shaugnassy Williams-Bryant, and Kris Wright.

December 2023

Dorna J. Taylor (’98) — Congratulations to Dorna on her book, Do What You Know How to Do: Lessons on Loss, Love, and Life. Through her memoir and guide, she offers a heartfelt account of resilience and triumph over adversity, inspiring readers to find strength in the face of life’s challenges.

Jennifer B. Gore-Cuthbert (’12) — Congratulations to Jennifer for her book, Tiger Tactics CEO Edition: From ZERO to Law Firm CEO a collaborative book offering readers an inside look into the minds of 13 influential law firm CEOs.

Kevin O. Fogle (’16) — Congratulations to Kevin on being named to the 2023 Lawyers of Color Hotlist and for his inclusion in the fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his expertise in Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law!

Mahham Syed (’21) — Congratulations to Mahham on joining The Law Offices of Julianne M. Holt as an Assistant Public Defender!

Sharon F. Hansrote (’23) — Congratulations to Sharon on joining the Sarah Cornejo Law, LLC as their newest criminal defense attorney!

Austin M. O’Neill (’23) — Congratulations to Austin on joining the Law Office of Tim L. Holman where he will focus on Contract Law, Intellectual Property Law, Business Law, and Estate Planning!

Tishana Springer (’23) — Congratulations to Tishana on joining Samuel Johnson and Associates as their new Personal Injury Attorney and the Head of Litigation!

On Friday, October 20, 2023, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) will present The Distinguished Alumni Award to three incredible alumni at the 90th Anniversary Celebration. This year’s honorees are Alex Cornejo, Class of 2016, Sarah Cornejo, Class of 2016, and Randy Fry, Class of 1999. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have obtained distinction in their professional careers. Those honored share the same characteristics of leadership, progressive thinking, high standards, uncompromising integrity, commitment, courage, and confidence. Their careers serve as models for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students and alumni. Click here to view past award recipients.

Alexandros Cornejo

Meet Alexandros (Alex) Cornejo, the accomplished Founder and CEO of a prominent law practice specializing in Immigration, Criminal, and Personal Injury cases. With an unwavering commitment to justice, Alex has made a significant impact in the legal arena. He holds prestigious bar admissions to the New York State Bar, New York Supreme Court, New York Court of Appeals, and the Southern District of New York.

Alex earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the esteemed Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, solidifying his legal foundation and honing his expertise. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he possesses exceptional communication skills that allow him to seamlessly connect with a diverse clientele.

Renowned for his comprehensive understanding of Immigration Law, Alex is licensed to practice across all fifty states and U.S. territories, reflecting his dedication to serving clients nationwide. His legal prowess extends to Criminal and Personal Injury law, where he is licensed to practice exclusively in the state of New York. Alex Cornejo’s visionary leadership, combined with his multilingual capabilities and extensive legal knowledge, positions him as a prominent advocate for justice and a driving force
within the legal community.

Sarah Cornejo

Sarah Cornejo started Sarah Cornejo Law, LLC after spending years as a trial attorney defending personal injury claims and representing insurance companies. Sarah chose the practice of Personal Injury Law because she enjoys helping the injured get the compensation and justice they deserve. She is admitted to practice in all State and Superior Courts of Georgia and is also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Georgia.

Sarah attended Kennesaw State University where she earned a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in legal studies. Sarah also attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and served as vice-chair of the advocacy board in addition to class representative while in law school. Sarah competed in mock trial competitions during all three years of law school and won multiple advocacy awards as a top competitor.

Throughout her legal career, Sarah represented a Fortune 100 insurance company as a trial attorney in the litigation of personal injury claims. Sarah is an experienced litigator that has assisted in the litigation of multi-million-dollar personal injury claims and helped to recover millions of dollars for her clients.

Randy Fry

Randal (Randy) Edward Fry is originally from Chattanooga, TN, and is the son of Mr. Vance Fry, a 2-Star Navy Admiral and attorney, and Mrs. Charlynne Fry, a professional musician and music teacher. Randy is a graduate of the public school system in Chattanooga, where he excelled in both cross country and track, and often volunteered with his family at many homeless shelters, food banks, the Ronald McDonald House, activities supporting St. Jude Hospital, and other organizations.

As a child, Randy was identified as having several learning disabilities and significantly struggled throughout his younger years with comprehension and reading. Randy fondly remembers the many years, as a child and teenager, tutored by his musician mom as she taught him to spell and understand various concepts by singing melodies to himself. Through hard work, perseverance, and encouragement from his parents, Randy eventually served as an officer in several high school academic organizations and was elected as President of the Student Body/Student Government Association during his senior year. Randy continued to excel and graduate from high school with honors, receiving several loyalty and service awards upon high school graduation.

 Mr. Fry studied at both the University of Chattanooga and Memphis State University, serving a year in the Marine Corp ROTC, before entering Belmont University located in Nashville, TN. After only one year at Belmont, Randy was again elected as President of the Student Body/Student Government Association. His interest in government and politics was exemplified as he enjoyed working as an intern at the state capital. Randy graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a minor in Management. He also received Belmont’s most prestigious loyalty/service award.

After graduating from Belmont, Randy remained in Nashville and started his professional life as a banker for two years with Dominion Bank. As Randy often says, that was two years way too long! Inspired by the movie “Cocktail” with Tom Cruise, and with two years of banking behind him, Randy packed a U-Haul and moved to Fort Lauderdale working two years as a server on the beaches of Florida. Loving the Florida lifestyle, but ready to move into his dream career as a trial attorney, Randy began his legal education at Atlanta’s John Marshall in 1999. He often recalls that at this time, AJMLS was located in midtown Atlanta, in a building that closely resembled the schoolhouses as depicted in Little House on the Prairie.

After his first year of legal study, AJMLS moved to the Pershing Point location, at which time Randy continued his legal education. During law school, Randy was active in the Student Government Association, volunteered often as an athlete volunteer with Special Olympics, and served as “Lead Elf” for many activities supporting special needs children and adults through the Atlanta Bar Association. Randy has continued his involvement, serving this past December as Lead Elf at his seventy-first event with this organization to date. Mr. Fry graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 1999, leading the way in his “Torts” classes, which was a sign of great things to come!

Following graduation, Randy began his legal career as a personal injury litigation attorney with Tillman and York, followed by several years with both Pete Law, PC, and Bruce Hagen, PC. During these years, Randy honed his litigation skills, serving as lead counsel in over two hundred bench trials and over thirty jury trials. In 2011, Mr. Fry pursued his dream of owning a law firm and opened the doors with just a rented desk, rented phone, and windowless office.

Within two weeks of opening the doors, Randy brought Mrs. Gulliana Goehring on board. Over the next eleven years, Ms. Goehring worked hand in hand with Mr. Fry, with Gulliana serving as case manager, paralegal, firm manager, and marketing director. The Fry Law Firm quickly evolved as one of the larger personal injury firms in midtown Atlanta that relies primarily on generating injury cases by supporting communities throughout the state. As Mr. Fry often says, we grew our firm by supporting our communities, not the TV stations. Notably, this past January of 2023, Mr. Fry named Gulliana Goehring, a 2022 graduate of AJMLS, as his partner in which the firm is now Fry/Goehring Trial Attorneys.

As a twenty-seven-year resident of midtown Atlanta, Randy has and remains active with many professional, charitable, and philanthropic organizations. As noted, Mr. Fry has an especially keen interest and heart for working with special needs children and adults. He has also been passionate in his many years of support for AJMLS students and alumni, highlighted by his tenure as President of the Alumni Association from 2020 thru 2022, wherein great strides were made in reinvigorating the alumni association for continued success. Randy resides with his French bulldog, “Atticus Fry,” and he enjoys yoga, weightlifting, reading, his church home at Buckhead church, spending time with his family, and traveling the world, with a special heart for his adopted second home of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The Law School is incredibly proud of its 2023 graduates. Your perseverance and resilience beginning law school virtually, and continuing semester to semester with such uncertainty in the world, is truly admirable. It is a testament to your professionalism and work ethic and we look forward to following your careers and championing all your future successes.

Valedictorians

This award is given to the valedictorian from each of the school’s divisions (full-time and part-time).

Allyssia Constance Andrews, full-time program

Undergraduate Institution: Covenant College

Favorite AJMLS memory: My favorite memories were being able to serve as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Public Interest Law Society (PILS), as well as attending the PILS Auctions and Barrister’s Ball.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: In August, I will begin my legal career at Eraclides Gelman, a worker’s compensation defense firm. I also plan on serving the community by volunteering at a non-profit such as Atlanta Legal Aid, Innocence Project or Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.

Jacob Holden Gregory, part-time program

Undergraduate Institution: Clayton State University, Southern Crescent Technical College, & University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: Eating flatbread pizza with my classmates at Canopy after surviving 1L final exams.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I intend to practice in the areas of Civil Rights and Capital Defense.

Commencement Marshals

This inaugural recognition was peer chosen. Members of the graduating class voted to select two students (one part-time and one full-time student) to lead the processional, announce the members on the dais, and guide the recessional.

Katie Adams, full-time program

Bethany Keyes, part-time program

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Outstanding Graduate Awards

This award is given annually to one graduate in each of the school’s divisions (part-time and full-time) who best demonstrates standards of competence and professionalism, a strong social conscience, high ethical standards, and a commitment to the improvement of the legal system and society, as determined by the Faculty on recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee.

Chauncey Alexander Graham, full-time program

Jacob Holden Gregory, part-time program

Undergraduate Institution: Clayton State University, Southern Crescent Technical College, & University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: Eating flatbread pizza with my classmates at Canopy after surviving 1L final exams.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I intend to practice in the areas of Civil Rights and Capital Defense.

Pro Bono Distinction Award

This distinction is given to students who have completed 75 hours or more of pro bono work during their law school career.

Carlton Adam LeRoi Lewis

Undergraduate institution: Morehouse College

Favorite AJMLS memory: Humbly serving as president of the reactivated Public Interest Law Society (PILS) student organization and with the help of my team we relaunched the annual PILS auction and raised over $12,000 in scholarship funds for AJMLS students committed to public service.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I plan on specializing as a criminal attorney. In addition, as a justice-impacted individual, I will be advocating for criminal justice reform on various forums. Lastly, I will serve as an ambassador to AJMLS and establish a scholarship fund to aid students who dream as I did, to one day not only become an attorney, but an agent of change.

Lloyd Jean

Undergraduate Institution: Fort Valley State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: All the events I was able to host and coordinate as the President of SELS.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: Taking an international bar and traveling the world.

Allyssia Constance Andrews

Undergraduate Institution: Covenant College

Favorite AJMLS memory: My favorite memories were being able to serve as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Public Interest Law Society (PILS), as well as attending the PILS Auctions and Barrister’s Ball.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: In August, I will begin my legal career at Eraclides Gelman, a worker’s compensation defense firm. I also plan on serving the community by volunteering at a non-profit such as Atlanta Legal Aid, Innocence Project or Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.

Excellence In Pro Bono

This award is given to those students whose pro bono hours are among the top 10% earned in the graduating class. This award is not merit-based.

Victor J. Gordon

Undergraduate institution: Long Island University

Favorite AJMLS memory: I do not have one singular favorite memory at AJMLS, however, the personal growth that I experienced between 1L orientation and graduation will always hold a special place in my heart. It was at AJMLS that I was able to hone my personal and professional goals and aspirations.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:  I am in the process of securing a Federal Judicial Clerkship. If this opportunity does not come to fruition, I will be hanging up my shingle as a solo practitioner the very next day after I am sworn in as an attorney. Trust and believe, the shingle will be shingle-ing.

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award is given to the graduate whose pro bono work has demonstrated outstanding commitment to legal services for underserved communities and their work was impactful.

Esther Yeeun Ko

Undergraduate institution: University of Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: My favorite memory I have is laughing with my friends during our gaps!

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I want to make a change so that marginalized communities can receive equal access to justice!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy

This award is given to the outstanding student participant on a John Marshall Law School moot court competition team.

Keith Andre Collins

Undergraduate institution: Norfolk State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: I have so many memories from AJMLS that it is difficult to choose; however, among my most fond would be the opportunity to speak as AJMLS received a proclamation from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners during the televised Board of Commissioner meeting recognizing Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Appreciation Day on August 17, 2022, for our contribution to the community.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: After the bar exam, I will see Beyonce on tour and then take a vacation!  Additionally,  my goal is to gain employment in criminal law so that I can begin to become the lawyer I have always envisioned myself to be in my pursuit of becoming a judge.

Jude Harold R. Banke Advocacy Award

This award is given to the outstanding student participant on a mock trial competition team.

Katie Forrester Adams

Henning Award for The Atlanta Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section

This award is given to an outstanding ADR student at each of the state’s five ABA-accredited law schools. These awards are given in memory of Ed Henning, one of the “founding fathers” of mediation in Georgia.

Brooke Janese Harrison

Undergraduate Institution: McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Brooke earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Favorite AJMLS memory: My first Barrister’s ball during my 2L year. It was so great to see faculty and students having such a great time after a long year of virtual studies! 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I plan to use my Law Degree to effect change, not only in Georgia but across the nation fighting to maintain our civil rights and liberties and creating systems that foster justice and equality for everyone. 

Georgia Association For Women Lawyers Outstanding Graduate Award

This award is given to a woman from each Georgia law school based on academic accomplishments and contributions to women’s issues.

Rose Laren Love

National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award

This award is given to a third-year law student who who best exemplifies the following characteristics:

• Contributes to the advancement of women in society
• Promotes issues and concerns of women in the legal profession
• Exhibits motivation, tenacity, and enthusiasm
• Demonstrates high academic achievement
• Earns the respect of the faculty and administration

Ashley Starnes

Order of Quill

The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Order of the Quill (“Order”) is an honor society that recognizes significant academic achievement in designated required doctrinal courses (“Quill” courses). Students who achieve the required cumulative grade point average in the Quill courses will be eligible for admission into the Order. Members of the Order shall receive certificates of membership and be recognized at graduation.

Davis Milton Feder, Member of the Order

Undergraduate institution: Brown University and Kennesaw State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: Walking across the stage at graduation.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: Undecided.

Allyssia Andrews, Scholar of the Order

Undergraduate Institution: Covenant College

Favorite AJMLS memory: My favorite memories were being able to serve as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Public Interest Law Society (PILS), as well as attending the PILS Auctions and Barrister’s Ball.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: In August, I will begin my legal career at Eraclides Gelman, a worker’s compensation defense firm. I also plan on serving the community by volunteering at a non-profit such as Atlanta Legal Aid, Innocence Project or Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.

Raford Kelly III, Scholar of the Order

Jessica Jenese Regalado-Bailey, Scholar of the Order

Jacob Holden Gregory, Exemplar Scholar and Marshall of the Order

Undergraduate Institution: Clayton State University, Southern Crescent Technical College, & University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: Eating flatbread pizza with my classmates at Canopy after surviving 1L final exams.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: I intend to practice in the areas of Civil Rights and Capital Defense.

December 2022 Graduates

May 2023 Graduates

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce Judge Dustin W. Hightower, Class of 2008, as the Law School’s 2023 commencement speaker. Commencement exercises are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on May 21, 2023 at the Rialto Center for the Arts – 80 Forsyth St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. A live stream of the ceremony will be made available at www.johnmarshall.edu.

“We are delighted that Judge Hightower accepted our invitation to be this year’s commencement speaker. His journey to the bench, public service, and philanthropic endeavors are an excellent representation of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s graduates. We are proud of his success and look forward to welcoming him back.”

– Dean Jace C. Gatewood

About Judge Dustin W. Hightower

Judge Hightower was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal and sworn in as a Superior Court Judge of the Coweta Judicial Circuit on May 26, 2016. Judge Hightower was then elected to serve as a Superior Court Judge by the citizens of the Coweta Judicial Circuit in 2018 and 2022. 

Judge Hightower grew up in Carroll County, Georgia where he graduated from Central High School. He then went on to attend the University of West Georgia earning his bachelor’s degree in business management, and graduated cum laude. Judge Hightower followed that by attending Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate. While in law school, he was selected to serve as Notes and Comments Editor on John Marshall’s inaugural law review journal, John Marshall Law Journal, and he was honored by having his comment, Student Searches and Seizures: Georgia’s Current Approach and Recommended Change, chosen to be published in the journal. 

From 2008 through 2016 Judge Hightower practiced law in his home area of Carroll and Douglas County with his former law firm, Miller & Hightower, Attorneys at Law. The firm focused their practice on personal injury cases, criminal defense, and divorce cases. Further, for over six years during this time, Judge Hightower also served as the city prosecutor for both the City of Mt. Zion and the City of Buchanan.  

In January 2012, Judge Hightower was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives where he represented the 68^th House District. During his legislative tenure, he received the “Defender of Liberty Award” from the American Conservative Union, and based on his efforts to fight against family violence, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence selected him to receive their “Legislative Leadership Award”. Further, in 2015 he was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” for both the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities (SPADD).

In an effort to give back to his community, Judge Hightower has served on the following boards: Carroll County Child Advocacy Center Board, Carrollton Main Street Board, the University of West Georgia’s National Alumni Board, and the University of West Georgia’s Athletic Foundation Board. In 2012, the University of West Georgia selected Judge Hightower to receive the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Further, in early 2013 he was recognized as a Top 10 Young Professional in Douglas County.

Judge Hightower is married to Christina Camp Hightower. Christina is a high school math teacher. They have two children together, Stella June and Waylon.

Tickets are not required for entry. For general information you can visit our graduation page here and/or our logistics page here for further details.

On December 7, 2022, Director of Alumni Relations, A.J. Doucett, moved for nine Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumni to become members of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) Bar. To be sworn into the Court, an attorney must have been sworn into the highest court in the state in which they are licensed for at least three years and be in good standing with that court. Those who were sworn in were: Lisanne Edelman (’17), Meaghan Eustice (’15), Randy Fry (’99), Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert (’12), Fernanda Hottle (’10), Shilpa Jadwani (’12), Megan McClinton (’13), Calina Plotkey (’12), Mary-Anne Uzoka (’14).

The applicants arrived at the SCOTUS with their guests and were escorted to the Natalie Cornell Rehnquist Dining Room, where they had a chance to mingle with each other and have their photos taken. Applicants and guests were escorted in shortly before the Court was gaveled into session. Doucett was called to the rostrum where he moved for the applicants to become members of the SCOTUS Bar, the applicants arose as they were called, and took the oath administered by the Clerk of the Court. After being sworn in, the newly admitted attorneys and guests remained in the courtroom to hear the case of Moore v. Harper. This case will have major implications on the States’ Legislatures’ power to determine the “time, place, and manner” of elections and the States’ Supreme Courts’ oversight.

Later that evening, the new bar members and their guests met at The Old Ebbitt Grille for appetizers and a celebratory toast to their accomplishment. Despite rain clouds throughout the day, everyone raved about this once-in-a-lifetime experience. AJMLS will continue to offer this trip annually to the alumni of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and Savannah Law School in late fall/early winter. Registration information will be announced in the alumni newsletter and will be first come first served once the application period opens. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please notify A.J. Doucett by email to be included in the distribution.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is honored to announce that Adam Malone, Class of 1999, has established the S. Bradley Houck Memorial Scholarship honoring his friend and classmate. Houck, Class of 1997, succumbed to complications related to an extended illness in the fall of 2021. The gift establishing the memorial scholarship is the largest in the Law School’s nearly 90-year history.

S. Bradley “Brad” Houck was born and raised in a small coal-mining town in Mullens, West Virginia. He attended Marshall University and graduated with honors in 1993 earning a BA degree in Criminal Justice. Brad attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School graduating with the highest honor and Valedictorian of his class in 1997. After law school, Brad worked with attorneys Tommy Malone and Adam Malone, handling catastrophic personal injury cases, and serving as second chair at trial for both Malones. After starting his law firm in 2003, Brad served as lead counsel in dozens of cases involving personal injury and medical malpractice. Brad is survived by his lovely wife and two children.

The S. Bradley Houck Memorial Scholarship was created by Malone with support from Senetha Houck, and Wes Jordan, Class of 1997. The scholarship seeks to honor Brad and continue his legacy of excellence in academics and service to the community.

“I am proud to announce the endowment of the S. Bradley Houck Memorial Scholarship. While he was taken from us too soon, his spirit is with us always in his work and the good that he inspired. He always spoke of his time at John Marshall and the positive way it shaped his life and career. Now, we will have the opportunity to give many future lawyers a chance to experience the same,” said Adam Malone, owner of Malone Law.

Adam Malone is a longtime supporter of his alma mater, having served as a past president of the Alumni Board and now as a current member of the Board of Directors. He was the Class of 1999 Valedictorian and has also been honored as a Distinguished Alumni in 2008. Thank you, Adam, for honoring Brad’s life and establishing the memorial scholarship in his name. 

Inquiries related to establishing named scholarship funds may be directed to Chief Development Officer, Wendy Aina.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 2004 alumna, Sonja Brown, who was recently sworn in as a Cobb County Superior Court Judge after winning a runoff election this past summer. Judge Brown was honored by AJMLS as a Distinguished Alumni recipient in 2009.

Prior to her election win in Cobb County, Judge Brown had served as a Cobb County magistrate judge, Fulton County Assistant District Attorney, Director of Offender Re-Entry Services with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, and as Staff Counsel at Convergent Media Systems Corporation. 

Outside the courtroom, Judge Brown is the past president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), member of the State Bar of Georgia, Corporate Counsel for Women of Color, and served on the Board of the Restorative Justice Center of the Atlanta Community Court Division (Atlanta Municipal Court), and the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation. In 2006, she co-wrote “Fueled by Greatness – 10 Cutting Edge Strategies for Accelerating Your Destiny Now.”

While at AJMLS, Judge Brown was the Student Bar Association President and won the Aspen Book Award for Remedies, Civil Procedure I, and Civil Procedure II.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to celebrate alongside Judge Brown and wishes her much success as she takes the bench.

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) community, comprised of staff, students, and alumni, partnered with Avalon Sports, the Office of Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, District 6, the Cobb Justice Foundation Legal Aid’s Office, the Grady Gives Foundation, and many more to provide turkeys, hens, hams, Thanksgiving fixings, and fresh produce to single moms in need during this holiday season.

A special thanks to our student leaders of the Charlotte E. Ray Legal Society for assisting in planning and recruiting AJMLS volunteers for this event.

We were excited and thankful to partner with Grady Gives in support of their mission of “transforming and impacting lives one by one” and giving back to the community.

On August 1, 2022, the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Alumni Association welcomed its new Board of Directors and Officers. The Officers will serve in their roles for the 2022-2023 year.

During the July 2022 Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting, six new members were selected to join the Board. It is an honor to present the newest members of the Board. You can see the returning members here.

Keren Barrios, Class of 2013

Where were you raised?

I was raised in Guatemala until I was 10 years old and then moved to Georgia.

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education?

Georgia State University (Criminal Justice Legal Path)

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

Owner/Founder of Barrios Virguez Attorneys, specializing in personal injury and immigration.

What do you do in your free time?

Spend as much time with my husband and two boys.

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

To mentor and help AJMLS students in any way possible so they can succeed in their careers.

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

Anything is possible with dedication and determination.

Tianna M. Bias, Class of 2018, Savannah Law School

Where were you raised?

Augusta, GA

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education

Paine College

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

Criminal Defense Attorney – Hawk Law Group

What do you do in your free time?

Play with my sons; try new restaurants and travel

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

To advocate for and assist in the inclusion of the talented alumni from Savannah Law School

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

I took the road less traveled and that has made all the difference. Many people assumed that attending smaller institutions for undergrad and law school put me at a disadvantage but these schools opened the doors for opportunities beyond my wildest dreams.

D. Wesley “Wes” Jordan, Class of 1997

Where were you raised?

Atlanta, GA

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education?

University of Georgia

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

Law Office of D. Wesley Jordan, P.C. — Self-employed attorney with a focus on Residential Real Estate Closings. Currently in my 25th year of practice.

What do you do in your free time?

My hobby outside of my practice is aviation. I received my pilot’s license a few years ago and am currently working on my instrument rating at McCollum Airport in Marietta. In Addition to the Real Estate Section of the Bar, I am also a member of the Aviation Section. I am an active member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, along with my parents who I also take care of.

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

I recently received an invitation to do so, and I am honored to join. It was last year about this time that I lost my good friend S. Bradley Houck (1997 Valedictorian) and as a result become re-acquainted with several AJMLS folks when I suggested a scholarship fund be set up in Brad’s Memory.

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

Citing the above, and as I stated in an impromptu speech at the AJMLS Open House last October… you never know where the relationships you make in law school will take you. The friendship you make along the way is a large part of the journey in shaping your path in life and the direction it will eventually take.

Kayla Kudratt, Class of 2018

Where were you raised?

Lithonia, Ga.

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education?

Georgia Southern University

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Crimes Against Women and Children/ Domestic Violence Unit in the Henry County District Attorney’s Office

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world, volunteering with the youth in my community, exercising, and running Stone Mountain.

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

I joined the AJMLS Alumni Board because I love Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and I am forever grateful for the opportunities offered to me.

As a student, I was very involved in the AJMLS community, and serving on the Alumni Board will allow me to continue my engagement with the Law School.

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

I want the alumni and current students to know that AJMLS is near and dear to my heart as this community encouraged and supported me in law school and in my career, so it is my duty and pleasure to give back. I will proudly serve on the Alumni Board to ensure current students are afforded the same opportunities I enjoyed as a student.

Emily Napier, Class of 2016

Where were you raised?

I’m a military brat so I had the gift of getting to call several places my home during my childhood. Some include Florida, New Hampshire, and now Georgia.

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education?

Georgia State University, Bachelor of Business Administration Finance

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

I am the Owner and Founder of Napier Law Firm LLC. Our areas of practice include Estate Planning and Probate.

What do you do in your free time?

Spend time with my family, bake, travel, work out, and plan parties for family and friends.

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

Having run multiple businesses and now being the founding attorney of Napier Law Firm I understand the importance of networking and having a strong presence in the community. I want to share my experiences and be a resource for students.

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

I believe that anything is possible. Sometimes the current situation might seem like it is insurmountable, but I’ve found that you just have to focus on what is in front of you today and put one foot forward.

Michael Urbina, Class of 2011

Where were you raised?

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education?

Georgia State University

Tell us where you currently work, title, and what you do there/area of practice?

Urbina Law Firm, Managing Attorney, Immigration Law

What do you do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my wife and 3 daughters, we travel a lot, especially to Disney World. I like to read, watch movies, find ways to improve myself and my firm, watch NBA and MLB games, and like to play basketball.

Why did you join the AJMLS Alumni Board?

I joined because I always felt the AJMLS community has been a welcoming community and I love the opportunity to help in any way I can. I feel our alumni are very successful and have the opportunity to help current students and other alumni to connect and help each other out. The power of community is one I have been a part of since I was in high school and have seen the potential of what engaged individuals can do together. I see a lot of potential for all AJMLS alumni and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved.

What do you want the AJMLS alumni and current students to know about you?

My favorite quote is “Adapt of Die” and I think that in our industry, we must constantly look for ways to improve not just our legal knowledge, but also how to be efficient and innovative in our everyday practice. I love finding ways to improve my personal and work life to find new levels.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Schlachter, attorney and board-certified Neurological Surgeon, to the Board of Directors. Dr. Schlachter is a 2004 graduate of AJMLS and owns The Schlachter Law Firm.

Dr. Schlachter is one of the few attorneys in the United States who has a unique background combining dentistry, neurosurgery, and law, with licenses to practice in each profession. Attorneys across the United States regularly call upon Dr. Schlachter for his expertise as a neurosurgeon and lawyer. During Dr. Schlachter’s neurosurgical practice, he performed over 10,000 surgical procedures on the brain and spine. He was also the neurosurgeon on call for the President of the United States for the Atlanta area.

The proud alumnus remarked, “I have always had a special place in my heart for AJMLS as it was the place that opened doors for me and many others to advance our professional careers and to use our law degrees to improve the lives of others. The professors and staff at AJMLS were always available, supportive, kind, yet demanding of the students. I hope that my contributions to the school will continue that kind of supportive environment.”

Dr. Schlachter graduated from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York in 1969. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1973 and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1976 from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also served as a resident in general surgery for two years and in neurological surgery for five years at Emory University and affiliated hospitals from 1976 to 1983.

After retiring from active medical practice following a hand injury in 1999, Dr. Schlachter attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, graduating with a J.D. degree in 2004. He is an active member of the Georgia Bar, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Legal Medicine, and is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Schlachter joins the following members and advisor of the Board of Directors:

Members

Dr. Michael C. Markovitz, Ph.D.

Chairman, Board of Directors

Dean Frank T. Read

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
President & Dean Emeritus, South Texas College of Law

Kwaku C. George (KC)

Director, National Development Council

Honorable Carol W. Hunstein

Former Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia

Adam Malone

Partner, Malone Law

Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker

County Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia

Kevin Ross

President, Kevin Ross Public Affairs Group LLC

Dean James P. White

Consultant Emeritus, Section on Legal Education & Admission to the Bar, American Bar Association

Advisor

Linda A. Klein

Shareholder, Baker Donelson

The Law School is incredibly proud of its graduates. Your perseverance and resilience during this challenging time is a testament to your professionalism and work ethic. We look forward to following your careers and championing all your future successes.

Valedictorians

This award is given to the valedictorian from each of the school’s divisions (full-time and part-time).

Mats Rosén, full-time program

Undergraduate institution:

Colorado State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

One of my most favorite memories from AJMLS is competing in the Regional portion of the 2022 National Appellate Advocacy Competition hosted by the ABA and beating one of the teams that ended up making it to the National portion of the competition.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to secure a position as a Judicial Clerk or some comparable position with one of the State or Federal courts in Georgia. Upon completion of such a position I aspire to become a civil litigator with a large firm in the metro Atlanta area. 

Lauren Boffill, part-time program

Outstanding Graduate Awards

This award is given annually to one graduate in each of the school’s divisions (part-time and full-time) who best demonstrates standards of competence and professionalism, a strong social conscience, high ethical standards, and a commitment to the improvement of the legal system and society, as determined by the Faculty on recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee.

Joseph Everette Bush

Undergraduate institution:

University of South Carolina, Upstate

Favorite AJMLS memory:

There are too many good memories. I thrived on the camaraderie and shared experience of law school. It is easier to slog through when you know you aren’t alone. Of all my memories of John Marshall, I will cherish my friendships the most. I couldn’t have done it without my colleagues. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to be given the opportunity to serve as a judicial clerk. Should that opportunity not arise, I look forward to serving the people of Georgia, either in public service or private practice. Further down the road I hope to sit on the bench at some level.  

Joshua Harris Elbaz

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia Gwinnett College

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memory at AJMLS was the orientation week before 1L year. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My plans and dream after the bar is to work as an ADA for the district attorneys office in Gwinnett County and then eventually become a criminal defense attorney. 

Shombraya Eulaijah Goodman

Undergraduate institution:

The Ohio State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My fondest memory at AJMLS was the Barristers’ Ball. After being remote and not able to connect with my peers, it was refreshing to party with the students and faculty. It was a night to remember.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam I plan to be a business law associate. I’m interested in corporate securities, venture capitalist, and mergers and acquisitions. Hopefully, I can combine the law with my mathematical background. 

Mats Donald Rosén

Undergraduate institution:

Colorado State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

One of my most favorite memories from AJMLS is competing in the Regional portion of the 2022 National Appellate Advocacy Competition hosted by the ABA and beating one of the teams that ended up making it to the National portion of the competition.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to secure a position as a Judicial Clerk or some comparable position with one of the State or Federal courts in Georgia. Upon completion of such a position I aspire to become a civil litigator with a large firm in the metro Atlanta area. 

Kamali C. Thompson

Lauren Boffill

Excellence In Appellate Advocacy

This award is given to the outstanding student participant on a John Marshall Law School moot court competition team.

Mats Donald Rosén

Undergraduate institution:

Colorado State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

One of my most favorite memories from AJMLS is competing in the Regional portion of the 2022 National Appellate Advocacy Competition hosted by the ABA and beating one of the teams that ended up making it to the National portion of the competition.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to secure a position as a Judicial Clerk or some comparable position with one of the State or Federal courts in Georgia. Upon completion of such a position I aspire to become a civil litigator with a large firm in the metro Atlanta area. 

Excellence In Pro Bono

This award is given to those students whose pro bono hours are among the top 10% earned in the graduating class. This award is not merit-based.

Joshua Harris Elbaz

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia Gwinnett College

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memory at AJMLS was the orientation week before 1L year. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My plans and dream after the bar is to work as an ADA for the district attorneys office in Gwinnett County and then eventually become a criminal defense attorney. 

Nicole Alexandria Rizza

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia State University

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

Will be a family law associate at Meriwether & Tharp.

Timothy Orange

Undergraduate institution:

North Greenville University, Kaplan University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Graduation was for sure my best memory of AJMLS.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I am currently working as a pre-bar associate with Atlanta Divorce Law Group. Once I pass the bar, I will become an Associate Attorney here. The goal is to be here as long as possible gaining as much experience as I can under Retired Judge John Sumner, Esq. At some point, I hope to open up my own firm in North Georgia and then grow and build that firm to expand into South Carolina and potentially Florida. I plan to sit for the Bar in South Carolina in February 2023, after passing the Georgia Bar in July 2022. I plan to advocate strongly for good fathers and help all clients through one of the hardest times in their lives. 

Edward J. Henning Award For Excellence In Dispute Resolution

This award is given to an outstanding ADR student at each of the state’s five ABA-accredited law schools. These awards are given in memory of Ed Henning, one of the “founding fathers” of mediation in Georgia.

Andreas Mettler

Undergraduate institution:

Kennesaw State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memories have to be meeting, working, and learning from each of my professors and fellow classmates. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

Working, learning, and someday maybe even starting my own firm. 

American Bankruptcy Institute Medal Of Excellence

This award is presented to the student with the highest grade in a bankruptcy course or other area of bankruptcy scholarship.

Antonio Ali Pishvai

Undergraduate institution:

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memory from attending Atlanta’s John Marshall Law As a part-time evening student, my favorite memories from AJMLS were meeting other working professionals who also decided to finally give their dreams a chance and go for their law degree, and making lifelong friendships with those in my cohort.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

Upon passing the bar exam, I hope to work as a solo practitioner or in a small firm in the greater Atlanta area.

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award is given to the graduate whose pro bono work has demonstrated outstanding commitment to legal services for underserved communities and their work was impactful.

Derek Andrew Law

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memory from attending Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School was representing the school as a coach in a national moot court competition. My team members Grace Gomez and Carolina Melguizo were wonderful advocates, and being able to work with these two was a highlight of my law school career. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I aim to work in South Atlanta as a criminal defense attorney with the firm I interned with all through law school, Sexton and Moody, P.C. 

I wish the founder the founder of Sexton and Moody, P.C., the notorious Lee Sexton, was able to see this accomplishment. He unfortunately passed last fall. I would like to thank the wonderful attorneys that were my role models through this process: Lee Sexton, Brad Moody, James Boles, and Joanna Hobgood. 

I also could not have achieved such an accomplishment without my family and friends that played a pivotal role as my support team. 

Carolina Arias-Cediel

Order Of Quill

The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Order of the Quill (“Order”) is an honor society that recognizes significant academic achievement in designated required doctrinal courses (“Quill” courses). Students who achieve the required cumulative grade point average in the Quill courses will be eligible for admission into the Order. Members of the Order shall receive certificates of membership and be recognized at graduation.

Lauren Boffill, Scholar

Joseph Everette Bush, Scholar

Undergraduate institution:

University of South Carolina, Upstate

Favorite AJMLS memory:

There are too many good memories. I thrived on the camaraderie and shared experience of law school. It is easier to slog through when you know you aren’t alone. Of all my memories of John Marshall, I will cherish my friendships the most. I couldn’t have done it without my colleagues. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to be given the opportunity to serve as a judicial clerk. Should that opportunity not arise, I look forward to serving the people of Georgia, either in public service or private practice. Further down the road I hope to sit on the bench at some level.  

Mats Donald Rosén, Honor Scholars and Marshall of the Order

Undergraduate institution:

Colorado State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

One of my most favorite memories from AJMLS is competing in the Regional portion of the 2022 National Appellate Advocacy Competition hosted by the ABA and beating one of the teams that ended up making it to the National portion of the competition.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I hope to secure a position as a Judicial Clerk or some comparable position with one of the State or Federal courts in Georgia. Upon completion of such a position I aspire to become a civil litigator with a large firm in the metro Atlanta area. 

December 2021 Graduates

May 2022 Graduates

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and named its inaugural honoree from the Class of 1965, Louise Thornton Hornsby. The purpose of this award is to recognize a graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School who has attained more than 50 years of extraordinary distinction and success in their field of endeavor, and whose achievements have brought credit to the Law School and benefited their fellow citizens.

Louise Thornton Hornsby

Born on May 2, 1937, Louise Thornton Hornsby is a true Atlanta native. She graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1954 and attended Spelman College. After graduation, she attended an apprenticeship program at Matthews School of Law – In the 1960s, students could earn a law degree through apprenticeship programs. Unfortunately, Hornsby attempted the bar exam for the first time and was not successful.

Later in the 1960s, when previously segregated schools were opened for African American students to attend, she enrolled at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School to prepare for the bar exam. She graduated in 1965, passed the Georgia Bar Exam in 1966, and was one of the first Black alumni to receive an education at AJMLS. Louise was also the sixth Black woman to pass the bar in the State of Georgia.

After law school, she worked in the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office and also served as a part-time judge for the City of Atlanta Traffic Court. She was appointed by former Mayor Andrew Young as the Solicitor General for the City of Atlanta where she served for a few years before deciding to run for public office.

Louise opened her private practice, The Hornsby Law Firm, LLC in 1996, where she practiced until her retirement in 2022.

Through more than 56 years as a practicing attorney, she has received numerous recognitions, awards, and accolades, and held positions such as: member of the State Bar of Georgia (1966); founder of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program in the City of Atlanta traffic court; recognition for Georgia Bar for civil rights work, and 50 years of practicing law (by National Bar Association); recipient of the R. Prudence Herndon Award; President and Founder of Pyramid Recovery Center (women’s recovery center); President of the Georgia Women’s Political Caucus; member of Leadership Atlanta; member of the Governor’s Georgia Juvenile Master Plan Committee; member of the Revising Atlanta City Chapter; former owner and operator of Entertainment Corporation of America; CEO of DHMRF Foundation, Inc.

Louise is a mother of five children, including Class of 2012 graduate, Kristie Hornsby Battle, and grandmother to ten. She still lives in the Atlanta area, and at 85 years old, is active in her community.

It is the pleasure of the Law School to recognize Louise and her outstanding career at the upcoming graduation ceremony this May.

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) will present The Distinguished Alumni Award to two incredible alumni at the 2022 commencement ceremony. This year’s honorees are Judge Ashley Drake, Class of 2011, and Judge Rhonda Kreuziger, Class of 2001. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have obtained distinction in their professional careers. Those honored share the same characteristics of leadership, progressive thinking, high standards, uncompromising integrity, commitment, courage, and confidence. Their careers serve as models for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students and alumni. Click here to view past award recipients.

Honorable Ashley Drake

Judge Ashley Drake was born in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Journalism. She graduated in the top 15 of her class at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and was a member of the moot court team where she competed nationally. She served on the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law Journal where her legislative summary was published in 2011 and was the student founder of the Law School’s mentorship program. She also received the CALI Award for Immigration Law and received academic scholarships from Just the Beginning Foundation and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Foundation.

Judge Drake began her legal career as a prosecuting attorney for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office and eventually transitioned to prosecuting felonies for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. As a criminal prosecutor, she gained a significant amount of trial experience and helped thousands of crime victims.

After years of criminal prosecution, Judge Drake left the criminal arena and entered a new area of practice: civil litigation. She started her civil practice career at Bey & Associates, LLC as an Associate Attorney in the litigation section, handling various personal injury matters. She eventually worked her way to becoming the lead associate on the partner’s team, representing victims and their families in medical malpractice, wrongful death, and trucking litigation cases. During this time, she flew to Washington, D.C. twice to lobby Congress on both sides of the aisle regarding the unconstitutionality of mandatory arbitration clauses in civil practice, in hopes of preserving and protecting our 6th amendment right to a trial by jury in civil cases. She successfully completed the prestigious ATLA Ultimate Trial Advocacy Course: Art of Persuasion at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, MA and was a featured panelist at the American Association for Justice Women’s Caucus in Denver Colorado.

In 2020, Judge Drake joined two of her best friends from law school at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers where she served as a Captain overseeing other Personal Injury Attorneys. She was appointed to the bench as a full-time Magistrate Judge in May 2020 by Fulton County Magistrate Court Chief Judge Cassandra Kirk. She presides over criminal and civil cases in Georgia’s most populated county and is the first female judge of Persian heritage in Georgia.

Judge Drake is a group leader for her local Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) mentoring circle and serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Bar Association Women in the Profession Section. She also serves on the Technology Committee for the Fulton County Magistrate Court and is co-chair of the Awards Committee for the Georgia Council of Magistrate Court Judges. She also serves as a mentor for law students, including her nominator, Mr. Carlton Lewis.

Judge Drake resides in Atlanta with her husband and dog. She keeps a copy of the Georgia Bar Association General Aspirational Ideals on her desk and lives by the ideal that: “The dignity and the integrity of our profession is an inheritance that must be maintained by each successive generation of lawyers.”

Honorable Rhonda Kreuziger

Rhonda Bender Kreuziger is a Superior Court Judge in the Griffin Judicial Circuit which covers Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties. She received a law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in December of 2000, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Northwestern State University in Louisiana in May of 1991. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a Forensic Serologist with the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and as a Forensic Toxicologist for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories in Dallas, Texas. During her last semester of law school, she completed an externship in the Special Prosecution Division for the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Georgia.

After law school, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit where she prosecuted felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile matters for Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties from approximately 2002 until 2006.

In 2006, she left the District Attorney’s Office to start her private practice, The Kreuziger Law Firm, P.C. During this time, she also served as Solicitor for the City of Senoia, Solicitor for the Town of Tyrone, and subsequently as a conflict defense attorney for the Georgia Public Defender’s Council in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. In her private practice she represented litigants in the following matters: Criminal Law – both felonies and misdemeanors in Superior, State, Juvenile, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts throughout the State of Georgia and handled matters pro hac vice in Florida; Family Law/Domestic Relations matters, including but not limited to, divorces, child custody, child support, legitimations, contempt actions, temporary protective orders, and, modifications; Personal Injury related cases; Landlord/Tenant matters; Breach of Contract cases; and Criminal and Civil Appeals to both the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court.

She was appointed as Interim Judge for the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court from July 2018 until December 2018 and subsequently appointed to the position of Chief Judge for the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court on January 2019 and served in this capacity until August 2020, when she was appointed by the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judges and the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge to be the full-time Associate Juvenile Court Judge.

In July of 2021, Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to the Superior Court for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, and she was sworn in on August 17, 2021. Judge Kreuziger is the first woman and first person of color to serve on the Superior Court bench for the Griffin Judicial Circuit. She is a member of the Fayette County Bar Association; Spalding County Bar Association; Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges (CSCJ); Georgia Association of Women Lawyers; Federalist Society; Gate City Bar Association – Judicial Section; Atlanta Lawyer’s Club; State Bar of Georgia; State Bar of Wisconsin; and, Save R Kids, International, Board of Directors (2017 – 2020). She is also a former member of Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges (CJCJ) and National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).

She has also served as a presenter to the Fayette County Bar Association – “Preamble – A Great Place to Start! (Preamble to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct)” (February 2022); Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center 1st Annual Black History Month Honoree (2022); recognized by the Mayor of Fayetteville and City Council for “Exceptional Service to the City of Fayetteville” (2020); Leadership Academy for the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, 2009; Guest Instructor for the DUI Case Preparation and Courtroom Presentation at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (2009 – 2011); CLE presenter – “How to Try a Case in a Conservative Jurisdiction – The Importance of Understanding Venue” (2010); CLE presenter – “Preparation and Investigation of a Criminal Case” (2011); Judge for the NCFCA Speech and Debate Competition (2012); State Bar of Georgia Transition into Law Practice Program, Mentor (2010 – 2011); Youth Challenge Academy – Mentor (2013 -2014); AV Pride Career Exploration Program Internship Program – Mentor (2013 – 2014); Regional Mock Trial Competition Judge (2015 and 2022); and, The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Award for Outstanding Service to School and Community Recipient (2001).

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce Judge Rhonda Kreuziger, Class of 2001, as the Law School’s 2022 commencement speaker. Commencement exercises are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on May 21, 2022 at the Georgia World Congress Center Sidney Marcus Auditorium located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd, Atlanta, Georgia 30313. A live stream of the ceremony will be made available at www.johnmarshall.edu.

“On a year that we honor one of the first African American women to graduate Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, it is befitting to honor another history-making graduate, who is the first woman and the first African American to serve on the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court bench. I am proud to welcome back Judge Kreuziger as both our commencement speaker and a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.”

Dean Jace C. Gatewood

About Judge Rhonda Kreuziger

Rhonda Bender Kreuziger is a Superior Court Judge in the Griffin Judicial Circuit which covers Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties. She received a law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in December of 2000, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Northwestern State University in Louisiana in May of 1991. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a Forensic Serologist with the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and as a Forensic Toxicologist for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories in Dallas, Texas. During her last semester of law school, she completed an externship in the Special Prosecution Division for the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Georgia.

After law school, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit where she prosecuted felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile matters for Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties from approximately 2002 until 2006.

In 2006, she left the District Attorney’s Office to start her private practice, The Kreuziger Law Firm, P.C. During this time, she also served as Solicitor for the City of Senoia, Solicitor for the Town of Tyrone, and subsequently as a conflict defense attorney for the Georgia Public Defender’s Council in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. In her private practice she represented litigants in the following matters: Criminal Law – both felonies and misdemeanors in Superior, State, Juvenile, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts throughout the State of Georgia and handled matters pro hac vice in Florida; Family Law/Domestic Relations matters, including but not limited to, divorces, child custody, child support, legitimations, contempt actions, temporary protective orders, and, modifications; Personal Injury related cases; Landlord/Tenant matters; Breach of Contract cases; and Criminal and Civil Appeals to both the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court.

She was appointed as Interim Judge for the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court from July 2018 until December 2018 and subsequently appointed to the position of Chief Judge for the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court on January 2019 and served in this capacity until August 2020, when she was appointed by the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judges and the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge to be the full-time Associate Juvenile Court Judge.

In July of 2021, Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to the Superior Court for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, and she was sworn in on August 17, 2021. Judge Kreuziger is the first woman and first person of color to serve on the Superior Court bench for the Griffin Judicial Circuit. She is a member of the Fayette County Bar Association; Spalding County Bar Association; Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges (CSCJ); Georgia Association of Women Lawyers; Federalist Society; Gate City Bar Association – Judicial Section; Atlanta Lawyer’s Club; State Bar of Georgia; State Bar of Wisconsin; and, Save R Kids, International, Board of Directors (2017 – 2020). She is also a former member of Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges (CJCJ) and National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).

She has also served as a presenter to the Fayette County Bar Association – “Preamble – A Great Place to Start! (Preamble to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct)” (February 2022); Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center 1st Annual Black History Month Honoree (2022); recognized by the Mayor of Fayetteville and City Council for “Exceptional Service to the City of Fayetteville” (2020); Leadership Academy for the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, 2009; Guest Instructor for the DUI Case Preparation and Courtroom Presentation at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (2009 – 2011); CLE presenter – “How to Try a Case in a Conservative Jurisdiction – The Importance of Understanding Venue” (2010); CLE presenter – “Preparation and Investigation of a Criminal Case” (2011); Judge for the NCFCA Speech and Debate Competition (2012); State Bar of Georgia Transition into Law Practice Program, Mentor (2010 – 2011); Youth Challenge Academy – Mentor (2013 -2014); AV Pride Career Exploration Program Internship Program – Mentor (2013 – 2014); Regional Mock Trial Competition Judge (2015 and 2022); and, The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Award for Outstanding Service to School and Community Recipient (2001).

Tickets are not required for entry and the event will be live streamed. For general information you can visit our graduation page here and/or our logistics page here for further details.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) established its Employee of the Month Program in 2021 to recognize hard working employees, especially as we navigate uncharted times in legal education during COVID-19. AJMLS appreciates the efforts of its employees who strive to achieve goals and fulfill the vision of Atlanta’s John Marshall. Outstanding employees deserve to be recognized both as a reward for exceptional performance and as a model to others. The program seeks to recognize hard work and achievement in the workplace and is a peer-to-peer recognition program.

The October 2021 Employee of the Month recipient is AJ Doucett, Director of Alumni Relations.

AJ is a proud alumnus of AJMLS, who began his journey as a student in 2004. After successful completion of the Georgia bar exam, he worked as the Law School’s Reference Librarian and got to know so many students who came in to print or study. Now, he says, the best part of his job as the Alumni Director is reconnecting with all those students who are now alumni.

When asked of his work, his coworkers commented, “He has embraced his new position and continues to jump into more involvement, above and beyond what he is required” and “AJ is such a kind and outgoing team player who is genuinely invested in the success of his alma mater!”

AJ enjoys hiking, reading, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. His passion for volunteering with youth began when he was in college. He has volunteered with the Buckhead Church High School ministry since 2009 and with kids at the Atlanta Mission since 2014. One of his favorite quotes that drives him to volunteer with kids is “Be the person you needed when you were young.”

AJ is well-known and liked by faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and we are thankful to have him on our team.

Click here to view the full image gallery on Facebook

On Friday, October 15, 2021, the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Alumni Association hosted the inaugural Alumni Homecoming Open House at the Law School.

The event welcomed all AJMLS alumni to the new Downtown Atlanta campus, located in Marquis One Tower in Peachtree Center. Alumni were able to take tours of the new space, mingle with their classmates, meet the 1L class and engage in panel discussions with the new students.

The Law School would like to thank it’s event sponsors: Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group – Gore LLC, a personal injury firm based in Roswell, Georgia; and The Fry Law Group, a personal injury firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, a special thank you to this year’s Event Chairman, Tavis Knighten.

The AJMLS Alumni Association looks forward to many future successful events, we’ll see you soon!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 2012 alumnus, Paul Nam, who was recently named to Georgia Trend 2021 40 Under 40. Paul is currently the Associate General Counsel at InComm Payments in Atlanta.

This year Georgia Trend celebrated 25 years of honoring the state’s best and brightest. The honorees came from every corner of Georgia and represented the nonprofit, healthcare and legal sectors, large corporations, and startup entrepreneurial ventures. As important as their day jobs are, however, they also find time to volunteer and give back to strengthen and grow the communities around them. This year’s 40 Under 40 were selected by the Georgia Trend staff from nominations provided by readers throughout the state who know them well.*

Regarding his time at AJMLS, Paul noted “The moments I remember the most are my time with my friends where we stressed about exams but also spending time together over the weekends to destress.” As a student, Paul and fellow classmate and friend, Wellington Tzou, started the Asian Law Student Association (ALSA) upon Judge Alvin Wong and Dean Harrison-Mercer’s request, and were regarded as the most active organization on campus. After establishing ALSA, Paul became the SBA Treasurer. During his third year, he interned at a financial company and then a general litigation law firm. He also found time to volunteer at Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association events, while also excelling in his classes.

On the life lessons AJMLS professors taught him, Paul said,

“On our first day of property class, Professor Gatewood taught the principle to treat everyone equally and fairly because we are all the same. We are no better than anyone else. He then later told us to learn people’s names around us, including the security guard in the front lobby area. Later in the year, the final exam’s bonus question was, “What is the name of our front door security guard?” I smiled immediately because I knew it, and many of my classmates did not. Just like Professor Gatewood, many professors taught us important life lessons that I still remember and share with others, including Professor Mears’ initiative to always ask why about everything.”

Georgia Trend wrote of their honoree,

When Paul Nam moved from New York to Atlanta to go to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, he lacked a network of friends or mentors to help him adjust. “I told myself, ‘Once I get into a place where I’m a lawyer and can help others, I will,’” he says.

Nam fulfilled that promise. He founded a chapter of the Asian Law Students’ Association and later advised law students and young lawyers through the Korean American Bar Association of Georgia and the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA).

He is now community service chair for GAPABA and serves on the Leadership Council for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. When he’s not negotiating complex contracts for InComm, a global payment processing company, he provides legal services to nonprofit organizations and helps people in need. “I want to reach out as much as I can,” he says.

Georgia Trend 2021 40 Under 40

The Law School looks forward to celebrating Paul’s current and future career milestones as he serves his community. Congratulations, Paul!

*https://www.georgiatrend.com/2021/09/30/georgia-trend-2021-40-under-40/

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 2001 alumna, Judge Rhonda Kreuziger, on her recent appointment as Superior Court Judge for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, covering Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. Upon her swearing-in, Judge Kreuziger became the first female and first African-American superior court judge in the circuit. 

Nominated by her predecessor, Griffin Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Christopher C. Edwards, stated, “I know she will fit right into the bench with our four other excellent judges.” Judge Kreuziger was appointed by Governor Kemp on July 20, 2021 and sworn in on August 19, 2021.

While a student at AJMLS, Judge Kreuziger was a member of the mock trial team, editor-in-chief of the The Advocate newsletter, and the first AJMLS student to intern at the Attorney General’s Office. As a forensic scientist, she attended classes both day and night while maintaining her previous career. She credits the Law School’s flexibility with her ability to manage working as a scientist and attending law classes, and describes her experience at the school as “phenomenal”.

“If you are willing to put in the time and effort, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will afford you every opportunity you need,” says Judge Kreuziger.

This appointment is not her first post on the bench having served the Griffin Judicial Circuit as the Associate Juvenile Court Judge, and previously, Chief Judge of the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court. 

Prior to the bench, Judge Kreuziger served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit before opening her own law practice. Her practice focused on Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Civil Litigation.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to celebrate this historic milestone and wishes Judge Kreuziger much success in her new role.

The Academic Achievement and Bar Success (AABS) Outstanding Alumni Service Award is awarded annually to an outstanding alumnus of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) for extraordinary service and leadership in supporting graduates as they prepare to take the bar exam. Recipients of this award will have demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to assist bar takers on their path to success by dedicating their time, energy, and expertise to their alma mater and recent graduates in extraordinary ways. AJMLS has a favorite saying, “Our students come for law school but find a community,” and recipients of this award will have demonstrated a true commitment to that sense of community by lifting others to new heights.

The inaugural recipient of this award is Mandira Sethi, AJMLS Class of 2020, currently a Staff Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Even though Mandira was very busy working on a wide array of immigrant visas and nonimmigrant petitions during her first year as a practicing attorney after many successful years as a diligent and successful paralegal, she dedicated many hours of her free time to supporting students preparing for the July 2021 bar exam. Not only did she participate in AABS discussion panels, check-in regularly with the Assistant Dean of the Department, and willingly share her experiences, but she also met regularly with students and offered her insights into successful bar preparation and essay writing. Mandira was available to any alumni who reached out, whether she was acquainted with them or not, and her efforts will undoubtedly pay off for all of the bar takers that she worked with.

AJMLS is proud to name Mandira Sethi the first recipient of the AABS Outstanding Alumni Service Award.

The Law School is incredibly proud of its graduates. Your perseverance and resilience during this challenging time is a testament to your professionalism and work ethic. We look forward to following your careers and championing all your future successes.

Valedictorians

This award is given to the valedictorian from each of the school’s divisions (full-time and part-time).

Miriam Perfecto, part-time program

Undergraduate institution:

University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My top favorite memories were when I was chosen as Editor-in-Chief of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law Journal for the 2020-2021 year and when I found out I was Valedictorian.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My dream is to start my own law practice one day.

Morgan Eipper, full-time program

Undergraduate institution:

University at Buffalo 

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Practicing for the 2020 Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition. Although I did not get to actually compete due to COVID, I found lifelong friendships during the countless weekends we spent practicing. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam, I would like to work for an international law firm or an international corporation as a business attorney.

Outstanding Graduate Awards

This award is given annually to one graduate in each of the school’s divisions (part-time and full-time) who best demonstrates standards of competence and professionalism, a strong social conscience, high ethical standards, and a commitment to the improvement of the legal system and society, as determined by the Faculty on recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee.

Morgan Eipper, full-time program

Undergraduate institution:

University at Buffalo 

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Practicing for the 2020 Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition. Although I did not get to actually compete due to COVID, I found lifelong friendships during the countless weekends we spent practicing. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam, I would like to work for an international law firm or an international corporation as a business attorney.

Tessa Martin, full-time program

Undergraduate School:

Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio

Favorite AJMLS Memory:

Getting appointed Managing Editor of Law Review and working with my fellow colleagues on Law Review. Our virtual meetings during Covid were fun and we always helped motivate and push each other. 

Plans after bar exam:

I am excited to practice in the field of family law and personal injury. My goal is to be an excellent litigator and advocate for my clients.

Ashley S. Lewis, part-time program

Undergraduate institution:

Benedict College (Columbia, SC) and University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) for Paralegal Certificate

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (Specifically 2018)- This was a dinner to remember, I was able to help decorate the student lounge and students, faculty, and staff were able to drop-in for a hearty dinner. The food was delicious and the love that was spread reminded me of my very own family thanksgiving. I am happy that AJMLS is now a part of my extended family! I will never forget the joy and support the school has provided me over the past four years!

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My future aspiration is to become a corporate finance and securities attorney. However, I want to always ensure I am giving back to the community in which I live, whether through pro bono or community service efforts. One of my favorite organizations is the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (i.e. AVLF).

Promiss Yvonne Yarber, part-time program

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia Southern University 

Favorite AJMLS Memory:

I believe that I have too many fond memories and am unable to pick just one. From attending events, to serving on the SBA Executive Board, to creating lost lasting friendships, I would not trade my experience at this school for anything in the world. It has been one of the most fulfilling time periods in my life.

Plans/ dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam I hope to begin a career as a closing attorney. I also hope to engage in pro bono services and one day create a scholarship fund to give back to AJMLS students.

Matthew James Repella, part-time program

Miriam Perfecto, part-time program

Undergraduate institution:

University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My top favorite memories were when I was chosen as Editor-in-Chief of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law Journal for the 2020-2021 year and when I found out I was Valedictorian.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My dream is to start my own law practice one day.

Megan Maloney Sale, part-time program

Undergraduate institution:

University of Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory:

I have many favorite memories, but the most special is becoming great friends with the night students. What an amazing atmosphere the school creates for those of us that are traveling through law school on the less beaten path.  

Plans after the bar exam:

After the passing the bar exam I will be joining a corporation as in-house counsel. I hope to give back to the AJMLS community as much as the AJMLS community has given to me over the past four years.  What an honor and a privilege to attend AJMLS.

Excellence In Appellate Advocacy

This award is given to the outstanding student participant on a John Marshall Law School moot court competition team.

Mandira Sethi

Undergraduate institution:

Emory University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Picking one AJMLS memory is so difficult for me, as I had so many that truly shaped me into the person I am today. The first would be in my 1L year, being cold-called in Professor Van Detta’s Contracts class, to this day, I still remember the terrifying feeling. I remember fumbling through the hypo, but in that moment things changed. That day I gained a mentor for life, what I learned from Professor Van Detta is something I will never be able to fully describe into words. It is a memory I will cherish forever.

My second would be competing in the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition and becoming Chair of the Moot Court Advocacy. Moot Court is an invaluable experience to all students, it helps us perfect our oral and legal writing skills. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

Ten years ago, I started my path in immigration law as a paralegal with the goal of helping immigrants, like myself, come to this country and pursue their dreams. Now, as an Immigration Attorney, I hope to give back to the community.

Zachary Warfel

Undergraduate institution:

Kennesaw State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Spending hours in the library studying just to get a C+ on a final.

Plans/dreams after the bar:

I plan to work at Wakhisi-Douglas and hopefully make a lot of money.

Excellence in Pro Bono

This award is given to those students whose pro bono hours are among the top 10% earned in the graduating class. This award is not merit-based.

Morgan Eipper

Undergraduate institution:

University at Buffalo 

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Practicing for the 2020 Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition. Although I did not get to actually compete due to COVID, I found lifelong friendships during the countless weekends we spent practicing. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam, I would like to work for an international law firm or an international corporation as a business attorney.

Ashley S. Lewis

Undergraduate institution:

Benedict College (Columbia, SC) and University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) for Paralegal Certificate

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (Specifically 2018)- This was a dinner to remember, I was able to help decorate the student lounge and students, faculty, and staff were able to drop-in for a hearty dinner. The food was delicious and the love that was spread reminded me of my very own family thanksgiving. I am happy that AJMLS is now a part of my extended family! I will never forget the joy and support the school has provided me over the past four years!

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

My future aspiration is to become a corporate finance and securities attorney. However, I want to always ensure I am giving back to the community in which I live, whether through pro bono or community service efforts. One of my favorite organizations is the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (i.e. AVLF).

Tyler White

Stacy Williams

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Outstanding Graduate Award

This award is given to a woman from each Georgia law school based on academic accomplishments and contributions to women’s issues.

Brittany Lenoch

Undergraduate institution:

Kennesaw State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Earning top appellee oralist in Professor Dalton’s legal writing class and a position on moot court

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I’ve accepted an offer to work for a small criminal defense firm that I’ve interned for since 2015. I plan to primarily practice criminal defense, but also hope to work on juvenile and family law matters. 

Edward J. Henning Award for Excellence in Dispute Resolution

This award is given to an outstanding ADR student at each of the state’s five ABA-accredited law schools. These awards are given in memory of Ed Henning, one of the “founding fathers” of mediation in Georgia.

Damilola Elizabeth Olatunde

Undergraduate Institution:

Georgia Southern University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

I have lots of wonderful memories. One memory that left an imprint on me was during my first year of law school. I was struggling and finding it hard to adjust to law school. It was my first time answering a question correctly in Professor Van Detta’s contract class. Disclaimer: It can be a little difficult to give a completely correct answer. But this event made me feel like I could make it through law school.

Plans/dreams after the bar:

Take a break, travel, look for a job and continue working on my organization for orphans in Nigeria. 

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award

The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award is given to the graduate whose pro bono work has demonstrated outstanding commitment to legal services for underserved communities and their work was impactful.

Yvette Hill

Undergraduate institution:

Morgan State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

I have several invaluable memories at AJMLS, but my favorite is working in the school’s business office as a receptionist. It afforded me the opportunity to build priceless, lifelong relationships with John Marshall staff, faculty, and students.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I have been working with the Clayton County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender under the Third Year Student Practice Act since January 2020. As a result, I have been offered (and I have accepted) a permanent position upon passing the bar. My ultimate goal is to continue working as a Criminal Defense Attorney, and to possibly become a Civil Rights Attorney.

National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award

This award is given to a third-year law student who who best exemplifies the following characteristics:

• Contributes to the advancement of women in society
• Promotes issues and concerns of women in the legal profession
• Exhibits motivation, tenacity, and enthusiasm
• Demonstrates high academic achievement
• Earns the respect of the faculty and administration

Kristian Postma

Undergraduate Institution:

North Georgia College & State University

Favorite AJMLS Memory:

My favorite memory from AJMLS is getting to know my professors. On one particular emotionally challenging day, Professor Baker sat with me and shared his wisdom about not losing yourself or your perspective during law school. I made it a point from that moment on to remind myself daily of my true purpose and to exercise some grace! Also, the friends I made during my law school career are INVALUABLE.

Plans/dreams after the bar:

After the bar, I will be a Staff Attorney with the State Court of Cherokee County.

Pro Bono Distinction

This distinction is given to students who have completed 75 hours or more of pro bono work during their law school career.

Yvette Hill

Undergraduate institution:

Morgan State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

I have several invaluable memories at AJMLS, but my favorite is working in the school’s business office as a receptionist. It afforded me the opportunity to build priceless, lifelong relationships with John Marshall staff, faculty, and students.

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

I have been working with the Clayton County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender under the Third Year Student Practice Act since January 2020. As a result, I have been offered (and I have accepted) a permanent position upon passing the bar. My ultimate goal is to continue working as a Criminal Defense Attorney, and to possibly become a Civil Rights Attorney.

Order of Quill

The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Order of the Quill (“Order”) is an honor society that recognizes significant academic achievement in designated required doctrinal courses (“Quill” courses). Students who achieve the required cumulative grade point average in the Quill courses will be eligible for admission into the Order. Members of the Order shall receive certificates of membership and be recognized at graduation.

Charles Carr, Scholar

Undergraduate institution:

Georgia State University

Favorite AJMLS memory:

My favorite memory at John Marshall is debating and arguing about cases in professor Rapping’s criminal justice classes. I learned a lot about criminal law and procedure, but I also learned about how the criminal justice system works and what to expect and watch out for in the courtroom.

Plans/Dreams after the bar exam:

I plan on working as a prosecutor in either the District Attorney or Solicitor General’s office. 

Morgan Eipper, Honor Scholar and Marshall of the Order

Undergraduate institution:

University at Buffalo 

Favorite AJMLS memory:

Practicing for the 2020 Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition. Although I did not get to actually compete due to COVID, I found lifelong friendships during the countless weekends we spent practicing. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

After the bar exam, I would like to work for an international law firm or an international corporation as a business attorney.

Gianna Carolina Franceschini, Scholar

December 2020 Graduates

May 2021 Graduates

July 2021 Graduates

*Criminal Justice Certificate Program

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) presented The Distinguished Alumni Award to two incredible alumni at the 2021 commencement ceremony. This year’s honorees are Judge Angela Duncan, Class of 1996, and Corey Martin, Class of 2009. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have obtained distinction in their professional careers. Those honored share the same characteristics of leadership, progressive thinking, high standards, uncompromising integrity, commitment, courage, and confidence. Their careers serve as models for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students and alumni.

Honorable Angela Duncan

Angela D. Duncan is the newest Superior Court Judge in the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit and was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from North Georgia College and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from March 1987 to March 1995 as a light-weight vehicle mechanic.

She later attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School part-time attending both day and night classes while also maintaining a full-time job. Throughout her study, she sought to experience different areas of law by working at a different firm each year of law school. She learned every aspect of private firms, from working in the file room to becoming a law librarian assistant and court runner. She also experienced many different law practices prior to graduation, from labor law and appellate work to personal injury and criminal defense.

While continuing her practice, Judge Duncan served as a Judge in the Cities of Chamblee, Snellville, Doraville, and Norcross Municipal Courts and as a part-time Judge for the Magistrate Court in Gwinnett County before she was appointed as a full-time Magistrate Court Judge in 2016. She was the Chief Judge in the City of Chamblee when Governor Kemp appointed her to the Superior Court bench.

Judge Duncan’s passion for service is not just reserved for the legal system in Gwinnett County. When she is not presiding over court proceedings she can be found out in the community participating in one of the many outreach programs she is a member of, including the Veterans Resource Center and serving as a board member for Gold Star Monument.

Corey Martin

Corey Martin is the Founder and Managing Partner at The Law Offices of Martin & Associates located in Douglasville, Georgia. His law practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Immigration and Personal Injury. He is a Senior Adviser for Martin Financial Solutions and Counsel for J&A Sports Management. He graduated with Honors in 2009 from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and received his undergraduate Math Degree from Excelsior College. While in law school Corey externed with the IRS, Douglas County Solicitor General’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security- Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Corey is an eight (8) year military veteran and is the Supervising Attorney of AJMLS’, Veterans Legal Clinic located at Fort McPherson, Georgia. The Legal Clinic represents veterans free of charge in misdemeanor criminal cases throughout the State of Georgia. He is an active member of the AJMLS Alumni Board and frequently volunteers to help students prepare for the legal field.

Corey is a 2020 Daily Report Distinguished Leaders Award Honoree and the recipient of the 2020 State Bar of Georgia, William B. Spann Jr. Award. He is also a Douglas County Partner in Education, a Douglas County Juvenile Court Administrative Council Member, a Match Mentor, a Partner of Fundacion Voces Unidas and a member of several Boards.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce Judge Angela Duncan, Class of 1996, as the Law School’s 2021 commencement speaker. Commencement exercises are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on May 22, 2021 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Atrium Ballroom – 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303. A live stream of the ceremony will be made available at www.johnmarshall.edu. Due to a cancelled event in 2020, this year’s commencement welcomes graduates who finished their degree December 2019 through May 2021.

“I am honored that Judge Duncan accepted our invitation to be this year’s commencement speaker. Her background and rise to the top of the legal profession are emblematic of the quality of legal professional Atlanta’s John Marshall Law strives to create. We are truly proud of her success.”

– Dean Jace C. Gatewood

About Judge Angela Duncan

Judge Angela Duncan was appointed the 11th Superior Court Judge for Gwinnett County in 2019. Gwinnett County is Georgia’s second largest county and this position was created by Governor Brian Kemp to assist in the increasing caseload. Duncan was Gwinnett’s first openly gay Superior Court judge as she joins a handful of other officials who are members of the LGBTQ community and hold high profile positions in the county.

Judge Duncan has worked as a Gwinnett County Magistrate Court judge for the past 15 years and was the chief judge for the city of Chamblee’s municipal court at the time of her appointment. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Georgia College and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1987 to 1995.

Duncan attended AJMLS part-time attending both day and night classes while also maintaining a full time job. Throughout her study, she sought to experience different areas of law by working at a different firm each year of law school. She learned every aspect of private firms, from working in the file room to becoming a law librarian assistant and court runner. She also experienced many different law practices prior to graduation, from labor law and appellate work to personal injury and criminal defense.

It was during her third year of study, and work at the former Gambrell and Stolz, that her interest was piqued in serving on the bench. Irwin W. Stolz, Jr., who served on the Georgia Court of Appeals from 1972-1977, was an excellent mentor and teacher during her employment at the firm.

When asked what it meant to return to her alma mater in this capacity, she said,

“It is an honor to be asked to come back and be the 2021 Commencement Speaker. Never did I believe as I gave my sweat and tears to the halls of AJMLS that I would receive this honor. It is amazing to see how AJMLS has grown over the years since I have graduated. I am so proud of what the school and its alumni have accomplished over the years.”

– Judge Angela Duncan

Tickets are required for entry and the ticket window has closed. For general information you can visit our graduation page here and/or our logistics page here for further details.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Alpa Amin, Class of 2010, for her recent promotion. As of January 1, 2021, Amin will become the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network’s new Executive Director.

At AJMLS, Amin was a founder of the Immigration Law Society, research assistant to Judge Renata Turner (former Director, then Associate Dean of Experiential Learning, now Juvenile Court Judge), editor of “For The Public Good” (AJMLS’ public interest newsletter), and heavily involved in the planning/preparation of the Youth & Law Summit (which was spearheaded by Judge Turner and others).

Amin said, “The practical experience I gained through an externship with Raksha during my second year of law school, coupled with my participation in Professor Joe Rosen’s immigration law course and subsequent Asylum seminar, really paved the way for me to do the work that I’m engaged in now.”

Amin is the Director of Legal Services at the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN). She began her work with GAIN in 2008 as a Law and Policy Assistant, and in 2009 with the support from Greenberg Traurig and King & Spalding, she was awarded an Equal Justice Works Fellowship to establish GAIN’s Victims of Violence Program. In her current position, she oversees the provision of pro bono legal services through GAIN’s Asylum and Victims of Violence Programs. She recruits, trains and mentors pro bono attorneys from the Atlanta legal community and provides direct representation to immigrant victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault who need assistance with filing T-visas, U-visas, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Battered Spouse Waivers. She works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement and is a frequent guest speaker on issues affecting immigrant victims of crime. Amin is a 2018 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, Workgroup Chair of the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force, a former Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and a graduate of the Leadership Buckhead Class of 2016. She has been recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 and is the recipient of the Atlanta Bar Association’s 2018 Rita A. Sheffey Public Interest Award. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech University and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Amin went on to say, “I benefited greatly from the guidance and tutelage of so many professors, executive/administrative staff, and of course my classmates (now colleagues). I’m grateful for their faith in me, then, and their unwavering support since.”

We are so proud of Alpa’s commitment to GAIN’s mission and the immeasurable impact she has had on the Georgia legal community. We look forward to following her journey as the Executive Director of GAIN!

Alpa will also be featured in the upcoming Alumni in Action event on October 8, click here for additional information.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) celebrates its alumni and their accomplishments. If you would like to submit information for our next Alumni on the Move piece, please click here to submit the form.

Naja Burroughs, Class of 2019

Job placement at Kenny Leigh and Associates in its Atlanta office.

Taylor Newell, Class of 2019

Job placement at Cohen and Sinowski, a Personal Injury Law Firm in Atlanta.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 2019 alumnus, Captain Bryan Dayton, for his momentous swearing-in this morning to the Bar of the Georgia Supreme Court. Capt. Dayton is currently with the Georgia Army National Guard and works with U.S Army Europe Command. He is deployed to Germany where he plans joint training missions with our NATO partners in Europe and Asia, and as such, became the first person to be sworn into the Georgia Supreme Court virtually.

Capt. Dayton is transferring from the Infantry to the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps to serve as an Army lawyer. To make the branch transfer, he is required to earn a certificate of good standing showing that he has been admitted to the highest court of the state. Capt. Dayton had two sponsors who participated in today’s remote swearing-in ceremony. One of his sponsors is Brigadier General Bobby Christine, who is also the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia in Savannah. Brig. Gen. Christine, a one-star general, has the distinction of being the only general officer in the Army National Guard JAG Corps. Capt. Dayton’s second sponsor is Colonel Brian Bischoff, who was recently appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to succeed Brig. Gen. Christine as the State Judge Advocate for the Georgia National Guard.

Upon his return to Georgia, Capt. Dayton will be taking a job with the law firm of Prieto, Marigliano, Holbert, and Prieto, LLC, specializing in recovery for victims of long-term-care negligence and elder abuse.

In 2008, Capt. Dayton received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. Last year, he received his Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, graduating top 5 in his class.

Between his undergraduate studies and law school, Capt. Dayton spent six-years on active duty as an Army Infantry Officer. While on active duty, he deployed as a Platoon Leader to Kuwait, in support of Operation Spartan Shield. He also deployed to Latvia and Poland to support Operation Atlantic Resolve. As an Army Officer, Capt. Dayton earned a Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Badge, Expert Infantrymen’s Badge, and many other decorations and awards.

Capt. Dayton made the most of his time at Atlanta’s John Marshall involving himself in several different on-campus activities. He participated in Law Review for a semester before joining the Mock Trial team. While on Mock Trial, he traveled to South Carolina and competed in the Palmetto State Classic hosted by the University of South Carolina. Additionally, he worked as a Lexis Nexus Student Representative, a student employee at the Michael L. Lynch Law Library, and led the Atlanta’s John Marshall Barbri Student Sales Team.

Capt. Dayton and his beautiful wife Kayt, who will be returning to the US this month to attend Georgia Tech’s Master in Architecture program, maintained a residence in Atlanta since 2016 while living in Wiesbaden, Germany for his work. Capt. Dayton’s hobbies include marathon-running, working out, travel, and reading.

Capt. Dayton shared, “The biggest lesson I learned at John Marshall was that every day I need to strive to be better than I was yesterday.” He sat for and passed the July 2019 Georgia Bar exam.

Congratulations to Capt. Dayton! Thank you for your service and we look forward to welcoming you back to Georgia very soon.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 1996 alumnus, Ben Miller, Jr., on his recent appointment as Superior Court Judge for the Griffin Judicial CIrcuit. Miller will fill the vacancy created by Mack Crawford’s resignation and was appointed on May 1, 2020.

When asked about his success, Miller remarked, “I am humbled. I think I was at the right place at the right time.”

“However, I always practiced law with reverence to the profession and I believe that an attorney’s integrity and reputation are the most valuable traits that one can possess… and not to risk either for any case.”

Miller earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Georgia and has served as an attorney, solicitor, juvenile court judge pro tempore, municipal court judge, associate juvenile court judge, and presiding judge of juvenile court. He is a member of the Sixth Judicial District Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Directors, Spalding County Collaborative Board of Directors, Thomaston Upson Arts Council, Upson Historical Society, and Thomaston First United Methodist Church. He is also a founding member of the Thomaston-Upson Community Foundation, Inc. and the chairman of the Upson-Pike County Eagle Scout Review Board.

“In a competitive selection process, Ben Miller, Jr. clearly stood out among the candidates, and I am honored to appoint him to serve on the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court,” said Governor Kemp. “He has the right credentials, temperament, and willingness to serve, and I know that he will excel as a member of the Judiciary.”

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is thrilled to celebrate this appointment and wishes Judge Miller continued success on the bench.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Ashley Gholamhosseini, Class of 2011, for her recent appointment as a Fulton County magistrate judge.

Gholamhosseini, who was appointed to the Fulton County Magistrate Court bench on May 8, 2020, said “This opportunity to serve the citizens of the county where I was born and where I proudly live means the world to me. I am humbled by the task before me. There is work to be done, and I am grateful for the trust Chief Judge Cassandra Kirk has placed in me.”

An Atlanta native, Gholamhosseini graduated in the top 15 of her class at Atlanta’s John Marshall. She was a member of the moot court team where she competed nationally and also served on the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law Journal where her legislative summary was published in 2011. She also received the CALI Award for Immigration Law and received academic scholarships from Just the Beginning Foundation and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Foundation. In 2011, She and four other students were named Peer Mentors of the year for mentoring 1L and 2L students at AJMLS. During law school, Gholamhosseini externed under the Third Year Practice Act at the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

The future Judge Gholamhosseini began her legal career as a prosecuting attorney for Georgia’s two most populous counties. As a criminal prosecutor, she gained a significant amount of trial experience and helped thousands of crime victims. Her trial experience let to her joining Bey & Associates’ litigation department as a trial attorney in their Atlanta office. She later joined Bader Scott Injury Lawyers as a trial attorney and attorney captain in their personal injury department.

Gholamhosseini is a member of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL). She successfully completed the prestigious ATLA Ultimate Trial Advocacy Course: Art of Persuasion at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, MA and was a featured panelist at the American Association for Justice, Women’s Caucus in Denver Colorado.

Gholamhosseini resides in Atlanta with her husband Michael Drake, Esq.

The Law School is so proud of Judge Gholamhosseini and we look forward to following her career on the bench!

*Photo courtesy of Timothy Ezell

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 1996 alumna, Angela Duncan, on her recent appointment as the 11th Superior Court Judge for Gwinnett County. Gwinnett County is Georgia’s second largest county and this position was created by Governor Brian Kemp to assist in the increasing caseload. It is speculated that Duncan will be Gwinnett’s first openly gay Superior Court judge as she joins a handful of other officials who are members of the LGBTQ community and hold high profile positions in the county.

Judge Duncan has worked as a Gwinnett County Magistrate Court judge for the past 15 years and is the current chief judge for the city of Chamblee’s municipal court. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Georgia College and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1987 to 1995.

Duncan attended AJMLS part-time attending both day and night classes while also maintaining a full time job. Throughout her study, she sought to experience different areas of law by working at a different firm each year of law school. She learned every aspect of private firms, from working in the file room to becoming a law librarian assistant and court runner. She also experienced many different law practices prior to graduation, from labor law and appellate work to personal injury and criminal defense.

It was during her third year of study, and work at the former Gambrell and Stolz, that her interest was piqued in serving on the bench. Irwin W. Stolz, Jr., who served on the Georgia Court of Appeals from 1972-1977, was an excellent mentor and teacher during her employment at the firm.

When asked if she had advice for the Atlanta’s John Marshall community, she noted:

“Whatever it is you want to do, find a passion in it- it’s a lot less like work.”

Duncan also remarked to her University of North Georgia alma mater,

“I have always been open about who I am. My wife and children have accompanied me and are a huge part of my success.”

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to celebrate this appointment and wishes Judge Duncan much success as she takes the bench in the New Year.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates 1996 alumna, Tasha M. Mosley, on her recent appointment as District Attorney of the Clayton County Judicial Circuit.

Mosley has served Clayton County as their Solicitor General since 2009, and previously served as Assistant Solicitor General in Henry County as well as Master Assistant Solicitor General from 2004 to 2006, and Assistant Solicitor General from 1998 to 2004 in the Clayton County Judicial Circuit.

After graduating from AJMLS, Mosley was the sole practitioner of the Tasha Mosley Law Firm in Jonesboro before beginning her career in public service.

An active community leader, Mosley has received numerous professional awards, including the 2013 Clayton County Bar Association Community Service Award, 2015 and 2018 Freddie L. Groomes-McClendon Caring Awards, 2018 Angela M. Williams Humanitarian Award, 2018 Regina Crothers from the Heart Award, and 2018 Thompson-Jones Award. She also is a member of the State Bar of Georgia‘s Statewide Judicial Evaluation Committee, Rainbow House Executive Board, and Calvary Refuge Center Executive Board. She is the former Vice Chair of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, Vice President of the Clayton County Bar Association, and President of the Solicitor General Association of Georgia.*

“For many years, Tasha has worked tirelessly to serve the Clayton County community as a strong advocate for her constituents, both in and out of the courtroom. She is beloved by her neighbors and peers, highly regarded and respected in the legal profession, and ready to take on this new adventure,” said Kemp. “She has the perfect background and personality for this opportunity, and I know that she will excel.”

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Judge Ethan Pham, Class of 2013, for his recent honor of being named one of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. The 40 individuals were selected by the Georgia Trend staff from more than 400 nominations by readers throughout the state. Judge Pham is a Partner at the Law Firm of Nguyen & Pham LLC and an Associate Judge for the City of Norcross and City of Morrow.

Georgia Trend’s article notes,

Ethan Pham began his law career working for a private firm that represented municipalities around the Atlanta airport. As an assistant city attorney, he advised local governments on the legality and the constitutionality of their actions.

Pham, who immigrated from Vietnam at age 11, says that experience gave him a deeper understanding of the word freedom. “Freedom is not just freedom from oppression from a foreign country, but freedom is also freedom from oppression from your own government,” he says.

Pham is passionate about community service. He is the vice chair of the Gwinnett Transit Advisory Board; a member of the Gwinnett Police Foundation; serves as legal counsel for the Atlanta International Night Market; and is the co-founder of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Georgia.*

Pham earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and Business Administration with a minor in chemistry. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked as a tax software developer and dabbled in entrepreneurship via acquisition of a poultry operation. Prior to co-founding Nguyen & Pham, LLC, Pham worked as an assistant city attorney for a private law firm practicing local government law and serving public entities.** Recently, he came in third in last year’s U.S. House District 7 Democratic primary election.

The Law School is proud of Judge Pham’s continued success and we look forward to celebrating with him for many years to come.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumnus, Nick Schnyder, has only hired passionate legal minds from his alma mater since opening his firm, Nick Schnyder Law Firm, LLC, in August of 2016. Schnyder’s firm experienced rapid growth and turning to his fellow AJMLS alumni for support has enabled the firm to continue taking on difficult and rewarding cases.

The Nick Schnyder Law Firm was pleased to hire Rebecca Rae, Class of 2012 in 2017, and Matthew Nestrud, Class of 2012, in 2019. Prior to attending law school, Rae accumulated over a decade of legal experience as a legal assistant and paralegal, and is also the co-founder of the non-profit, Flashpoint Artists Initiative, Inc., which has donated approximately $100,000 to local charities over the past 13 years. Nestrud graduated top ten in his class from AJMLS, was the Executive Legislative Editor on Law Review, and competed on the Moot Court Team.

Schnyder also graduated top of his class, passed the bar, and began his journey of becoming a personal injury civil litigation attorney in 2011. His determination to fight for justice is both professional and personal as his own family was injured by medical error in three separate incidents giving him common ground with the clients he serves. Since founding his firm, Schnyder became a member of the Georgia Bar Association, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, and the Cobb County Bar Association. He has also won numerous awards including Top 40 Under 40 from National Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite.

The Law School is proud of the success of its alumni at the Nick Schnyder Law Firm and is pleased to share their work fighting on behalf of Georgia’s injured families.

About Nick Schnyder Law Firm, LLC – Established in 2016. Experienced personal injury and catastrophic injury attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia.

Are you an AJMLS graduate with exciting news or honors to share? Please email us at marketing@johnmarshall.edu.

*Image courtesy of Nick Schnyder Law Firm

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) 2018 alumna Calvana Cedant has a purpose on this earth to advocate for others, inspire future leaders, and grow organizations she truly believes in. Her path to law school began early on and she has since worked hard to achieve her goals. She was a part of the pre-law magnet program in high school, obtained her undergraduate degree from Clark Atlanta University, and then transitioned to AJMLS where she became actively involved with the school and the community. Through hard work and dedication she was able to turn her dreams into a reality and now works as an Assistant Public Defender for the Henry County Public Defender’s Office.

When asked about her path to law school, her career, and her favorite part about what she does, Calvana stated:

I come from a single mother household of five children. I saw many people from the community I grew up in be processed through the Criminal Justice System and did not understand or know their rights in regards to the criminal court system. I did not grow up knowing one attorney or anyone in the military, and so I set out in life to be both. I have felt this purpose since I was twelve years old and have not deviated from this path since I realized I wanted to be an attorney. I attended Fort Lauderdale High School, a school with a Pre-Law magnet program. In the magnet program, I took Pre-Law courses and I joined the debate team. I graduated with a pre-law high school diploma and moved on to Clark Atlanta University.

Clark Atlanta University would be my next milestone in life, almost 900 miles away from Pompano Beach, Florida and no family in Atlanta, Georgia; I was ready to conquer the unknown. I went from being freshman class secretary to the Vice President of the Political Science Association. During college in February 2012, I joined the United States Army in hopes of graduating from law school and becoming part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Joining the Army has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I was the first person in my family to serve in the military and I am currently the only member of my family serving in the military. I enjoy the Army because it gives me a sense of purpose and usefulness.

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University I quickly transitioned to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS). During my matriculation through law school, I went from being Student Body Representative for the Criminal Justice Honors Program to being the President of the Veterans Law Student Association. I enjoyed the student organizations at AJMLS because of the diversity of each organization. I was a member of the Criminal Law Association, the Black Law Student Association, and I became a member of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. I was fortunate enough to work as a student coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs and Pro Bono Programs. In the office I was able to work closely with the Street Law Program at Booker T. Washington High School preparing students for a mock trial, and personally mentoring students throughout the program.

While in law school I saw how difficult it was for some students to complete the first year. So during my third year of law school I served as a peer mentor to three first year law students, two of which I am now providing guidance for the July 2019 Georgia bar examination. At AJMLS, I also enjoyed volunteering with the Fort McPherson Veterans Clinic assisting Veterans who needed legal assistance in civil and criminal matters. It’s not a surprise that most of the work that I have done so far in my life has been in the best interest and advancement of someone else. In May 2018, I graduated from AJMLS and began preparing for the Georgia bar examination. In October of 2018 I graduated from the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorney’s professional development academy. The academy provided intensive professional and personal development training for people in the legal profession. Also, in October 2018 I passed the Georgia bar and made my dream come true. I was sworn in to practice law and also selected for the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

In December 2018, I accepted a position with the Henry County Public Defender’s Office and I am still with this office. My current job as an Assistant Public Defender is to be an advocate for indigent clients that deserve zealous representation. I analyze all assigned felony cases, and preform legal research to help advance my client’s case or legal position. I also advise clients of identified defenses and recommend appropriate course of actions for their case. Through our office I have the privilege of being a part of the Henry County Veterans Court team. I assist clients who served in the United States Military be considered for the program. If accepted their mental health or drug dependency issues are addressed and their successful completion of the program can be in lieu of confinement. I have many more duties as an Assistant Public Defender but my favorite part about my career is being an advisor and educator to my clients. I truly enjoy the attorneys and staff I work with. I am challenged and learning something new every day.

My current hobbies consist of traveling when I can and mentoring young girls with aspirations of becoming an attorney. My advice for aspiring lawyers and law students is to be intentional! When you set a goal, when you make a plan, and when you make a life decision always be intentional. Law school is not easy but it is not impossible. Where I am in life is solely because I had faith and was intentional about my life choices and decisions. I am living proof that your dreams can become reality!

The Law School is proud of the work and dedication Calvana has, and we look forward to celebrating her continued success!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumna Neera Bahl was recently appointed to the Cobb County Board of Elections. In 2000, Bahl received her Juris Doctor degree from AJMLS and has since demonstrated a strong commitment of leadership and dedication towards helping society and her community. She is actively involved with many volunteer projects and professional organizations. She was also a recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from AJMLS.

Repost from the Marietta Daily Journal:

“Cobb Republican Party Chairman Jason Shepherd has appointed Marietta attorney Neera Bahl to the Cobb County Board of Elections.

Bahl is the founder and managing partner of One Path Legal. She will replace current Republican Party appointee Joe Pettit, whose term expires June 30.

“Neera brings with her not only a vast amount of experience in the law, but a zeal for growing the Republican base in Cobb County,” Shepherd said in a news release. “I want to thank Joe Pettit for his service on the board, but given what I expect will be a contentious 2020 election, I felt we need someone with the experience and legal skills (that) Neera Bahl will bring to this position.”

A native of India and naturalized U.S. citizen, Bahl received her master’s in English from Punjab University, India; bachelor of education in psychology from D.A.V. College, India; and bachelor of science in chemistry and biology from D.S. College, India.

After moving to the United States, Bahl spent more than 20 years in medical and scientific research before graduating from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2000. She is a graduate of the 2018 class of Leadership Cobb and was appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of Elections for Cobb GOP and will do my best to ensure that the elections are administered with utmost fairness and accuracy,” Bahl said. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”

Cobb GOP Outreach Ambassador Jeff Souther said, “Neera Bahl is a natural fit for the Cobb Board of Elections. Neera’s professional experience as an immigration attorney combined with her life experience as a naturalized citizen drives her passion for civic engagement. She is committed to ensuring every citizen has their voting rights accessible and protected.”

In addition to her legal work, Bahl is a volunteer for the Truancy Intervention Project and with Raksha Inc. helping victims of domestic violence. She is the current president of the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce-South East Chapter.”

To learn more about Neera Bahl and her law firm, One Path Legal, visit their website here. Congratulations, Neera on all that you have accomplished!

*Featured image courtesy of Marietta Daily Journal

Being a native of Atlanta, Jennifer A. Magruder graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. However, she has always had an interest in the law and decided to pursue her true passion by attending Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS). In 2018, Magruder received her Juris Doctor degree and graduated with Criminal Justice Honors. She then went on to take the Georgia bar exam that July and was admitted to practice law in October of 2018. About a month later, after working with a few other solo practitioners, Magruder decided to take a leap of faith and opened her own law firm focused on Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and Immigration. Her favorite part about owning her own firm is that she is able to pace herself with her case flow and control the amount of time allotted to each case that comes through her firm. She hopes to continue to provide the same mentorship and guidance to AJMLS students she had received throughout her law school journey.

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished Jennifer! We look forward to celebrating your continued success.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumnus, Burl Finkelstein, was recently featured in the Daily Report on Law.com. The article, Georgia GC Discusses White House Meeting With Trade Officials, was featured in the April 15^th edition as a full story on p. 5. You can also find the article online here.

The article is a worthy read that goes into detail on the Coalition of a Prosperous America annual trade conference at the White House. One person in particular that attended this event was Finkelstein, who later went on to speak with Corporate Counsel on his history with the coalition and his biggest takeaways from the event. This conversation included Finkelstein’s take on what attracted him to the coalition, the industries represented at the conference, conversation highlights, discussions on tariffs, and his biggest revelation during the meeting.* In this article, Finkelstein does a great job at providing an insider’s insight to the conference and conveying overall messages.

When asked about his involvement, Finkelstein mentioned that:

“Being a lawyer made many differences in my life and effectives in business. My legal training and business background helped me understand trade law so I could meaningfully engage the policy makers.”

Finkelstein attended AJMLS in the part-time evening program and graduated in 2005. He passed the bar on his first try that following July. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Kason Industries Inc. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished in your career thus far and all that you are set to accomplish in the future!

*Law.com

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) 2016 alumna, Antonette Igbenoba, recently accepted a position at Ernst & Young (EY) with a focus in data privacy, an area of law she is most passionate about.

After receiving her Theatre B.A. from Penn State University, Igbenoba began the next journey towards her career: law school. Her degree along with her passion for public service helped drive her towards attending AJMLS. While at AJMLS, Igbenoba became actively involved in her courses and extracurricular activities. Outside of classes, she taught Sunday school to elementary kids, did community service projects at Atlanta Mission through the Christian Legal Society, and was a member of the Black Law Students Association. In addition to her volunteer work, she actively networked with data privacy professionals in order to learn more about the industry and how she could excel in her career. Igbenoba obtained an externship with a technology law firm where she was exposed to new legal experiences and, as a result, fell in love with the data privacy and cybersecurity law industry.

“My favorite part about the job and data privacy law is the creativity that my position allows,” said Igbenoba. “Data privacy in many ways reminds me of art, it is flexible and there is always new technology being created and new challenges to step-up to.”

After taking the bar, she took a leap and founded her own data privacy and security consulting firm called “The Privacy Source LLC.” Here, she was able to gain hands-on experience building data privacy programs for startup eCommerce businesses and helping them comply with necessary data privacy laws.

After several months of building up her portfolio through her firm, Igbenoba applied for a position with EY’s Cybersecurity Practice and, following a lengthy interview process, was offered the job. Through all of the hard work and dedication put towards an industry she is passionate about, Igbenoba is now able to develop new processes and procedures for EY’s clients in order to help them comply with data privacy laws. She is also able to utilize her knowledge of the industry and help shape the future.

“Privacy is amazing because America has no federal privacy law (in America we have a sectoral approach to privacy e.g. HIPPA applies to Healthcare data matters),” said Igbenoba.  “Congress is currently in the process of brain-storming a federal privacy law, so the government frequently has public sessions and inquires to get input from data privacy professionals, in essence, I have a route available to help craft beneficial and necessary policy!”

Outside of work, Igbenoba finds herself staying busy by getting involved with her community. Currently, she is a Civic Fellow with Hands on Atlanta where she leads a service project that works to combat food insecurity in the Atlanta area. (For more information on her upcoming events, visit the website here)

When asked if she had any advice for aspiring attorneys, Igbenoba gave two points to those chasing their dreams. The first is to, “Do what sets your heart on fire. Go exactly after your passion, what makes you happy, or what brings you fulfillment.” The second is, “Focus on yourself! This is your unique life and your unique journey! Everyone’s path differs, if you’re too focused on getting the approval, thumbs up, or support from others, you’re wasting your time.”

The Law School is incredibly proud of Antonette’s dedication to the community and we look forward to celebrating her continued success.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Vincent A. Lotti, Class of 2010, for his recent appointment as a Henry County magistrate judge. At the Law School, Lotti served as both a Peer Mentor and a Student Ambassador, and was a three time Dean’s Award recipient.

Judge Lotti is a lifelong resident of Henry County, graduated from Union County High School, and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from The University of Georgia. After graduating from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Lotti entered private practice and founded his own practice representing clients in both civil and criminal cases.*

The Law School is incredibly proud of Judge Lotti’s drive and service to the community and we look forward to celebrating his continued success.

*Henry Harold

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School hosted a mass swearing-in ceremony for its recent graduates and alumni on November 29, 2018 at the Blackburn Conference Center. The Law School was honored by Justice Carol Hunstein of the Georgia Supreme Court and Judge T. Jackson Bedford of the Fulton County Superior Court. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to all the graduates!

Images from the event may be viewed here or at the Facebook post below. Be sure to follow the Law School page for other updates and images around campus!

On Tuesday, November 20, 2018, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Alumnus and U.S. Air Force Veteran, William J. (Billy) Black III, was sworn into the practice of law by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge and U.S. District Court Nominee Hon. J.P. Boulee. The ceremony took place in Pershing Point Park, across West Peachtree Street from the Law School. Mr. Black’s mother, wife, sister, niece, and nephew attended. Honored guests included Mr. Richard H. Deane, Jr., managing partner of Jones Day’s Atlanta Office, and a major force in renovating the park which honors Fulton County residents who lost their lives in World War I.

In Billy’s words:

Mr. Black, who served as Editor-in-Chief of Volume 11 of the John Marshall Law Journal, researched and published an article on the history and interpretations of the imposing monument erected in that Park in 1920 by the War Mothers of Fulton County. See William J. Black, A Higher Loyalty To Their Ultimate Sacrifice: Segregated Black War Casualties And Society’s Monumental Mistake, 11 John Marshall Law Journal 34 (2018).

During his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Journal, Black led the effort that produced the well-received and highly successful 2017 Symposium & CLE Event on Veterans’ Issues and the Law. Judge Boulee was one of the featured speakers at that event, where he discussed the concept of accountability courts for veterans as an alternative to traditional adjudication.

Mr. Black is now working as a cybersecurity software engineer at Equifax and pursuing a Master of Laws in Securities and Financial Regulation at Georgetown University Law Center. He also volunteers as a Special Assistant District Attorney in Cobb County under the supervision of Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Mike Carlson, primarily on gang related criminal appeals.

He is hoping to explore an attorney career in cybersecurity, government investigations and special matters, and working directly with corporate or government clients advising their application development teams, data protection officers, and cybersecurity engineers on IT Security Risks, databreach management, regulatory responses, and deploying secure development practices that comport with federal, state, and international cybersecurity laws.

The Law School is incredibly proud of Billy’s research and service, and we look forward to celebrating his continued success.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumna, Fallon McClure, currently serves as the Georgia State Director for Spread the Vote. McClure graduated from AJMLS in 2014, and her path to Spread the Vote is an inspiring one to share.

After graduating from Georgia State University with a B.A. in History, McClure started in public service on the other end of the 911 line working as an Emergency Communications Officer for Cobb County. Inspired by family to pursue legal education, McClure enrolled in law school out-of-state. Soon after, she felt called back to family and began her full-time career as a paralegal in Atlanta.

McClure transferred to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and completed her J.D. studies in the part-time evening program at AJMLS while maintaining her full-time job as a paralegal during the day and also starting a family. Through both the on-campus Career Development Office and the Office of Experiential Learning, McClure completed an internship in private practice and also an externship at a District Attorney’s office in Atlanta.

After graduation, McClure began working at the ACLU of Georgia as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director and then later became the Policy Advocate. Working at the ACLU allowed her to help organize and empower communities with the tools to advocate for themselves, and in doing so, helped her define that community outreach was her passion.

McClure transitioned to become the Georgia State Director for Spread the Vote where she has been able to help bring immediate change to Georgia communities while also maintaining a caseload of criminal defense cases. The mission of Spread the Vote is to help obtain government-issued photo IDs for eligible voters. They are building a scale-able and sustainable way to help voters get the IDs they need for job, housing, voting, and healthcare needs.* Spread the Vote is actively expanding and currently has state chapters in Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, and Georgia chapters in Athens, Atlanta, Cobb County, Dekalb County, Henry County, South Cobb/Paulding Counties, Albany, Gwinnett County, Rome, Columbus, and Macon.

The Law School is incredibly proud of Fallon’s dedication to her education and service to communities in Georgia and we look forward to celebrating her continued success.

*Spread the Vote

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is thrilled to congratulate Erik Provitt, Class of 2016, for his recent acceptance into the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Fellows Program.

The ABA Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Fellows Program encourages the active involvement and participation of young lawyers in Section activities. The goal of the program is to give young lawyers an opportunity to become involved in the substantive work of the Section, while developing into future leaders.*

Erik is also currently a Georgia Housing Corps Fellow and is a staff attorney with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Standing with Our Neighbors Program.

The Law School is incredibly proud of Erik’s work in the community and we look forward to celebrating his continued success.

*American Bar Assocation

Class of 2016 Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumnus, Erik Provitt, has been selected as a Georgia Housing Corps Fellow (GHC). GHC is a new Fellowship program designed to address the barriers to housing stability in rural and urban communities in Georgia. GHC is being launched by Equal Justice Works. Equal Justice Works is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to mobilizing the next generation of public interest attorneys.*

Founded by law students in 1986, Equal Justice Works is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice. To this end, Equal Justice Works creates opportunities for law students and lawyers that provide the training and skills that enable them to provide effective representation to underserved communities and causes. The Equal Justice Works Fellowships programs fund hundreds of public interest attorneys each year to close the justice gap on issues such as foreclosure, community economic development, immigration, civil rights, homelessness, access to healthcare, and domestic violence.

Erik is a staff attorney with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)’s Standing with Our Neighbors Program. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation was created in 1979 through the joint efforts of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Atlanta Council of Younger Lawyers, and the Gate City Bar Association. AVLF is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Greater Atlanta.*** At AVLF, Erik specifically focuses on housing issues in neighborhoods on Atlanta’s Westside.

Sponsored by the Georgia Bar Foundation, eleven Fellows and seven community advocates have been selected to join Georgia Housing Corps. GHC will provide a combination of services including client representation on housing and housing-related issues, community outreach and education to community members and property owners, and advocacy to remove systemic barriers to housing at the local and statewide levels.

Congratulations on your selection, Erik! The AJMLS community is proud of the work that you are doing right here in Atlanta. We look forward to continuing to watch your career thrive.

*Taken from PR Newswire.
**Taken from Equal Justice Works.
***Taken from Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumna Margaret Spencer was recently sworn in as a judge in the State Court of the Clayton Judicial Circuit. The State Court is composed of five Judges, all of which are elected by the citizens of Clayton County and serve four year terms. Prior to Spencer’s judgeship, she served as the Senior Assistant Solicitor within the Clayton County Solicitor General’s Office.

What an amazing testimony to setting goals, working hard, and following your dreams. AJMLS is so grateful that we were a part of your story and a stepping stone to this prestigious new position. Congratulations, Judge Spencer! This is a great honor following an impressive career thus far. We know you’ll continue to do admirable work from the bench!

*Taken from the Clayton News-Daily.com.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumnus, Brandon E. Campbell, has been recently featured in Forbes. The article, Meet The 29-Year-Old Attorney On A Mission To Redefine Global Citizenship, was digitally published in Forbes Entrepreneurs Under 30.

The article is a worthy read that describes Campbell’s background, education, and early career that propelled him to apply and be accepted in to the Remote Year program. Remote Year brings together inspiring communities of 50-80 freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a year-long journey to work, travel, and live in 12 different cities throughout the world.* Campbell had the forward-thinking vision to turn his truly unique yearlong international journey, entitled “Extended Family,” in to an experiment that he is readily sharing with those following along on social media. The photographs and videos he is sharing depict the people and experiences he is having along the way.

Campbell self-describes this journey as one that” promotes intercultural exchange and empathy in an effort to uncover what unites us all.”* Additional information about Campbell’s journey can be found on Blavity and The Huffington Post. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished in your career thus far, Brandon, and all that you are set to accomplish in the future. We cannot wait to continue watching this journey unfold!

*From Remote Year.

*From The Huffington Post.

The American Institute of Legal Counsel (“AIOCLA”) recently named 2012 AJMLS alumna, Holly Waltman, with the prestigious 10 Best Attorney Award. AIOCLA is an impartial third-party attorney rating organization comprised of 13 divisions. AIOCLA recognizes excellence of fellow practitioners in the field.*

During law school, Ms. Waltman earned internships practicing both criminal defense and prosecution. At graduation, she was recognized with The Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears award for highest overall pro bono hours. After graduation, Ms. Waltman worked as a public defender in the State Court of Henry County. She is a graduate of The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorney’s-Bill Daniels Trial Advocacy Program, where she was trained by 25 of the nations top trial attorneys. Currently, she is a Partner at The Law Ladies, an Atlanta based firm specializing in criminal defense and personal injury.

Ms. Waltman will be serving as the guest speaker for the Alpha Phi Sigma induction ceremony at Kennesaw State University on Friday, April 14th at 6:00 p.m. Members of Alpha Phi Sigma at Kennesaw State University are at the top of their class in criminal justice.

Congratulations on your accomplishments, Holly! We can’t wait to see where your success takes you from here.

*Taken from the AIOCLA website.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (“AJMLS”) graduate and 2001 alumnus, Honorable Josh W. Thacker, was elected last June to serve as a State Court Judge in Spalding County, Georgia. He assumed office on January 1, 2017. Judge Thacker credits an externship that he held in the Spalding County District Attorney’s office, while he was a student at Atlanta’s John Marshall, as launching his career. Following graduation from AJMLS, he served as an Assistant District Attorney before transitioning to practicing criminal defense and ultimately to serving as a State Court Judge today. He tried hundreds of cases before he took office at the beginning of this year.

Only a few shorts weeks in to his tenure on the bench, he ruled the social media sharing platform, Snapchat, immune from distracted driver claims. An attorney for Snapchat told The Associated Press in an emailed statement that the “the judge’s ruling in this case is precedent setting for the entire mobile app and product industry.”*

Many congratulations on your accomplishments thus far, Judge Thacker! We will continue to enjoy watching your career successes.

*Taken from the Daily Report.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumna and Georgia Women’s Policy Institute Fellow, Sheronn Harris, recently co-authored a bill with a local judge and fellow member of the legal community. Ms. Harris is a Georgia attorney and the owner of The Harris Firm, P.C. The Georgia Women’s Policy Institute is the signature advocacy program of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta.

Harris co-authored the bill last December. Protocol dictates that proposed bills go through the General Assembly attorneys office to rewrite in their format and vet for constitutionality. Two somewhat similar versions of the bill co-written by Harris emerged in the Georgia House and Georgia Senate. Additionally, Harris was able to testify before the Georgia Senate Finance Committee on one of the versions of the tax reform bill. Ms. Harris wrote an article for Georgia Work Credit that does a great job explaining the purpose of the proposed tax reform. You are encouraged to read the article here.

AJMLS is proud of your accomplishments, Sheronn! We look forward to celebrating your future successes.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Alumnus, Alpa Amin, was recently named one of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40.The 2016 Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 represent a plethora of professions. The 40 selected were chosen from nominations made by readers of Georgia Trend throughout the state and the final selections were made by the editorial staff.

Ms. Amin is the Lead Attorney for the Victims of Violence Project at the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. In her role of Lead Attorney, Ms. Amin recruits, trains and mentors volunteer attorneys from the Atlanta legal community and provides direct representation to immigrant victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault who need assistance with filing T-visas, U-visas, and VAWA Self-Petitions/Battered Spouse Waivers. She works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement and is a frequent guest speaker on issues surrounding vulnerable immigrant communities.

This is quite an impressive accomplishment, Alpa, but so well deserved. Thank you for all that you do for our community.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumna and 2011 graduate, Heather Riggs, was recently named Co-Editor of The YLD Review. The YLD is the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division’s newsletter.

Riggs is the owner of MindMeld Marketing in Atlanta. MindMeld Marketing concentrates on providing assistance to clients with website content, blogging and social media. Riggs’ client base focuses on creating digital marketing plans for lawyers and law firms. Riggs started MindMeld Marketing following starting her own successful adoption law practice.

Riggs has previously served in many positions before within the American Bar Association YLD and the Georgia YLD. She is also a member of the YLD Leadership Academy Class of 2015. Congratulations, Heather!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumnus and 2008 graduate, David Willingham, successfully argued a reversal in front of the Supreme Court of Georgia. The Georgia Supreme Court recently issued its opinion in Zilke v. Georgia on June 20, 2016.

Willingham’s client, Bajrodin Zilke, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence and several traffic violations by a POST-certified police officer employed by Kennesaw State University. Notably, the traffic stop did not occur on or near KSU property. Willingham moved to suppress evidence of a breath test on the grounds that the KSU police officer lacked jurisdiction to arrest his client. The trial court granted the motion. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s decision.

The Georgia Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Court of Appeals’ decision and granted Willingham’s Motion to Suppress.  This effectively reversed the Georgia Supreme Court’s 1984 decision in Glazner v. State and all subsequent rulings based on Glazner.

This was a huge victory for Willingham and his client. Congratulations, David!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumnus and 2008 graduate, Dustin Hightower, was recently sworn in to serve as a superior court judge in the Coweta Judicial Circuit. Hightower’s current seat was made vacant when Judge A. Quillian Baldwin, Jr. retired from the court earlier this year. On May 26, 2016, Governor Nathan Deal administered Hightower’s oath.

Hightower formerly represented the 68^th district in the Georgia House of Representatives. He also served as a named partner at the firm Miller and Hightower, Attorneys at Law.

Congratulations, Dustin! We know you will continue to represent AJMLS well from the bench.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School congratulates its December 2015 graduates. Happy holidays!

Jacques Alpacino Barker
Chantiel Denise Bell
Anthony W Berry
Audra Braswell Bleecker
Michael Allen Bodiford
Shalena Mary Broadbelt
Garrett Michael Emmons
Carl Von Epps III
Robert Mason Frisbie
Corey Dwayne Givens
Noor Elizabeth Janho
Georgia Kasidakis
Tom Katusabe
Paul Christopher Kunst
Jennifer Marie McLaughlin
Douglas Mihalik
Kelly Leigh Morton
Joseph Grady Nickel Jr
Brandy L Porter
Amber Holly Reed
Alyssa Marie Sawicki
Jeffrey Sayer
David Morris Schlachter
Shana Leinaala Scott
Audrey Antoinette Simmons
Gina Renee’ Billingsley Smith
Lisa Sonoda
Tangelita Quiimaii Taylor
Adrienne Leigh Thornton
LeAnna Gail Wade
Corey DuWayne Woods
Jeremy A Yakle

On Monday, November 30, 2015, Dean Malcolm L. Morris sponsored eight AJMLS alumni and two guests to be sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court (Court). In order to be sworn into the Court, an attorney must have been sworn into the highest court in the state in which they are licensed for at least three years and be in good standing with that court. Those who were sworn in were: Ginger Arnold (’11), David Blackburn and his daughter, alumni Lara Blackburn Carillo (’12), Jesse Kent (’09), Prof. Stacey Mitchener, Terrye Nash (’10), Hon. Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (’92), Heather Riggs (’11), Joshua Smith (’00), and Margaret Spencer (’05.)

The evening before the swearing in, everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening with their family and friends at a reception hosted by the Alumni Office at the esteemed Willard Hotel. They dined on delicious hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and sipped on refreshments from the bar. It was a lovely event in the beautifully decorated room called “The Nest.”

On the day of the swearing in, the soon-to-be admittees had breakfast with their guests in the East Conference room of the Court. It was a wonderful photo opportunity as a large picture of former Chief Justice John Marshall hangs over the mantel of the fireplace. After breakfast, the Clerk of the Court escorts the guests into the courtroom and the attorneys are ushered in just before the Court begins its session. After being sworn in by the Clerk of the Court, the newly admitted attorneys and guests remained in the courtroom to watch the first oral argument. Needless to say, they were happy they weren’t presenting a case that day!

Despite the rain on the morning of the swearing in, everyone enjoyed beautiful weather in Washington, D.C. and had a once in a lifetime experience. It is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss!

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Alumni, Michael Puglise (’93) and Brooke Puglise (’14) of Puglise Law Firm, are featured in today’s Daily Report.

The article, Suit: UGA Cop Fired for Following ‘Amnesty Law’ for Overdose Calls, details their representation of Jay Park, the former University of Georgia police officer who filed suit in Fulton County last week.

Read the full article featuring the AJMLS alumni duo here: Suit: UGA Cop Fired for Following ‘Amnesty Law’ for Overdose Calls

The Georgia Trial Lawyers Association has announced that John Marshall Law School Alumni Thomas Lyman of the Mulholland Law Firm and Kyle Moore with the Lazenby Law Group have been selected for the 2015-2016 Leadership Education & Advanced Direction (LEAD) Program. Now entering its third year, the widely-acclaimed LEAD Program serves to train and equip GTLA members who have been identified as potential leaders in the Association with the necessary tools to take the next steps in their legal careers, both in and out of the courtroom.

In order to qualify, applicants must have less than 10 years of legal practice experience or be 35 years of age or younger. After an exhaustive application review and selection process, at total of 16 attorneys were chosen to participate in the 2015-2016 GTLA LEAD Program.

“For three years now, the GTLA LEAD Program has helped identify many of the best and brightest young lawyers in our state and prepare them for long and successful careers as leaders in the courtroom, their communities and our Association. I am proud to see that tradition continue with the selection of this year’s class,” remarked Darren Penn, President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. “The qualifications of this year’s applicants were remarkable, and I am eager to work alongside this outstanding group of young leaders throughout this year’s program and for many years to come.”

The 2015-2016 LEAD Program will consist of six sessions, and begins on November 20-21 in Athens, Georgia. The program concludes with graduation at the GTLA Annual Convention & President’s Gala in Atlanta on April 28-29, 2016. Sessions will also take place in Savannah and Macon, as well as at the State Capitol and the Georgia Judicial Building.

“As graduates of the GTLA LEAD Program, we have seen first-hand the profound and lasting effects that the program can have on members’ legal careers,” continued LEAD Program Co-Chairs Jennifer Coalson and Yvonne Godfrey. “The stellar qualifications, diversity of experience and impressive professional backgrounds of this year’s applicants not only made the selection process quite difficult, but also reassured us that this program will continue to thrive for many years to come. With rising stars like Thomas and Kyle climbing the ranks of GTLA, the future of our Association is brighter than ever.”

About GTLA: Founded in 1956, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) is dedicated to strengthening and upholding Georgia’s Civil Justice System and protecting Georgia citizens’ Constitutional Right to Trial by Jury.

Original Press Release provided by Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Media Contact: Chris Kelleher (770) 355-6052.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Alumnus, David Lee Windecher (’12), has chronicled his extraordinary life journey of going from defendant to defense attorney in his soon to be released book* “AmerIcan Dream: HisStory in the Making”. He hopes to utilize his personal story to inspire others to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.

“John Marshall gave me an opportunity to redefine my life,” said David. “They believed in me. JMLS gave a poor kid from the hood an opportunity to engage his passion and realize his American dream.”

David Lee Windecher became a leader of his class at John Marshall Law School. Windecher was elected President of the Sports and Entertainment Society and was voted Peer Mentor of the Year in 2011.

Today, David Lee Windecher is a practicing criminal defense attorney at Atlanta firm Arora & LaScala and the founder of RED, Inc. (Rehabilitation Enables Dreams), a non-profit organization which sponsors GED programs for young juveniles that are facing non-violent criminal charges who are capable of rehabilitation through an education. RED, Inc.’s mission is to decrease recidivism and increase literacy amongst America’s youth.

“My career, my success… John Marshall was instrumental in it all,” said David.

Congratulations, David!

As printed by AJC.com on May 11, 2015:

Chief Judge Gerald Alan Blackburn, 76, of Marietta, died on May 9, 2015. He was born May 6, 1939 in East Bend, North Carolina. After serving four years on active duty in the United States Air Force, returned to Atlanta and entered John Marshall Law School and later received his LLM degree from the Virginia School of Law. He engaged in the private practice for twenty years and served as Administrative Law Judge for the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, before being elected to the Court of Appeals in 1992. He was a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia Association of Administrative Law Judges; the American Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, and the Cobb County Bar Association. He served as chairman of the Cobb County Salvation Army Advisory Board; chairman of the Board of Directors of New Horizons Ministries and served on the Board of Directors of the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse- Ga Chapter. Survivors include his wife, Linda Blackburn and their four children, Daughters, Jennifer (Ralph) Alewine, Merideth (Dylan) Manning, Elizabeth (Evan) Watkins; Son, Christopher Blackburn; and Grandchild, Ward Manning. Other surviving daughters include, Susan Winger, Jackie Carver, Sandra Blackburn and their families. The funeral will be at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church on May 13, 2015 at 11 am with a reception following the service. Interment will be at 1:30 pm in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Atlanta’s John Marshall Alumni Association/ Judge Blackburn Scholarship 1422 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta Ga 30309, where a building has been named in his honor. Sandy Springs Chapel is overseeing the arrangements. 

Atlanta’s John Marshall Alumna, Sherri Jefferson (’95), was recently award the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) Champions Chairman Award, as well as the 11Alive Community Service Award in 2014.

On Sunday, December 7th, the Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority hosted its healthcare champions’ awards ceremony at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. It was the third year for the event and more than 200 people attended. Jefferson received recognition for founding the African American Juvenile Project. Her acceptance speech may be viewed here.

Additionally, Jefferson received the 11Alive Community Service Award in May 2014. Her acceptance speech may be viewed here.

LL.M. in Employment Law alumna Christina Harris Schwinn has been published in the Northeastern University Law Journal. The article was adopted from Schwinn’s LL.M. thesis. The article on overtime compensation authored by the Pavese Law Firm partner is titled, “Half-Time or Time and One-Half? Recent Developments Deprive Employees of their Rightful Overtime Compensation Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.” The article discusses the legislative history and the applicable statutory provisions and regulations, as well as analyzes the Seventh Circuits holding in the *Urnikis-Negro *decision. The case involved the payment of overtime compensation based upon half-time to the plaintiff essentially retroactive in an exempt misclassification case under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C.

Schwinn’s asserts that the application of the fluctuating workweek methodology of paying the overtime in a misclassification case is improper, and is not authorized under the FLSA, its regulations, interpretive bulletins or under the United States Supreme Court’s holding in *Overnight Motor Transp. Co., Inc. v. Missel*, 316 U.S. 572, 62 S.Ct. 1216 (1942).

“While much about business and employment has changed in the movement from the industrial age that existed in the 1930s to the technological age of today, the underlying purposes of the FLSA have not,” Schwinn concluded in the article. “Congress passed the FLSA to ensure that covered employ­ees were paid the minimum wage, to ensure they were compensated for overtime work, and to encourage employers to hire new employ­ees rather than working existing employees long hours.”

Schwinn received her second Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School on May 19. The LL.M. degree is an advanced law degree with a focus on a particular practice area. Schwinn’s second LL.M. is in Employment Law and her first LL.M. is in Real Property Land Development and Finance Law which she received from the University of Miami’s Graduate School of Law in 1991.

Schwinn’s primary practice areas are employment law, business transactions, community association law and real estate law. Schwinn is an accomplished public speaker and regularly writes articles that have been published both locally and nationally in a variety of publications. Schwinn is available to speak to local businesses and organizations on a variety of employment law topics and she can be reached at 239-336-6228 or christinaschwinn@paveselaw.com.

The law school is pleased to announce that alumna, Tracee Benzo was named one of Atlanta Business League’s Top 100 Women of  Influence for 2014. For years the Atlanta Business League has recognized African-American female business owners, professionals, community and civic leaders in Metropolitan Atlanta. In 1994, the organization began publishing its list of influential African-American women in hopes of educating and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. 

The list reflects the names of black women in the metro Atlanta community who have reached senior level positions within their profession, are leading entrepreneurs in their industry or have attained the ability to influence large public bodies politically and in government.

Being named one of Atlanta Business League’s ‘top’ women of the year is a testament to Tracee Benzo’s dedication and service to the community she practices and lives in. Currently, Benzo is a partner at Hasner Law where she serves injured workers and accident victims across the state of Georgia. After graduating from the law school in 2008, Benzo became an active member of the John Marshall Law School Alumni Board and was one of two alumni to receive the school’s Distinguished Alumni award in 2014. She is also the President of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA).

Congratulations once again to Tracee Benzo for having her work recognized by the Atlanta Business League!

The law school is proud to announce that alumnus, Justin Angel, was elected and sworn in today as the Circuit Court Judge for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Tennessee making him first circuit court judge to be elected from Bledsoe County, which is the smallest county in the district. At age 33, Angel was one of the youngest people to hold a trial judge post in Tennessee. He’s also the first Republican in three or four decades to hold a trial judge’s seat in the 12th Judicial District and the first to hail from Bledsoe County.

He told the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “I made no secret about my age. I think citizens everywhere I campaigned were excited about a fresh face, new blood and new ideas, and someone with youth, enthusiasm and passion.” To read the full article, visit the Chattanooga Times Free Press website.

Congratulations to Justin Angel for this outstanding accomplishment and well-deserved honor. The law school looks forward to sharing your future achievements.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumnus, Desmond Humphrey and a panel of other legal professionals were interviewed by Atlanta Legal Experts Radio this morning to discuss driving under the influence (DUI) and the implications of being found guilty of a DUI. The interview also included an interesting debate discussing if individuals should take field sobriety tests and breathalyzers.

When asked if he thought criminals deserve second chances, Humphrey cited his strong religious beliefs and passion for criminal defense as his reasons why everyone deserves a second chance. “Jesus’ love for us qualifies us to receive second, third, and even fifth chances and for me to be able to help someone receive a second chance is why I practice criminal defense.”

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumna, Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert was recently interviewed on Atlanta Legal Experts Radio regarding personal injury law. Joined by Carol Allen, Amy Pierson, William Vincent, and Charlotte Merritt, Jennifer talked about making a name for herself fighting for her clients’ rights through her firm, The Gore Law Firm, LLC.; which specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, and diminished value cases, located in Alpharetta, Georgia.

During the radio interview, she discussed how to handle a collision caused by an uninsured and underinsured driver, how to find eye-witnesses after a collision, how eye-witnesses can sometimes make or break a case, and special scenarios in personal injury cases that can lead to punitive damages.

Jennifer graduated from John Marshall in 2012 and served as the Student Bar Association president in her 3L year. In addition to being in SBA while in law school, Jennifer was also a member of the AJMLS Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, was named a Peer Mentor of the Year, Outstanding Student of The Quarter, worked part time in the law library, and worked at a law firm specializing in personal injury. Jennifer credits John Marshall for having a significant impact on her legal career saying, “I am grateful for the opportunities that my legal education has given me.”

She is currently a member of The North Fulton Bar Association, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, a board member of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers as the Chair of The Communications Committee, and Leader of the “Working Moms Lunch.” Jennifer lives with her husband, Angus and their daughter Julia in Roswell, Georgia.

Congratulations to Jennifer on her numerous post-graduate accomplishments and memberships. The full audio of Jennifer’s interview with Atlanta Legal Experts Radio can be found on their website. For more information on Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert and her new firm can be found at The Gore Law Firm, LLC.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumna, Tannyka Bent says her many activities keep her grounded in a recent interview with the Daily Report. Bent is an artist, who recently donated one of her paintings to be auctioned at the Georgia Lawyers for the Arts gala. She plays softball, kickball and flag football on local club teams, and is looking for a basketball team. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity many Saturdays and teaches Sunday school on Sundays. Tannyka Bent does all of these things in addition to being a transactional attorney for the State Road and Tollway Authority in Atlanta. Below are some highlights from Tannyka Bent’s interview with the Daily Report. For the full interview, visit their website.

With so many talents and interests, what got you into law?

I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer. My mom has a good friend who is an attorney, and I interned with him when I finished Mercy College in New York. That clinched my decision. In law school, I loved transactional drafting and received the CALI award for having the highest grade in that class.

I like the law because there isn’t a black-and-white answer to anything. You can be creative in how you interpret it.

Where do you get inspiration?

It can be a natural scene, a painting I see or a color I like. Whenever I get an idea, I jot it down on little pieces of paper. My pockets, purse and wallet are filled with them. I like to let the ideas breathe a bit, and when I start to work the feelings will come.

For the abstract work that I call “Marley,” I used the bright colors that said Jamaica to me and lots of energy in the lines. I was born in the U.S., but my parents came from Jamaica, so it’s part of my heritage.

Is volunteering for Habitat for Humanity a physical outlet as well?

Yes, but it’s more than that. I started working with the Cobb County group two or three years ago. I went through the training to become a crew leader, so I’m often putting down the hammer to explain to five or six others how to put together a wall. Helping to build houses is fun and I’ve learned so much.

Do all these different activities affect your career in any way?

Yes, they keep me grounded. I’m very happy with the work I’m doing, but if all I did day after day was draft contracts, I’d worry about getting burned out. This way, I stay fresh. There’s always something new to do.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumna, Amanda Farahany was featured in the Daily Report for the recent verdict handed down by an Atlanta judge  who awarded more than $173,000 to Farahany and Severin Roberts who won a $6,097 verdict for their client in an unpaid overtime case.

In an order awarding Atlanta law firm Barrett & Farahany $173,300 in legal fees and expenses, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. said that even though plaintiff Kelly Cain may have succeeded “in only a limited way,” she still prevailed on her only claim against her former employer, Almeco USA Inc., and persuaded the jury that the company’s violation of federal Fair Labor Standards Act was willful.

The jury’s finding that Lawrenceville-based Almeco Inc. willfully failed over the course of two years to pay overtime to Cain led Thrash to double the damages to $13,814 (including interest and other costs).

Attorneys Farahany and Roberts, who served as cocounsel for Cain, said the case —over claims that her bosses required her to work unpaid overtime —should never have gone to trial.

Farahany said, “Once you go to trial, it takes a lot of work and a lot of time. I think Judge Thrash recognized that and told the company exactly what they should do in a situation when you’ve got $25,000 in overtime in a case. … The judge realized this was a case that shouldn’t have been tried.”

Congratulations to Amanda Farahany and Roberts for their win and feature in the Daily Report. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School looks forward to many more accomplishments for Barrett & Farahany.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumnus and Alumni Board member, Lawrence Schlachter, M.D., J.D., has garnered headline recognition in the Daily Report for a major trial win for a medical malpractice plaintiff.  According to the Daily Report, a Fulton County jury awarded more than $4.4 million to a man claiming permanent injuries when a bit of radioactive tracer solution leaked into his arm during a cardiology test at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. Along with Schlachter, the plaintiff was also represented by Lloyd Bell and Darren Summerville.

For more information on the article, “Jurors Hold Plaintiff’s Hand, Then Put $4.4M Into It” can be found on the Daily Report’s website.

Governor Nathan Deal recently named Suzanne Goddard, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumna, the new Solicitor General of Muscogee County. The vacancy was created by the appointment of the Hon. Benjamin Richardson as State Court judge of Muscogee County. Goddard’s appointment is effective upon swearing-in.  Goddard has worked in the Office of the Solicitor-General since 1997 — the same year she earned her law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia. Congratulations on behalf of the entire John Marshall community.

On Monday, December 2, 2013, 7 AJMLS alumni and one professor were sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court.  The alumni that were sworn in include:  Alex Brown, Christopher Grubbs, Lisa Skinner, Alicia Mullice, Cameil Reddick, Lisa Guerra, Mark Zukowski, and Professor Renata Turner.

On December 1, 2013 an evening reception was held for the participants and their families at the esteemed Willard Hotel.

The trip to Washington D.C. to be sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court is an annual event that Dean Lynn takes with up to 12 alumni.  If you would like more information on how to be a part of this amazing experience, please email Ginger Arnold at varnold@johnmarshall.edu.

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The Alumni Office will hold a mass swearing in ceremony for the July 2013 bar exam passers and any other AJMLS alumni who would like to be sworn into the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Georgia.  We will be honored by Justice Carol Hunstein of the Supreme Court and Judge T. Jackson Bedford of the Fulton County Superior Court.  There will also be a representative from the Court of Appeals.

The ceremony will be held at 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2013 at the G. Alan Blackburn Conference Center.  After the ceremony there will be a reception with light hors d’oeuvres.  Please plan to arrive at 4:00 p.m. to arrange the necessary paperwork.

In order to be sworn in to any or all of the courts, you must have ALL checks and paperwork into the Alumni Office no later than Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

Superior Court – For admission to the Superior Court, the Alumni Office will need the Original Certificate you receive from Bar Admissions.

Georgia Supreme Court – For the attorney admission form for the Supreme Court, please go to:  http://www.gasupreme.us/admissions/ and complete the application.  Very important – AJMLS will provide the sponsoring attorneys so please leave that portion blank.  The cost to be sworn into the GA Supreme Court is $30 and must be paid through the website.  Please attach a copy of your PayPal receipt with your application.

Court of Appeals – For the attorney admission form for the Court of Appeals, please go to:  http://www.gaappeals.us/admission.php.  The cost to be sworn into the Court of Appeals is $30 and checks are to be made payable to the Clerk of the Court of Appeals.  Please send in your check and application to the Alumni Office.

Parking will be available in the AJMLS parking deck and other local decks.

For more information, please contact the Alumni Office at (404)872-3593 ##Ext. 287.

Alumna Heather Hale (’11) has published another article on the Litig8r Tech community website.  You can read her article here: http://blog.litigatortechnology.com/2013/08/19/apps-for-law-practice-management-part-one/#more-6265

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health announces Jemila Lea as their new Policy Fellow. A Texas native, Lea joins the foundation after receiving her Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in the spring of 2013. Prior to law school, Lea earned her Bachelor’s Degree in general studies with an emphasis in legal studies from Texas Woman’s University.

Interested in mental health and child advocacy, Lea interned during her time in law school with the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council’s Office of the Mental Health Advocate, where she assisted with representation and monitoring of defendants who had been acquitted with a plea of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). Additionally, internships with the Honorable Brent Carr in Tarrant County and the Office of the Public Defender Flint Judicial Circuit supplemented her knowledge of mental health policy with valuable experience in a legal setting. A dedicated child advocate, Lea has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in her home county of Tarrant, Texas, and received Excellence in Pro Bono recognition during her law school graduation.

As a policy fellow, Lea will continue policy work at the Texas capitol initiated by previous fellows and program officers on behalf of the foundation, advocating for systemic change in mental health policy in Texas.

The Hogg Foundation advances recovery and wellness in Texas by funding mental health services, policy analysis, research, and public education. The foundation was created in 1940 by the children of former Texas Gov. James S. Hogg and is part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. Congratulations to Jemila Lea on this amazing accomplishment! For more on the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, click here.

Recently alumni from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School were elected to the Member-at-Large Representative of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Executive Council position. The alumni include Boris Y. Milter (’11), Jackson E. Oliver (’11), and Tiffany M. Simmons (’09). The YLD has been strengthened over the years through guidance by the State Bar of Georgia, its Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Supreme Court, and through dedicated service rendered by its members. In keeping with its motto of “working for the profession and the public,” the YLD has 27 hard-working committees that provide service to the public, the profession and the Bar through an array of projects and programs. Through the years, the YLD has also gained national recognition by winning several American Bar Association awards for its projects and publications. On behalf of the law school, congratulations to our outstanding alumni.

Over 40 AJMLS Alumni and their family gathered at the State Bar Annual meeting Alumni reception.  Among the group was Dean Lynn, Alumni Director Ginger Arnold, Director of Admissions Rebecca Stafford, and Alumni Board Chair Boris Milter.