AJMLS Dean, Jace C. Gatewood, Joins Law Deans in Joint Statement About the Election and Events at the Capitol

“In difficult times, such as the times we find ourselves in today, it may be necessary to speak in one collective voice so that all our voices are heard. As lawyers and future lawyers, we are in a unique position to have our voices heard the loudest. I hope you will find the joint statement of Law School deans signed by the deans of more than three-quarters of the nation’s law schools on the recent attempts to overturn the election to be a loud voice.”

– Jace C. Gatewood, Dean and CEO of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

The following is a joint statement signed by 157 sitting law school deans. Written as a collaboration after a joint virtual meeting.

January 12, 2021

Law Deans Joint Statement on the 2020 Election and Events at the Capitol

We are deans of a diverse range of law schools across the country. We do not use our positions to advance our individual views. But we do have an obligation to support the rule of law and preserve the integrity of the legal profession. On rare occasions, despite our differing situations and views, that obligation requires us to speak as one to defend the fundamental commitments of our profession. This is such a moment.

The violent attack on the Capitol was an assault on our democracy and the rule of law. The effort to disrupt the certification of a free and fair election was a betrayal of the core values that undergird our Constitution. Lives were lost, the seat of our democracy was desecrated, and our country was shamed.

Many lawyers and judges worked honestly and in good faith, often in the face of considerable political pressure, to ensure the 2020 election was free and fair. However, we recognize with dismay and sorrow that some lawyers challenged the outcome of the election with claims that they did not support with facts or evidence. This betrayed the values of our profession. Our profession demands that when lawyers pursue legal action, they must bring claims in good faith, grounded in facts and evidence, and demonstrate respect for the legal system. Only then can lawyers fulfill their responsibilities as lawyers and public citizens to promote public confidence in the rule of law and the justice system — duties that extend to all professional activities, whether lawyers are representing a client or not. The rule of law is as much a touchstone of our profession as it is of our Constitution.

As law deans, our mission is to train the next generation of leaders to uphold the core values of our profession and sustain the rule of law. This should be a moment of reflection for legal educators and members of the legal profession. A sustained effort will be necessary to repair and preserve our precious democratic institutions. As legal educators and lawyers ourselves, we must redouble our efforts to restore faith in the rule of law and the ideals of the legal profession. We have enormous faith in the law’s enduring values and in our students, who will soon lead this profession. We call upon all members of the legal profession to join us in the vital work ahead.

Signed,

Alicia Ouellette
President and Dean
Albany Law School

Robert Dinerstein
Acting Dean and Professor of Law
American University, Washington College of Law

Jace C. Gatewood
Dean and CEO
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Melanie Leslie
Dean and Samuel Belkin Professor of Law
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

Vincent Rougeau
Dean and Professor
Boston College Law School

Angela Onwuachi-Willig
Dean and Professor of Law
Boston University School of Law

Michael T. Cahill
President, Joseph Crea Dean & Professor of Law
Brooklyn Law School

Sean M. Scott
President and Dean
California Western School of Law

J. Rich Leonard
Dean
Campbell Law School

Reynaldo Anaya Valencia
Dean and Professor of Law
Capital University Law School

Anita K. Krug
Dean and Professor
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology

Charles H. Rose III
Dean and Professor of Law
Claude W. Pettit College of Law, Ohio Northern University

Lee Fisher
Dean and Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University

Gillian Lester
Dean and Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law
Columbia Law School

Jens David Ohlin
Interim Dean & Professor of Law
Cornell Law School

Joshua P. Fershée
Dean and Professor of Law
Creighton University School of Law

Henry C. Strickland
Dean
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University

Mary Lu Bilek
Dean and Professor of Law
CUNY School of Law

Rodney A. Smolla
Dean & Professor of Law
Delaware Law School, Widener University

Jennifer Rosato Perea
Dean and Professor
DePaul University College of Law

Jerry L. Anderson
Dean and Richard M. and Anita Calkins Distinguished Professor of Law
Drake University Law School

Kerry Abrams
James B. Duke and Benjamin N. Duke Dean and Professor of Law
Duke University School of Law

April M. Barton
Dean and Professor of Law
Duquesne University School of Law

Leticia M. Diaz
Dean and Professor of Law
Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Barry University

Horace Anderson
Dean and Professor of Law
Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University

Luke Bierman
Dean and Professor of Law
Elon University School of Law

Mary Anne Bobinski
Dean and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law
Emory University School of Law

Deidré A. Keller
Dean and Professor of Law
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law

C. Peter Goplerud
Dean and Professor of Law
Florida Coastal School of Law

Antony Page
Dean & FIU Foundation Professor of Law
Florida International University College of Law

Erin O’Hara O’Connor
Dean and McKenzie Professor of Law
Florida State University College of Law

Matthew Diller
Dean and Paul Fuller Professor of Law
Fordham University School of Law

William M. Treanor
Dean & Executive Vice President
Georgetown Law

Leslie E. Wolf
Interim Dean and Distinguished University Professor
Georgia State University College of Law

Eric C. Christiansen
Dean of the Law School (Interim, 2020-21), Professor of Law
Golden Gate University, School of Law

Jacob Rooksby
Dean and Professor of Law
Gonzaga University School of Law

John F. Manning
Morgan and Helen Chu Dean and Professor of Law
Harvard Law School

Danielle Holley-Walker
Dean and Professor of Law
Howard University School of Law

Austen Parrish
Dean and James H. Rudy Professor of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Karen E. Bravo
Dean and Professor of Law
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Gordon Smith
Dean and Woodruff J. Deem Professor of Law
J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University

Jennifer J. Johnson
Dean and Erskine Wood Sr. Professor of Law
Lewis and Clark Law School

Matthew R. Lyon
Vice President & Dean
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law

Colin Crawford
Dean and Professor of Law
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville

Lee Ann Wheelis Lockridge
Interim Dean and Professor of Law
Louisiana State University Law Center

Michael Waterstone
Dean and Professor of Law
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

Michael J. Kaufman
Dean and Professor of Law
Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Madeleine M. Landrieu
Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Gail Prudenti
Dean
Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University

Cathy Cox
Dean and Professor of Law
Mercer University School of Law

Lincoln L. Davies
Dean & Frank R. Strong Chair in Law
Michael E. Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University

Melanie B. Jacobs
Interim Dean & Professor of Law
Michigan State University College of Law

Patricia Bennett
Dean & Professor of Law
Mississippi College School of Law

Anthony Niedwiecki
President and Dean
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Scott P. Brown
President and Dean
New England Law/Boston

Anthony W. Crowell
Dean and President
New York Law School

Trevor Morrison
Dean and Eric M. and Laurie B. Roth Professor of Law
New York University School of Law

James Hackney
Dean and Professor of Law
Northeastern University School of Law

Cassandra L. Hill
Dean and Professor of Law
Northern Illinois University College of Law

James Speta
Interim Dean
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

José Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr.
Dean and Professor of Law
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law

Jim Roth
Dean and Professor of Law
Oklahoma City University School of Law

Danielle M. Conway
Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law
Penn State Dickinson Law

Hari M. Osofsky
Dean, Penn State Law and Penn State School of International Affairs
Distinguished Professor of Law, Professor of International Affairs, and Professor of Geography

Paul L. Caron
Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean and Professor of Law
Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law

Fernando Moreno Orama
Dean
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Jennifer Gerarda Brown
Dean and Professor of Law
Quinnipiac University School of Law

Gregory W. Bowman
Dean & Professor of Law
Roger Williams University School of Law

David Lopez
Co-Dean & Professor of Law
Rutgers Law School

Kimberly M. Mutcherson
Co-Dean & Professor of Law
Rutgers Law School

Elizabeth Kronk Warner
Dean
S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah

William P. Johnson
Dean and Professor of Law
Saint Louis University School of Law

Judith Daar
Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold Dean and Professor of Law
Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University

Douglas J. Sylvester
Dean and Professor of Law
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

Anna M. Han
Interim Dean
Santa Clara University School of Law

Camille M. Davidson
Dean and Professor of Law
School of Law, Southern Illinois University

Martin H. Brinkley
Dean and Arch T. Allen Distinguished Professor
School of Law, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Annette E. Clark
Dean and Professor of Law
Seattle University School of Law

Kathleen M. Boozang
Dean and Professor of Law
Seton Hall University School of Law

Jennifer M. Collins
Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law
SMU Dedman School of Law

John Pierre
Chancellor
Southern University Law Center

Susan Westerberg Prager
President and Dean
Southwestern Law School

Michael A. Simons
Dean and John V. Brennan Professor of Law
St. John’s University School of Law

Jenny S. Martinez
Richard E. Lang Professor of Law & Dean
Stanford Law School

Michèle Alexandre
Dean and Professor of Law
Stetson University College of Law

Andrew Perlman
Dean & Professor of Law
Suffolk University Law School

Craig M. Boise
Dean and Professor of Law
Syracuse University College of Law

Gregory N. Mandel
Dean & Peter J. Liacouras Professor of Law
Temple University, Beasley School of Law

Dayna Bowen Matthew
Dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law
The George Washington University Law School

Christopher J. (C.J.) Peters
Dean and C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professor of Law
The University of Akron School of Law

Mark E. Brandon
Dean and Thomas E. McMillan Professor of Law
The University of Alabama School of Law

Katharine Traylor Schaffzin
Dean & Professor of Law
The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

Sergio Pareja
Dean
The University of New Mexico School of Law

Benjamin Barros
Dean and Professor of Law
The University of Toledo College of Law

Lyn Suzanne Entzeroth
Dean and Dean John Rogers Endowed Chair
The University of Tulsa College of Law

Daniel M. Filler
Dean and Professor of Law
Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University

Elena B. Langan
Dean and Professor of Law
Touro Law Center

David D. Meyer
Dean and Mitchell Franklin Professor of Law
Tulane University Law School

Theresa Beiner
Dean & Nadine Baum Distinguished Professor of Law
UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

Kevin R. Johnson
Dean
UC Davis School of Law

Jennifer L. Mnookin
Dean and Ralph and Shirley Shapiro Professor of Law
UCLA School of Law

Darby Dickerson
Dean and Professor of Law
UIC John Marshall Law School, The University of Illinois at Chicago

Barbara Glesner Fines
Dean & Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law
UMKC School of Law

Aviva Abramovsky
Dean and Professor of Law
University at Buffalo School of Law, The State University of New York

Marc L. Miller
Dean & Ralph W. Bilby Professor of Law
University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Margaret Sova McCabe
Dean & Professor of Law
University of Arkansas School of Law

Ronald Weich
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Baltimore School of Law

David L. Faigman
Chancellor & Dean and John F. Digardi Distinguished Professor of Law
University of California Hastings College of the Law

Erwin Chemerinsky
Dean and Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law
University of California, Berkeley School of Law

L. Song Richardson
Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law
University of California, Irivine School of Law

Thomas J. Miles
Dean and Clifton R. Musser Professor of Law and Economics
University of Chicago Law School

Verna L. Williams
Dean and Nippert Professor of Law
University of Cincinnati College of Law

S. James Anaya
Dean and University Distinguished Professor
University of Colorado Law School

Eboni S. Nelson
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Connecticut School of Law

Andrew Strauss
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Dayton School of Law

Bruce P. Smith
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Phyllis L. Crocker
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Laura Ann Rosenbury
Dean and Levin, Mabie & Levin Professor of Law
University of Florida Levin College of Law

Peter B. Rutledge
Dean
University of Georgia School of Law

Camille A. Nelson
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, William S. Richardson School of Law

Leonard M. Baynes
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center

Jerrold Long
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Idaho College of Law

Vikram David Amar
Dean and Iwan Foundation Professor of Law
University of Illinois College of Law

Stephen W. Mazza
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Kansas School of Law

Mary J. Davis
Dean and Ashland-Spears Distinguished Research Professor of Law
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

Donald B. Tobin
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Eric J. Mitnick
Dean & Professor of Law
University of Massachusetts School of Law

Anthony E. Varona
Dean and M. Minnette Massey Professor of Law
University of Miami School of Law

Mark D. West
Dean and Nippon Life Professor of Law
University of Michigan Law School

Garry W. Jenkins
Dean & William S. Pattee Professor of Law
University of Minnesota Law School

Susan H. Duncan
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Mississippi

Lyrissa Lidsky
Dean & Judge C.A. Leedy Professor of Law
University of Missouri School of Law

Richard Moberly
Dean and Richard C. & Catherine S. Schmoker Professor of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law

Daniel W. Hamilton
Dean & Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law
University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law

Megan Carpenter
Dean and Professor of Law
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law

Michael S. McGinniss
Dean and Professor of Law
University of North Dakota School of Law

Katheleen R. Guzman
Interim Dean and Professor
University of Oklahoma College of Law

Marcilynn A. Burke
Dean and Dave Frohnmayer Chair in Leadership and Law
University of Oregon School of Law

Theodore W. Ruger
Dean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Amy J. Wildermuth
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Vivian I. Neptune
Dean
University of Puerto Rico School of Law

Wendy C. Perdue
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Richmond School of Law

Robert Schapiro
Dean and Professor of Law
University of San Diego School of Law

Susan H. Freiwald
Dean and Professor of Law
University of San Francisco School of Law

William C. Hubbard
Dean and Professor of Law
University of South Carolina School of Law

Neil Fulton
Dean
University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law

Andrew T. Guzman
Dean and Carl Mason Franklin Chair in Law, and Professor of Law and Political Science
University of Southern California Gould School of Law

Robert K. Vischer
Dean and Mengler Chair in Law
University of St. Thomas School of Law

Douglas Blaze
Interim Dean and Art Stolnitz and E.O. Overton Professor of Law
University of Tennessee College of Law

Renée McDonald Hutchins
Dean & Rauh Chair of Public Interest Law
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law

Michael Hunter Schwartz
Dean and Professor of Law
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Risa Goluboff
Dean and Arnold H. Leon Professor of Law and Professor of History
University of Virginia School of Law

Mario L. Barnes
Toni Rembe Dean and Professor of Law
University of Washington School of Law

Daniel P. Tokaji
Fred W. & Vi Miller Dean and Professor of Law
University of Wisconsin Law School

Klint Alexander
Dean and Professor of Law
University of Wyoming College of law

Chris Guthrie
Dean
Vanderbilt Law School

Thomas McHenry
President and Dean
Vermont Law School

Mark C. Alexander
Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law

Jane H Aiken
Dean and Professor of Law
Wake Forest Law School

Carla D. Pratt
Dean and Professor of Law
Washburn University School of Law

Brant J. Hellwig
Dean and Professor of Law
Washington and Lee University School of Law

Nancy Staudt
Dean and Howard & Caroline Cayne Distinguished Professor of Law
Washington University School of Law

Richard A. Bierschbach
Dean and Professor of Law
Wayne State University Law School

James McGrath
Dean and President
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School

Sudha Setty
Dean and Professor of Law
Western New England University School of Law

Allen K. Easley
Dean & Professor of Law
Western State College of Law at Westcliff University

Brian Gallini
Dean & Professor of Law
Willamette University College of Law

A. Benjamin Spencer
Dean & Chancellor Professor
William & Mary Law School

John E. Taylor
Interim Dean and Jackson Kelly Professor of Law
WVU College of Law

Heather K. Gerken
Dean and Sol & Lillian Goldman Professor of Law
Yale Law School

What to Expect If You Choose to Come to Campus This Fall

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is committed to the health and safety of it’s students and employees. Below are a number of things you can expect to encounter if you choose to come to the building. While all classes will be remote this fall, the building is still open by appointment. Please review our COVID-19 page and your email for detailed policies.

All students and employees must execute the AJMLS COVID-19 Acknowledgment prior to entering the building. You may find the document here. Copies will also be provided at the security desk if needed but we strongly suggest you print and sign prior to arriving so not to cause physical congestion in the lobby. Executed agreements may be submitted to the security desk.

All students shall be required to wear a mask while in common areas of the Law School, including classrooms, library, hallways, stairwells, elevators, and restrooms.

Social distancing of six feet will be implemented and maintained between employees, students, and visitors in the school, including the library and classrooms whenever possible.

Please use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.

A shield has been installed on the security desk for everyone’s safety.

Signage will be found throughout the building reminding students and employees of our COVID-19 policies. You may also view our policies anytime on the COVID-19 page.

There is a 6′ ruler on the floor in the lobby to help you gauge spacing between each other.

If you are unable to use the stairs, please adhere to the signage in the elevators for safe spacing.

A shield has also been installed on the 7th floor reception desk for everyone’s safety.

Thank you for reviewing our policies and helping do your part to keep our community safe.

Meet the Atlanta’s John Marshall 2020-2021 Executive Board

Promiss Yarber, President

Where were you raised: I was raised in Macon, Georgia.

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education: I completed my undergraduate education at Georgia Southern University.

What are your future career plans: My future career plans include being a practicing personal injury attorney and doing pro bono work with the public defender’s office.

What do you look forward to as the SBA President: I most look forward to hearing from students and creating a positive change through open communication with students and faculty. 

What are your goals in the position this academic year: My goals in this position this academic year is to promote healthy social and academic life here at Atlanta John Marshall and making positive strides to increase bar passage rate and students confidence in taking this exam.

What do you want your classmates to know about you: I would like my classmates to know that I am here for them and open to any suggestions and critiques that they may have. We are all in this together striving to achieve the same goals so we should all work together to accomplish this.

Edward Hardrick, Vice President

Where were you raised: I was born in Alabama, but raised in Grayson, Georgia.

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education: I graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

What are your future career plans: I plan on practicing Business Law as a litigator.

What do you look forward to as the Vice President: I plan on continuing to establish the culture of study within our school by implementing plans and programs produced by the collaborative effort of the SBA and faculty.

What are your goals in the position this academic year: Establish  programs within the school that cultivate bar exam skills such as essay writing and MBE strategy that assist every student from 1L year until 3L year. What do you want your classmates to know about you: I am dedicated to the betterment of our school and student body.

What do you want your classmates to know about you: I am dedicated to the betterment of our school and student body.

Mario Pereira, Treasurer

Where were you raised: I was born in Cali, Colombia. I immigrated to the United States when I was two-years-old, and grew up in West Orange, New Jersey. I later moved to Buford, Georgia during my junior year of high school. 

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education: I completed my undergraduate degree with a major in criminology at Barry University which is located in Miami, Florida.

What are your future career plans: My goal is to eventually start my own practice and specialize in both immigration law and criminal defense. I also hope to grow my nonprofit organization “United Voices Foundation” which I started with Carolina Arias Cediel, a fellow John Marshall student.

What do you look forward to as the SBA Treasurer: I look forward to fostering better relationships within our John Marshall community. I want to help our student organizations with planning different events that will increase student involvement. I am also looking forward to our next Barrister’s Ball! The SBA Board has many exciting plans for this upcoming academic year. 

What are your goals in the position this academic year: As SBA Treasurer my priority will be to provide our students with the resources they need to be successful in their academics. My goal this year is to organize more events that will provide our students with study tools and information on how to prepare for the bar. 

What do you want your classmates to know about you: I want my classmates to know that I am very approachable and always open to hearing any concerns they may have. As a member of the SBA Executive Board, it is my duty to be of service to my fellow classmates. 

Brianna Smith, Secretary

Where were you raised: I was raised in Brooklyn, New York

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education: Howard University 

What are your future career plans: I aspire to be an entertainment lawyer, and prayerfully begin a non-profit organization for wrongfully incarcerated juveniles.  

What do you look forward to as the SBA Secretary: I look forward to more participation from students at our events. I also look forward to programs that will help with our bar passage rates. 

What are your goals in the position this academic year: I would like to help cultivate new programs and engagement amongst the student body. 

What do you want your classmates to know about you: I would like my classmates to know that I am willing to listen and help them achieve any goals they may have at John Marshall. I would like them to know that they are not alone in any obstacle they may face.

Whitnie Carter, Parliamentarian

Where were you raised: I was raised in Woodstock, Georgia. 

Where did you complete your undergraduate and/or graduate education: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Pre-Law at Georgia State University. 

What are your future career plans: Ideally, I want to practice Intellectual Property and Sports and Entertainment Law primarily assisting athletes, artists, and others protect their brand, negotiate deals, and understand their rights.

What do you look forward to as the SBA Parliamentarian: I look forward to maintaining order at any and all meetings pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, and being a helping hand to our board, the students, and administration. 

What are your goals in the position this academic year: My personal goal for the 2020-2021 academic year is to allow transparency and provide as much feedback to students to allow them to have the best law school experience as we make this transition to non-profit, and continue our initiates to raise bar passage rates. 

What do you want your classmates to know about you: I want my classmates to know, I’m always here to listen and help in any way I can. I aim to be accessible and transparent with anything. We are John Marshall Proud!

Three AJMLS Students Selected as Virtual Judicial Interns with the Georgia Latino Law Foundation (GLLF)

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates three students who were selected for the Summer 2020 Virtual Judicial Interns Class with the Georgia Latino Law Foundation (GLLF).

Ashley Lindsey, 2L, virtual clerk for Judge Temika Murry, Dekalb County Juvenile Court

Mahham Syed, 2L, virtual clerk for Judge Rizza O’Connor, Chief Magistrate Judge, Toombs County

Rochelle Walker, 2L, virtual clerk for Judge John M. De Foor, II, Fulton County Magistrate Court

The Virtual Judicial Internship will be a hybrid mentorship/job opportunity for law students who have lost summer employment plans as a result of Covid-19. The students will have opportunities which may include learning the operation of the courts, conducting research, and working on projects such as writing memos and orders under the supervision of a judge. With a virtual approach, the barriers created by logistics and geography are removed, allowing the students to work for a judge regardless of where the court is physically located. All interns through the program will conduct at least one major research assignment on an emerging legal issue arising from COVID-19 pandemic. Each student will also be assigned an attorney mentor.

Congratulations to our students and thank you to the participating judges for offering the Summer 2020 interns this wonderful opportunity.

Christian Legal Society Honored for Spring 2020

The Office of Student Affairs is proud to award the Spring 2020 Outstanding Student Organization of the Semester Award to the Christian Legal Society. This award recognizes student organizations that have excelled in leadership and made positive contributions to the student experience, the law school, and the surrounding community in a given semester. Included below are some of the events that the Christian Legal Society sponsored this semester:

  • Faith in the First Week
  • Black History Month Church & Brunch (Co-Sponsored with SBA & BLSA)
  • Weekly Scripture of the Week
  • Prayer Request Box
  • Bible Study Brunch (“Overcoming the Idea of Impossible”)
  • Winter Survival Blessing Bags 

The Selection Committee was impressed by the effort and hard work of the Christian Legal Society. Congratulations, Christian Legal Society on being chosen as the Spring 2020 Outstanding Student Organization. We look forward to continuing to work with all of you to make the law school and the community better! 

Professor Rapping Inspires Criminal Justice Reform in North Carolina and California

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan A. Rapping, has been on the move in December and January speaking about criminal justice. In addition to his roles at AJMLS, Professor Rapping serves as the President and Founder of Gideon’s Promise, is a Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard University Law School, and is a frequent presenter and contributor to national conversations on criminal justice reform. Rapping is also the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant, the American College of Trial Lawyers Emil Gumpert Award, Harvard Law School Wasserstein Public Interest Fellowship, Cardozo Law School Inspire Award, and the George Soros Open Society Fellowship along with many other honors and recognitions.

In December, Professor Rapping was the keynote speaker in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at “Where Do We Go from Here? A community forum on criminal justice reform in Orange County”. The event was co-sponsored by Orange County and the District 18 Bar Racial Justice Task Force. Invested panelists included the District Attorney, Public Defender, County Sheriff, Police Chief, Superior Court Judge, and representatives from the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, University of North Carolina School of Government, North Carolina Justice Center, and the District Courts. The impressive table of panelists engaged in discussions about “The role of stakeholders in criminal justice reform” and “The intersection of poverty and the criminal justice system”. Professor Rapping’s keynote was entitled: Rewriting the Criminal Justice Narrative.

Later in January, Professor Rapping will travel to Los Angeles to participate in three separate events on the topic of criminal justice reform. The first, a lecture hosted by the University of Southern California’s Dornsife Pre-Law Speaker Series discussing “The Lawyer’s Role in a Just Society”. The second, Professor Rapping is presenting to the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office a lecture discussing “A public defender movement to transform criminal justice”. The third, a lunch event presented by UCLA Law’s Criminal Justice Program and David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy discussing “Gideon’s Promise: Building a Public Defender Movement to Transform Criminal Justice”.

When asked of his work, Professor Rapping remarked “Lawyers have always played a critical role in the ongoing struggle to push our nation to achieve its stated ideals. The criminal justice system is one example of how far we are from living our democratic values. It is not enough that lawyers help administer the system as it exists; they must be change agents to make society more just. How law schools educate future lawyers determines whether they are prepared to raise the standard of justice or perpetuate the status quo. I am proud of our mission at John Marshall and our commitment to creating lawyers who will leave the legal system better than when they entered it. ”

The Law School is proud to offer its students the opportunity to learn criminal law from one of the nation’s leaders working to improve the criminal justice system. Thank you, Professor!

Dean Malcolm L. Morris Represents CLEO in Collaboration with National Conference of Bar Examiners

NCBE and CLEO Announce New Collaboration

NCBE invests in diversity and inclusion within the legal profession

*Madison, Wisconsin – The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) are pleased to announce a new collaboration in support of their shared goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. NCBE has provided funding to bolster CLEO’s programs that help individuals from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and disadvantaged communities achieve success in law school and prepare to take and pass the bar exam. For over 50 years, CLEO has successfully contributed to increasing the number of lawyers from diverse backgrounds in all sectors of law.

“Diversification of the legal profession is a top priority for legal education and admissions stakeholders at all levels. We are proud to partner with CLEO and support programs with a strong track record of helping prepare underrepresented groups for law school and bar exam success,” said Judith A. Gundersen, NCBE President and CEO.

“Diversity and inclusion have been the cornerstone of CLEO’s mission since 1968,” said Cassandra Sneed Ogden, the Chief Executive Officer of CLEO. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to collaborate with NCBE to expand the services we provide our students, especially those preparing for the bar examination. NCBE has a wealth of online information and study aids available to help students be successful in their final quest to join the legal profession. However, some students need a personal touch to coach them over the finish line. With NCBE’s generous financial support, CLEO will be able to assist scores of 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls across the country to methodically prepare to conquer the bar exam.”

About the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.

CLEO, Inc., is committed to diversifying the legal profession by expanding legal education opportunities for individuals from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and disadvantaged communities.

Founded in 1968 when the number of lawyers of color was less than one percent, more than 10,000 individuals have participated in CLEO’s programs, many of whom have gone on to excel in every area of the legal profession to include judges, corporate attorneys, law school deans and professors, practitioners, politicians, and more. Although best known for its Pre-Law Summer Institute “boot camp” for entering law students, CLEO provides services to secondary, college (pre-law), and law school students, which include mentoring, placement assistance, academic counseling and support, bar prep orientation, and scholarships. For information about CLEO, Inc., and its programs, please visit: www.cleoinc.org. For more information about CLEO’s historic 50th Anniversary and corresponding celebrations, please visit: www.cleoinc.org/50.

About the National Conference of Bar Examiners

The National Conference of Bar Examiners, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1931. NCBE develops the licensing tests used by most states for admission to the bar. NCBE stakeholders and constituents include state Supreme Courts, state attorney licensing boards, attorneys, and law school deans. NCBE is governed by a national board of trustees consisting of judges, bar examiners, and bar admission administrators. Approximately 71,000 law school graduates sat for the bar exam in 2017.

On October 26, 2018, NCBE President Judith A. Gundersen, NCBE’s Board of Trustees, and NCBE Diversity Issues Committee Chair Bryan R. Williams met at NCBE headquarters with CLEO Director of Prelaw Program Operations Bernetta Hayes and CLEO Board of Directors member Malcolm L. Morris to formalize its collaboration.

*Photo and article courtesy of the National Conference of Bar Examiners

Front row: Suzanne K. Richards, Bernetta Hayes, Michele A. Gavagni, Malcolm L. Morris, Judith A. Gundersen, Hon. Phyllis D. Thompson, Bryan R. Williams, Hon. Rebecca White Berch (Ret.)

Back row: Timothy Y. Wong, Patrick R. Dixon, Augustin Rivera, Jr., Darin B. Scheer, Hulett H. Askew, John J. McAlary, Anthony R. Simon, Hon. Cynthia L. Martin

National Voter Registration Day

Is Today, September 25!

Need to check if you are registered? Want to register online? Click here!

Local events around the Metro:

  • Voter Registration at SweetWater! September 28, 2018 • 3:00 PM SweetWater Brewery 195 Ottley Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Get Details & RSVP

  • National Voter Registration Day – ProGeorgia September 25, 2018 • 10:00 AM Woodruff/Troy Davis Park 91 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303

Get Details & RSVP

  • NCBW, Inc. – Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter National Voter Registration Day Drive – Public Policy Committee September 25, 2018 • 12:00 PM Booker T. Washington HS 45 Whitehouse Dr. SWAtlanta, GA 30314

Get Details & RSVP

  • Voter Registration at Emory September 25, 2018 • 12:00 PM Emory University 201 Dowman DrAtlanta, GA 30322

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  • National Voter Registration Day with New Georgia Project September 25, 2018 • 10:00 AMMetropolitan Library 1332 Metropolitan Pkwy SW Atlanta, GA 30310

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  • NVRD 2018 with New GA Project – Chamblee MARTA VR Drive September 25, 2018 • 10:00 AMChamblee MARTA Station 5200 New Peachtree Rd. Chamblee, GA 30341

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  • Voter Registration Event – Our Vote is Our Voice September 25, 2018 • 10:30 AM Refuse Coffee Shop 4170 Ponce de Leon Ave Clarkston, GA 30021

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  • BLUEPRINT TO DEMOCRACY September 25, 2018 • 4:00 PM NAM DAE MUN FARMERS MARKET 5158 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

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  • Midterms on My Terms – Voter Registration Drive September 25, 2018 • 9:00 AM Clayton State University Library & Clayton Hall 2000 Clayton State Blvd Morrow, GA 30260

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  • Heroes Vote! #VoteToLive September 25, 2018 • 12:00 PM Heroes at Home Barber Shop 1825 Rockbridge Rd SW, #16 Stone Mountain, GA 30087

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  • Nationl Voter Registration Day Rally September 25, 2018 • 5:30 PM Lee Street Park 155 Lee StreetJonesboro, GA 30236

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  • Clayton County Board of Elections & Registration 2018 National Voter Registration DaySeptember 25, 2018 • 8:00 AM Historical Jonesboro Courthouse 121 S. McDonough Street Annex IIJonesboro, GA 30236

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  • Celebrate National Voter Registration Day September 25, 2018 • 7:00 PM West Cobb Regional Library 1750 dennis kemp lane Kennesaw, GA 30152-3938

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  • National Voter Registration Day September 25, 2018 • 8:00 AM Elections & Voter Registration Offic825 Memorial Dr. Griffin, GA 30223

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  • LWV Rome-Floyd County September 25, 2018 • 1:00 PM Sara Hightower Regional Library 205 Riverside Pkwy NE Rome, GA 30161

Get Details & RSVP

  • Voter Registration at UGA September 24, 2018 • 3:00 PM University of Georgia Athens GA Athens , GA 30602

Get Details & RSVP

Professor Lisa Tripp Speaks at Department of Justice World Elder Abuse Awareness Event

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently recognized the 13th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by hosting an event in Washington, DC. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Lisa Tripp was invited to attend and speak at the event, where next steps in seeking nationwide elder justice were announced.

Tripp is a consultant to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and is a frequent speaker and contributor at conferences around the United States and abroad. Professor Tripp’s research and scholarship focuses on areas of U.S. and international law, while on the domestic front, she is an expert on federal regulations governing health facilities. With this expertise, Tripp spoke at the DOJ event about the federal government’s health and safety regulations and how those regulations are enforced.

The Law School thanks Professor Tripp for her contributions and ongoing efforts to help protect and empower our seniors.

Lawyers for Equal Justice is Doing Big Things in the Legal Community

Let’s start with the basics – What exactly is Lawyers for Equal Justice (L4EJ)? L4EJ is an incubator program that provides a springboard for recent law school graduates to start innovative, socially conscious, and sustainable law practices providing affordable legal services to low and moderate income clients. It seeks to identify talented, public-interest minded, and entrepreneurial lawyers who want to build innovative practices that “break the mold” to provide cost-effective services. L4EJ is not a law firm. Participants of the 18-month program are chosen through a competitive selection process that includes a personal statement and interview. L4EJ accepts a group of up to 10 participants every November and June, with up to 30 participants total in the program at any time. Participants benefit from a collaborative office environment; a case referral program; practical resources including law practice management technology; and top-notch training, mentoring and business coaching.

Lawyers for Equal Justice is a non-profit organization and a collaborative project of the Georgia Supreme Court, State Bar of Georgia, and the five ABA-approved law schools in Georgia – Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Emory University School of Law, Georgia State University College of Law, Mercer University School of Law, and University of Georgia School of Law.

Why the need for L4EJ when Georgia has a non-profit legal sector? There are over 1.69 million Georgia households in the low and moderate income brackets who do not qualify for free services and cannot afford legal help. It is estimated that 90% of these Georgians do not obtain legal help for issues where legal representation could significantly change the outcome and improve their lives significantly. Practices that are born out of the L4EJ collaboration bridge the gap by providing quality legal services that are accessible and affordable.

To provide more insight in to the L4EJ experience and the resources available to participants, please find personal accounts from two Atlanta’s John Marshall graduates and L4EJ members below.

David A. (D.A.) Wilson

I graduated Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in May of 2016. After sitting for the July 2016 Georgia Bar Exam, I moved to Boston where I enrolled in Boston University School of Law LL.M. in Taxation program. While at BU, I considered two career paths, (1) go the “Big Four” accounting firm route or (2) hang my own shingle.  Little did I know (or anticipate) that the U.S. Tax Code would be reformed and the Big Four accounting firms were waiting out the storm and not hiring as much. This forced me to consider starting my own practice a lot more seriously and in the Spring of 2017 I really ramped up my solo practitioner efforts. I was home in Atlanta attending a mandatory bar event when I bumped into a John Marshall alum, who was in the Lawyers For Equal Justice Program.  At the time, I had no idea what the program was about but I knew if I started my own practice I could use all the help I could get. I went on a tour and realized it was for me. The resources and office atmosphere were exactly what needed and looking for. I started Lawyers for Equal Justice and my own practice on June 5, 2017 and haven’t looked back. It hasn’t been easy but I absolutely love working myself, my office atmosphere, my work life balance, and doing pro bono work.  

JB Hilliard

Having spent 20+ years as an entrepreneur before law school, I knew long before I finished at AJMLS that I would eventually have my own law practice. Lawyers for Equal Justice allowed me the opportunity to step in to that role much sooner than I had planned. And I am so very grateful for this program. It’s not just the pro bono experience and office space on the renowned PEACHTREE STREET that are highlights of the program. But for me, the software resources and access to ongoing training were the selling points. I know how expensive it is to have all of the things in place to get a business off the ground. And what I’ve already received through L4EJ is worth more than the program fee!

The core law school curriculum teaches us the law and prepares us for the bar exam. But it does not teach us how to BE lawyers, and it certainly does not teach us how to run a business. The role of business owner is typically mastered by trial and error, by actually being in the trenches and just DOING it. L4EJ allows a safe environment for this learning process. And not only are we exposed to a wide range of opportunities to “practice” law (the pro bono prospects are endless), but there is also the unintentional networking that occurs. Not long ago, we had a great in-person training/presentation given by a veteran attorney, and it happened to be in one of my practice areas, Estate Planning. Just about a month or so later, I saw her at an event and we instantly connected without it being awkward or forced. Now she’s an informal mentor of mine!

My favorite part of L4EJ is the continuous collaboration among the program participants. It’s great to have someone nearby to bounce ideas off of, or to get ideas from, in such a cooperative, friendly and supportive environment!

It’s one thing to START a business, but it’s a whole other thing to STAY in business. I can’t really say enough about the program in this short article. However, I can say that if anyone wants to launch his or her own solo law practice, the support and resources that you can get from L4EJ are priceless. You already have the talent, but L4EJ adds the tools and training to keep you in this game!  The under-served communities need you, and you need L4EJ.

Lawyers for Equal Justice seats two classes a year in June and November. If you are interested in joining the November 2018 class, you are encouraged to reach out to Sarah Babcock, Executive Director, at Sarah@L4EJ.org.

AJMLS Co-Hosted 2018 Annual Youth & The Law Summit

On Saturday, April 28th, the Office of Experiential Learning at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, along with the Fulton County Juvenile Court, Gate City Bar Foundation, Inc., The King and Spalding African American Associates Affinity Group, and Child First, collectively hosted the 2018 Youth & The Law Summit. This year’s event was Surviving Trauma, The Effects of Trauma on Childhood Development and Urban Communities.

The event was specially designed to be accessible for all that could benefit from the educational material. It was free and open to the public. Included were breakout sessions for parents and teens and breakfast and lunch was provided to all attendees. Parking at the Law School was offered gratuitously and shuttles were provided from the Juvenile Court.

Special thanks go to out to AJMLS’ own Dr. Bridgett Ortega and Ms. Carolyn Roan for all that they did to make the event a success. The event was a tremendous accomplishment for both the Atlanta community and the Office of Experiential Learning. We look forward to next year’s event!

AJMLS Does Great Work at Stand Down Court

On Saturday, September 30, 2017 a dedicated group of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students alumnae and the staff of our Office of Experiential Learning, in collaboration with the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) division of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Atlanta, GA participated in the Annual Stand Down Court held at Fort McPherson Army Base. The Stand Down Court was created by Judge Monica Ewing to assist homeless veterans who have outstanding warrants and misdemeanor charges. Homeless veterans face barriers to resolving these legal issues due to unemployment, poverty, and untreated mental health and substance abuse issues. These barriers lead to chronic homelessness and incarceration.

AJMLS students, under the supervision of AJMLS alumnae attorneys, interviewed and presented the Veterans’ cases before the presiding judge at the Stand Down Court. The judge, the students, and the attorneys discussed treatment and legal recommendations for the veterans. The judge then made a decision about the treatment and legal recommendations and issued a court order. If the matter was not in the judge’s jurisdiction, the judge sent an advocacy letter and court order to the appropriate jurisdiction and judge.

The 12 AJMLS students, alumnae, and Office of Experiential Learning staff who participated in the Stand Down Court worked diligently from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and served approximately 40 homeless veterans. The need is great and unfortunately all veterans were not able to be served due to the time restrictions. However, the students were thrilled to provide these pro bono services to our men and women in uniform as this is such a worthy cause. 

SALT Awards 2016 Junior Faculty Teaching Award to Professor Harpalani

Savannah Law School Professor Harpalani has been awarded the esteemed 2016 Junior Faculty Teaching Award by the Society of American Law Teachers (‘SALT’). The award recognizes an outstanding and emerging law professor who demonstrates a commitment to justice, equality and academic excellence. Professor Harpalani was selected for the award among a field of highly deserving nominees.

Professor Harpalani is truly a quality professor who values a commitment to social justice, diversity, and access in his teaching, scholarship and service. He is very much deserving of this national accolade.

The award will be given at the SALT Annual Members Meeting at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago on September 30th. When you see Professor Harpalani on campus, be sure to pass along your congratulations. This is a prestigious award and Professor Harpalani is a wonderful representation of the quality of education at Savannah Law School.

Georgia Bar Celebrates 100 Years of Women in the Profession

Alumna and 2011 AJMLS graduate Virginia (Ginger) Arnold recently had the honor of taking part in a panel discussion during the State of Georgia YLD Women in the Profession Committee’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s admission in to the practice of law. The event took place at the State Bar Headquarters earlier this month.

Speaking on the panel with Arnold was Senior Judge Dorothy Beasley. Judge Beasley was the first woman judge in Fulton County and the first woman on the state Court of Appeals. Since her retirement, she has remained active in the legal community. She challenged the women practitioners in our state to seek leadership roles in the profession. Currently more than half of law students are female and that number is rising.

When asked about her participation in the panel, Arnold stated that “it was an honor to be on this panel with esteemed attorneys and judges.” You can read more about the celebration here. Thank you for your participation, Ginger!

AJMLS Professor and Death Penalty Legal Expert Michael Mears Interviewed

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Professor, Michael Mears, is one of the top death penalty legal experts in the state of Georgia.

Over the course of his career, Professor Mears has worked on 167 death penalty cases, published numerous death penalty related works, and is a frequent expert contributor to multiple media outlets.

Having worked on an earlier appeal in the recent case of Kelly Gissendaner, he has also been called upon frequently to comment on her case, the appeals process, and future of the death penalty in the state of Georgia.

Below are his most recent interviews and quotes:

CBS46 Interview:
CBS46 News
Georgia Public Broadcasting: On Second Thought (September 30, 2015)

 

Jasmine Rowan, Class of 2014

I was afforded access to a plethora of legal opportunities while at John Marshall. The rigors of the classroom paired with knowledgeable and resourceful faculty challenged my work ethic while molding my legal mind. As a non-traditional student I sincerely value John Marshall believing in me and assisting in my being prepared for the bar and work as an attorney.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Welcomes State Bar of Georgia President as 2015 Commencement Speaker

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce Mrs. Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker, State Bar of Georgia President, as the law school’s 2015 commencement speaker. Commencement exercises are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on May 23, 2015 at the Georgia World Congress Center – Sidney Marcus Auditorium, Building A.

Dean Malcolm L. Morris notes,

The law school has the distinct pleasure of welcoming President Perkins-Hooker as the commencement speaker for this year’s ceremony. She is a leading luminary in the profession who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing access to justice for all Georgians. No doubt, her words will guide the graduates on a successful path for their future professional careers.

About Mrs. Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker

President Perkins-Hooker is the first African-American to lead the State Bar of Georgia. Perkins-Hooker has a long list of professional accomplishments. She is best known, however, for her role as general counsel and vice president for the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. where she is responsible for land acquisitions, as well as a wide range of other real estate related legal issues.

Prior to joining the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. she was a partner at Hollowell, Foster & Gepp, PC, where she led the law firm’s Commercial Real Estate Group. Perkins-Hooker is also the immediate past chair of Hosea Feed the Hungry’s Board of Directors.

Additional 2015 AJMLS Commencement Information

Tickets are not required for entry. For information regarding parking or other venue related topics, you may visit www.gwcc.com. Additionally, there will be a small reception immediately following the ceremony for the graduates and their guests, faculty, staff and volunteers.

To join the commencement conversation on Twitter, follow the hashtags #AJMLSGrad and #LawGrad.

Office of Academic Achievement Spring 2015 Calendar

PDF of Office of Academic Achievement Spring 2015 Calendar

Date Time Event
Thursday, February 26, 2015 12:00 p.m.-1 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

3L/4L GeneralBarTalk

Room 609

Saturday, February 28, 20,15 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Office Hours
Thursday, March 5, 2015 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Bar Examination Overview Georgia Office ofBarAdmissions Presenter:Leigh Burgess

AttendanceMandatoryforMay Graduates

 

Spring 2013graduates

BlackburnConferenceCenter

Saturday, March 7, 2015 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MPRE Workshop

Prof. Boone

Saturday, March 7, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 3LBarEssayWriting Workshop for

May Graduates

   

Friday-Sunday, March 27-29, 2015 Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

 

 3LMultistate BarExamination (MBE) Workshop for May 2015 Graduates

 

Saturday, March 28, 20,15 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Office Hours
Saturday, April 11, 20,15 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Office Hours
Saturday, April 25, 20,15 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Office Hours

Professor Lisa Tripp Discusses Future of Greek Economy on CNN

Prior to the polls coming to a close in Greece’s recent election, Professor Lisa Tripp spoke with CNN’s Jonathan Mann via Skype to discuss the future of the country’s economy.

After the election, Tripp joined CNN’s Amara Walker and Michael Holmes on CNN Today to weigh-in on the new Prime Minister’s economic challenges.

Lisa Tripp is an Associate Professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Atlanta Georgia. She teaches Health Care Law, Torts and Remedies. Professor Tripp practiced health care law and commercial litigation prior to joining the faculty of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2006. As an attorney for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Professor Tripp focused primarily on long term care enforcement. She litigated many cases involving physical and sexual abuse, elopements, falls, neglect and substandard quality of care. Professor Tripp currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Leadership Council of The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. She has served on health quality measurement committees and panels for the National Quality Forum and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). Professor Tripp received her law degree, with honors, from George Washington University Law School, in Washington, D.C.

You may view a sample of the CNN Today discussion on our Facebook page, linked below:

 

Alumna Tiffany Jones Ellenberg Sworn in to the Governor’s Indigent Advisory Panel

Tiffany Jones Ellenberg, ’98, was recently sworn in to the Governor’s Indigent Advisory Panel by Governor Nathan Deal. This special committee monitors the progress and funding for Georgia’s Public Defender Standards Council and works in conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Legislation, the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors to provide advice, expertise and advocacy on behalf of systemic reform designed to satisfy the State’s constitutional obligation to provide adequate counsel for indigent persons accused of crime.

While serving on the committee, Ms. Ellenberg will maintain her private law practice in Madison, Georgia, where she handles primarily litigation cases.

Congratulations, Tiffany!

Professor Michael Mears Appears on GPB Radio to Discuss Georgia’s Death Penalty Law

Professor Michael Mears appeared as a guest on the GPB Radio program On Second Thought (hosted by Celeste Headlee) on Tuesday, January 27.

Mears discussed the history of Georgia’s death penalty law and the execution of mentally disabled persons. The timely discussion was prompted by the scheduled [Tuesday] execution of Georgia inmate, Warren Lee Hill. Also covered on the show was the history of Georgia legislation, as it pertains to the death penalty, and the high standard which a person must overcome in order to prove that they are indeed mentally disabled.

You can listen to the segment online here.

Professor Mears served for over 15 years as a criminal defense attorney before joining the John Marshall faculty in 2007. His practice was dedicated to indigent defense, and he served as lead counsel in over sixty death penalty trial and appellate cases since 1984. Professor Mears was appointed as Director of the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council in 2004, and served from 1992 to 2003 as a Multi-County Public Defender for the Georgia Indigent Defense Council. Prior to entering his public defender practice, Professor Mears was the Partner-in-Charge of Litigation at McCurdy & Candler, a firm specializing in civil and banking law. In 2007, he was appointed as Co-Chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Indigent Defense Committee and as a member of the Post-Conviction Capital Representation Committee.

Professor Patrice Fulcher Quoted in The Economist

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School congratulates Professor Patrice Fulcher, who has been quoted in a headline article in the 24 January 2015 issue of The Economist.

Patrice Fulcher is a Tenured Associate Professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School where she teaches Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. Her scholarship focuses on issues surrounding the Prison Industrial Complex; prison privatization, the exploitation of prison laborers, the effects of the utilization of prison video visitation systems, and other profiteering schemes that benefit from mass incarceration in the U.S. Professor Fulcher has dedicated her entire career to the fight for equality of all disenfranchised people, and quality representation for the poor.

The article, Conditions Behind Bars: Screening Visitors–Prisons Profit By Stopping Family Visits, quotes:

Complications may arise from all this. Lawyers may claim that communicating with their clients only through video calls is a violation of due process, says Patrice Fulcher of John Marshall Law School. The possibility of recording such conversations could also lead to the leaking of privileged information. “This whole situation exploits people on the inside and their families on the outside,” Ms Fulcher says. 

For six years, Professor Fulcher organized and chaired the AJMLS’s Fred Gray Social Justice Seminar. In 2011 she was recognized for her outstanding and impactful service to the law school and legal community.

Prior to joining AJMLS in 2007, she served as a Senior Staff Attorney for the Georgia Capital Defender and the Fulton County Public Defender offices. She was a Senior Staff Attorney for the Fulton County Conflict Defender, and worked in the Felony Trial Division of the Georgia Indigent Defense Council. She has successfully represented indigent clients facing the death penalty as well as all other major felony and misdemeanor offenses. Additionally, Professor Fulcher has provided representation and research for abused and neglected children with the DeKalb County Georgia Juvenile Court, and litigated against unconstitutional jail conditions and practices with the Southern Center for Human Rights. She is a core instructor for Gideon’s Promise (formerly known as The Southern Public Defender Training Center), and has been a litigation instructor for The Kentucky Death Penalty Institute, The Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender Training Division, The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, The Fulton County Public Defender Office, and the American Bar Association NACDL National Defender Training Program.

Professor Fulcher has lectured extensively on mass incarceration and the Prison Industrial Complex across the U.S. (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), the erosion of the 4th Amendment, capital defense, juveniles charged as adults, client-centered representation, successful defense trial investigations, and effective storytelling techniques for public defenders. In 2014, she was asked to provide an expert opinion to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the adequate criminal procedure for congressional contempt proceedings.

Professor Fulcher received her B.A. from Howard University in 1992, and her J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1995.

Four AJMLS Students Receive GABWA Scholarships

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to announce that four students recently received scholarships from the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA). The GABWA Foundation is committed to providing scholarships to black women attending Georgia law schools to insure that the pipeline of black women entering the legal profession remains strong. Since 2002, the GABWA Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to African-American women law students.

Be sure to congratulate the following students for being awarded GABWA scholarships:

Uchenna Mary-Anne Uzoka, 3L
Christle Guinyard, 2L
Yesenia Muhammad, 3L
Amber Reed, 3L

The students will receive their scholarships at the GABWA Honors Brunch on December 13, 2014. For more information on GABWA and how to qualify for a GABWA scholarship, visit their website.

John Marshall Ranked 4th Most Diverse Law School by National Jurist

Providing a diverse learning environment for students is important to the faculty and administration at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. While this diversity enriches the academic environment, it also challenges the law school to meet the educational needs of students, many of whom are either returning to the rigors of an academic experience, or are simply seeking a supportive environment for the study of law. Therefore, it is a great honor for the National Jurist to name Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School the fourth most diverse law school in the nation in their winter issue. Other top diverse law schools joining John Marshall on the list are Texas Southern University (1), University of the District of Columbia (2), University of La Verne (3), and Florida A&M University (5). In the article, National Jurist explained how the rankings were determined.

“We broke down each school into six categories – percentage of minority faculty; percentage of black students; percentage of Asian and Hawaiian students; percentage of Hispanic students; percentage of American Indian students; and percentage of Caucasian students. We assigned each school a score from one to 10 for all categories, except for American Indians. We assigned each school a score from one to five for that category, given the much smaller number of students.

A school that matched the U.S. national average for any race received a seven (or 3.5 for American Indian), and a school that was 30 percent or greater than the national average received a 10 (or 5 for American Indian). We then weighted the student categories as 75 percent of the final diversity score and faculty at 25 percent. The final outcome is a list of schools that have a breadth of races both in student bodies and faculties.”

The full article gives prospective students and law schools a detailed look into what socioeconomic factors have caused an increase in black and Hispanic students while simultaneously creating a decline in white and Asian students. Regardless of the trend, a diverse law school should offer more than just ethnic diversity. At Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, the student population are also diverse in life experiences and professional background. A well-rounded understanding of diversity allows John Marshall to continue producing practice-ready, ethical, and knowledgeable members of the legal community.

For more on the various programs the law school provided, view our program offerings.

AJMLS Alumnus and Professor Quoted in AJC on Immigration

When it comes to the debate on U.S. immigration; neither U.S. Rep Doug Collins (Class of 2008) or Professor Joseph Rosen are strangers to the discussion.

In an article recently published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC), both Collins and Rosen, along with several other law professors were given the opportunity to share their views on revamping the nation’s immigration system.

The article quotes Professor Rosen, who teaches Immigration Law at AJMLS, as saying; “This is the opportunity for the president through executive action, and (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) attorneys through prosecutorial discretion, to do the right thing. It is time for America to show the compassion and justice that are the foundations of this country.”

Prior to serving the 9th District of Georgia, Collins earned his law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School over his first term representing District 27 in the Georgia House of Representatives, and has also served the community as the senior pastor at Chicopee Baptist Church.

Prior to founding the Joseph H. Rosen Immigration Law Group, Professor Rosen served more than 30 years with the U.S. government. For 20 of those years Joe was an FBI Special Agent and a U.S. Customs Special Agent. Rosen is an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School (teaching Immigration Law, Seminar: Asylum & Refugee Law), past President of the North Fulton Bar Association, a former contract legal instructor with the U.S. government, and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

You may click here to view the article in its entirety.

AJMLS Celebrates Pro Bono Month This October

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) and the Office of Pro Bono Outreach and Externships (PBOE) celebrates Pro Bono Month this October as part of Georgia’s Pro Bono Month and National Pro Bono Week.

Year round, the AJMLS Pro Bono Program reinforces the mission of the law school – promoting the development of a student body and faculty with a strong social conscious and dedication to improving the legal system and society.

Highlighted October Events & Opportunities

Would you like to coach a high school Mock Trial Team?

Please attend the informational meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 1:00PM in Room 302 or email Travis Foreman at toforeman@johnmarshall.edu.

Home for Good: Overcoming Legal barriers to Reentry Team

Meets every Wednesday in Room 302 at 5:15PM.

Guns Rights and Wrongs: Balancing the Interests

Monday, October 6, 2014, 4:00PM-7:00PM

Blackburn Conference Center Auditorium and Reception Hall, 1405 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

School Discipline Legal Workshop

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett

12 Bethesda Church Road in Lawrenceville, Saturday, October 11, 2014, 10:00AM-12:30PM

Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center (GSAC-CAC)

Is looking for students to assist attorneys assisting victims of sexual assault. Interested students should contact Ms. Seterria Brodnex, Victim Assistance Attorney: 770-497-9122 Ext. 31.

Additional Information & Contacts

Approved Placements

Pro Bono FAQ

Judge Renata Turner, Assistant Dean of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning

rturner@johnmarshall.edu

Bridgett Ortega, Assistant Director of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning

bortega@johnmarshall.edu

 

Professor Mears Discusses the Upcoming Execution of Marcus Wellons

Marcus Wellons, convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1989 is set to be executed on June 17, 2014 at 7 p.m.

However, instead of a three-drug cocktail formerly used, the state of Georgia wants to use one drug — sodium pentothal — to execute Marcus Wellons. In small doses, it is a sedative. The state wants to use a custom-maker to actually make the drug — because the drug manufacturer that normally makes it won’t sell it to conduct executions. However, the identity of the new manufacturer that will make the lethal injection meant for Marcus Wellons is remaining a secret; making Wellons the new face of the argument over how to carry out Georgia’s death penalty.

“It’s an experimentation process that’s going on here. And they’re doing it in secret,” said Mike Mears, a lawyer, former mayor of Decatur, and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor who has opposed the death penalty his entire legal career.

A new state law allows the state to keep secret who made the drug that would put Wellons to death. “I get drugs to treat an animal, and they have to tell me more than the state of Georgia is telling us about how they’re going to kill Marcus Wellons,” Mears said.

Marcus Wellons is due to die today, on the gurney in Jackson — unless his attorneys successfully challenge the secret source of the chemicals that would kill him. The full article and video can be found at 11Alive. For more information on Professor Mears, view his faculty profile.

Professor Rapping Speaks on Unequal Representation for the Poor

A recent article from The Guardian calls on Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Jonathan Rapping to discuss unequal representation for the nation’s poor. In the article by Sadhbh Walshe, the issue of wealth and its connection with acquittals, not-guilty verdicts, and reduced sentences were discussed. Professor Rapping insists that, “Money determines who sits in jail pre-trial. It determines who takes a plea deal, it determines who gets to have a trial and it can influence the outcome of a trial. This is not how our legal system is supposed to work.”

Walshe goes on to say: Public defenders today are dealing with caseloads that far exceed the recommended federal maximums established in 1973, and they’re cutting back on case spending because of it. “No matter how zealous, talented or passionate an attorney is,” says Rapping, “they cannot perform at their best when they are overworked and under-resourced.” Pit that lawyer against a team of high-powered attorneys with their accompanying “expert” witnesses, investigators, scientific tests, gloves and all, and someone who relies upon the Sixth Amendment doesn’t stand a chance.

Read the full article at The Guardian. An in-depth profile of Professor Rapping can be found on the law school’s faculty page.

 

AJMLS Students Participate in Law Day at the Georgia Bar

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students recently participated in Law Day. Law Day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law, to recognize the role of the courts in our democracy, the importance of jury service and maintaining the integrity of the courts.  The official Law Day designated by Congress in 1961 is May 1st.

Georgia holds Law Day during the month of May at different locations around the state like churches, the Georgia Bar, community centers, and high schools. This year’s Law Day event was held at the Georgia Bar. The theme set by the American Bar Association for this year was ‘American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters’ due to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The event was held in conjunction with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), several Georgia Bar Associations and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.  The morning session was focused on educating APS high school students and registering them students to vote.  AJMLS students participated in registering students and providing voter simulations. The evening session was a CLE for attorneys open to the public.

Panel discussions were held with leaders from the League of Women Voters, Counsel of the GA Democratic Party, Georgia Republican Party, Georgia State Law Professors, The Carter Center, Amnesty International, UGA Law Professors, the Human Rights Network, SVP of Legal at CNN, the Georgia Secretary of State, Civil Rights Activists, Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients and a US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

Jonathan Rapping Earns National Recognition with Inaugural Purpose Economy 100 Award

Nearly 80 percent of the 12 million people who move annually through America’s criminal justice system cannot afford a lawyer. As a result, many innocent defendants plead guilty simply because they cannot afford to take their case to trial, and the public defender system is so overwhelmed by crushing volume, that adequate and meaningful defense fails them as well. For Jonathan Rapping, the injustice in the U.S. justice system is simply unacceptable, and now everyone is taking note of his exploding and impactful non-profit organization, Gideon’s Promise.

Gideon’s Promise, based in Atlanta, yet armed with a national reputation, works tirelessly to inspire, mobilize and train legal professionals to provide the highest quality defense representation to people unable to afford an attorney. And work zealously to ensure that those accused of crimes, who are most vulnerable in our society, have the same access to criminal justice as everyone else.

“For the past seven years, we at Gideon’s Promise have worked tirelessly to ensure ‘equal justice for all’ is not just an empty promise, but a reality that is consistent with our Constitution and its founding ideals,” says Rapping. “Being honored with the Inaugural Purpose Economy 100 truly validates that our work to change the status quo is vital, and that our public defenders are making justice a reality every day.”

It is because of this ground-breaking work that Rapping was recently honored as one of the Inaugural Purpose Economy 100, an honor that he shares with Melinda Gates, Rick Warren, former Vice President Al Gore and Jonathan Trent among others. A complete list of winners can be found at www.PurposeEconomy.com.

“The Purpose 100 highlights and celebrates the work of those shifting the paradigm on what is possible for all of us through work that reignites purpose,” says Aaron Hurst, CEO of Imperative and innovator/creator of The Purpose Economy. “By founding Gideon’s Promise and training more than 250 public defenders over the past seven years, Jon more than exemplifies that calling. He is a pioneer working to bring equal justice back to our judicial system. I look forward to watching Jon and Gideon’s Promise continue strengthening the resources available to public defenders.”

Last year, Rapping and Gideon’s Promise were featured in the HBO documentary, “Gideon’s Army,” which follows three young public defenders, trained by Rapping and Gideon’s Promise, in their sometimes breaking quest for equal justice in indigent defense. The organization has now trained more than 250 public defenders, who each see an average caseload of 300 per year.

Rapping is a nationally renowned speaker and author – advocating for better standards in the criminal justice system by delivering powerful and varying keynotes at conferences and institutions across the country. His national outreach includes audiences at law schools, organizations committed to justice, bar associations and public defender offices and systems.

Professor D’Agostino Interviewed Regarding Bankruptcy Laws

In a recent article from CardHub, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Robert D’Agostino and other legal experts answered common questions individuals have regarding bankruptcy. CardHub offers an easily-accessible search engine and relevant articles for individuals to use to find a credit card that suits their personal and financial needs. However, due to the increase of bankruptcy filings and subsequent increase in societal reliance on credit cards, CardHub sought out legal experts to answer general questions about bankruptcy in an effort to educate its audience.

Professor D’Agostino was asked, “What part of the bankruptcy process do you think people understand least?” He replied, “The issue of what is and what is not dischargeable . This particularly true of tax liabilities and the IRS’s ability to impose a 100% penalty on bankrupt small business owners when the business has not paid its required taxes. BAPCA has clarified and broadened the law applicable to what assets of an individual do not become part of the bankruptcy estate. The ‘mini’ chapter 11 has made that process more accessible and less expensive for small business.

To view the entire article and read what other experts said about bankruptcy, click here.

 

The National Jurist Names AJMLS Among the Best Law Schools for Practical Training

In the March 2014 issue of The National Jurist, the magazine names the law schools with the most comprehensive experiential learning offerings. By analyzing the information each school provided to the American Bar Association in December, the magazine was able to assign a letter grade to each law school. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Office of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning earned a “B” for their efforts to provide students with a quality and in-depth variety of pro bono and externship opportunities. Congratulations to Director Renata Turner and Assistant Director Bridgett Ortega for all their hard work and dedication to improving the student experience at the law school. To read the full article, click here.

AJMLS Alumna to Head Law Office in Lodz, Poland

The Joseph H. Rosen Immigration Law Group, founded by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School adjunct professor Joseph Rosen, recently opened an office in Lodz, Poland. The branch will be managed by recent John Marshall alumna and lawyer, Alina Sokol. Sokol graduated from the law school in May 2013 with an LL.M. in American Legal Studies. In her role, Sokol and the office will assist Polish citizens and businesses with issues surrounding U.S. immigration. Congratulations to Sokol on this accomplishment and to Professor Rosen on expanding his practice.

For more information on the Joseph H. Rosen Immigration Law Group, click here. A link to the Polish office can be found here.

 

 

AJMLS Founds New Student Organization – Veteran Law Students Association

Students at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School recently founded the Veteran Law Students Association to support all veterans regardless of their branch of service, time of service, or any other distinguishing characteristic. VLSA was also created to promote continued service by the members of its organization.

Membership is neither based on past military service nor lack thereof.  Students  pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M) or any other degree programs authorized by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School qualify for membership in the VLSA.

President of VLSA and AJMLS student Domonique Jackson-Russell strongly encourages student, faculty and staff support of the newly founded organization. In a recent announcement to the law school, Jackson-Russell said, “We hope that you will consider joining and supporting the VLSA as we continue to serve, whether that be at the law school, legal community or general public.”

VLSA’s first meeting will be October 7, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 707. During the meeting members will discuss VLSA’s upcoming scholarship fundraiser event. Non-members are welcome to attend.

Visit VLSA’s OrgSync page for further information regarding the organization. For immediate questions, contact Dwayne Clay, Brian Huckaby or Domonique Jackson-Russell. To view a complete list of the law school’s student organizations, click here.

AJMLS Meets with Local Lawmakers to Discuss Recidivism and Re-entry Support for the Formerly Incarcerated

The Office of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning kicks off Pro Bono Month with two separate meetings with some of Atlanta’s most influential political  and community leaders to discuss strategies to reduce recidivism, ensure successful re-entry and increase public knowledge. The law school was identified as a major contributor helping formerly incarcerated persons effectively re-enter society. The first meeting will be with Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner followed by a meeting at  the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support and Re-entry.

The department is also excited to announce their 4th Annual Re-entry Forum to be held at the law school’s Blackburn Conference Center on October 24, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Every year Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School partners with individuals, agencies and organizations that support prisoner re-entry efforts by breaking down barriers, helping individuals and families’ transition, and advocate just treatment and transition that support preventing or reducing recidivism.

In addition to recognizing the individuals and organizations that are making great strides in the community, we also facilitate informative and interactive public discussion between academics, community, religious leaders, ex-offenders, government agencies, non-profit groups, and law students. The forum will culminate with the development of an action plan that will make the criminal justice system less devastating for families and communities impacted by incarceration.

Professor Mears Reappointed to the Post-Conviction Capital Representation Committee of the State Bar

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Professor Micheal Mears was recently reappointment to a very important State Bar of Georgia committee.  He has been honored to be appointed to the Post-Conviction Capital Representation Committee.  This committee of the State Bar deals with matters relating to the post conviction of defendants in death penalty cases and reports any recommendations to the Board of Governors.

In discussing his appointment, Professor Mears stated, “I know that we all serve the Bar in various ways and serve on important committees and task forces.” He went on to say, “I am especially proud of this Committee Assignment over these past years because it has given me such a great opportunity to continue the work of so many lawyers, both prosecutors and defense attorneys, in addressing the life and death issues of the death penalty.” Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School congratulates Professor Mears on his most recent appointment.

Upcoming Gideon’s Army Premiere Receives Increased Media Attention

The upcoming HBO premiere of the documentary Gideon’s Army is already receiving rave reviews from national publications and local papers. The film follows the personal stories of Travis Williams, Brandy Alexander and June Hardwick, three young public defenders who are part of a small group of idealistic lawyers in the Deep South challenging the assumptions that drive a criminal justice system strained to the breaking point. Backed by mentor and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Jonathan “Rap” Rapping, a charismatic leader who heads the Southern Public Defender Training Center (now known as Gideon’s Promise) they struggle against long hours, low pay and staggering caseloads so common that even the most committed often give up in their first year.

Gideon’s Army in the Press

The New York Times

The Grio

Daily Report Covers HBO Documentary Premiere of AJMLS Professor’s Non-Profit Organization

Scheduled to air on HBO on July 1, Gideon’s Army, which features the law school’s own Professor Jon Rapping’s non-profit organization Gideon’s Promise, held a private screening on June 11. The Daily Report was one of the many media outlets present to cover the event. They reported:

“Three years in the making, Gideon’s Army tells the stories of two Georgia public defenders, Travis Williams and Brandy Alexander, and Mississippi lawyer June Hardwick as they fight for their clients while juggling enormous caseloads and big student loan payments on low salaries.

Gideon’s Army provoked crying, laughter and spontaneous applause during the Atlanta screening. In the film Williams and Alexander work doggedly to help two clients, both teenage boys charged with armed robbery, fight prosecution in a system where high bonds, steep mandatory sentences and limited resources wear down even the most dedicated public defenders.

HBO bought Gideon’s Army after seeing just 20 minutes of footage, Porter said. The film went on to win the Sundance Film Festival’s Editing Award in January.”

To view the full Daily Report article, click here. Once again, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is appreciative of the attention and community support Professor Rapping and his organization have received.

AJMLS Professor Joins Group of National Experts at the White House

Professor Rapping was among a group of national experts invited to the White House on June 5, 2013 to discuss Judicial Vacancies and the Importance of the Courts.  With five unfilled vacancies on the Eleventh Circuit and Northern District of Georgia, four of which are considered judicial emergencies, the situation is particularly pressing for Georgians.  Professor Rapping then joined a small Georgia delegation to meet with staff for Senators Isakson and Chambliss to discuss the problem of unfilled vacancies on Georgia’s federal courts and the risk it poses to the efficient functioning of our judicial system. Once again, another exciting accomplishment for our faculty.

AJMLS Director of Admissions Tells the AJC ‘It’s Never Too Late for Law School’

In a recent interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AJMLS Director of Admissions Rebecca Stafford spoke with Martha Foster about the why nontraditional students thrive at our law school. “We take a very holistic approach, taking into account the applicant’s experience and ability to overcome life’s obstacles,” Stafford said. “When students apply, we encourage them to attach an addendum to their application to explain any gaps in their life or work experience, or to state anything they feel is important about themselves that may not be asked on the application form.”

Another aspect Stafford mentioned that allows traditional and nontraditional students to thrive at AJMLS is the small community feel and personalized attention students receive from faculty, staff, alumni, and the administration. “We only have 650 students across our entire program; it is a small community. You will know the faculty and our alums are very active in events on campus. Networking starts right after orientation.”

The AJC also spoke with AJMLS student Ginger Fowler about her nontraditional path to law school and the power of perseverance. “You are never too old to go back to school to learn,” Fowler said. “There are so many things you can do with a law degree.” At one point, Fowler remembers telling the Office of Admissions, “You know what? That LSAT score tells you nothing about me, my tenacity or my dedication. Somebody, at some point, is going to let me in.” She was right and two days after that phone call she was accepted to the law school. Now a few short years later, Fowler will join her fellow classmates on May 18th for the 2013 Commencement Ceremony.

To read the full article, click here. To learn more about the rigorous, innovative, and specialized J.D. programs offered to full-time and part-time students, visit www.johnmarshall.edu.

European Law Journal Appoints Associate Dean Van Detta to Permanent Board of Peer-Review Referees

Merkourios, Utrecht Journal of International and European Law, has appointed Jeffrey Van Detta, Associate Dean for Scholarship and Professor of Law at AJMLS, to its Permanent Board of Referees. 

Merkourios is an Open Access, peer-reviewed, student-led law journal, which focuses on international and European law.  The Journal provides immediate, open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the community of scholars and to a wider public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Merkourios is affiliated with Utrecht University and Urios.  Utrecht University, located in Utrecht, Netherlands, is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe.  See  http://www.uu.nl/EN/Pages/default.aspx    Urios is the Utrecht Study Association for International and European Law.   Founded in 1981, Urios has a membership of 250 students, which includes both Utrecht students and exchange students.   The mission of Urios is to introduce students to International and European law on a more practical level, as explained on its webpage at http://www.urios.org/1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=55

The Referee Board is a new initiative that the 2012-2013 Board of Editors of Merkourios has inaugurated.  By establishing the Permanent Board of Referees, Merkourios aims to further develop the Journal by achieving higher standards of academic quality and by enhancing cooperation within its network of referees and authors.

Members of the Permanent Board of Referees report their professional opinions on the academic quality of articles that the student Editors have previously reviewed and identified as worthy of further consideration for publication.   Rendered on the basis of anonymous peer review, the reports from the Journal’s Referees are a determinative factor in the Journal’s final publication decisions.

Merkourios appointed Associate Dean Van Detta as a member of the Permanent Board of Referees based on his expertise and scholarly publications in the areas of Trans-National Commercial Law, International Business Transactions, International Civil Litigation, Private International Law, Employment and Labour Law, and Jurisprudence.   Associate Dean Van Detta teaches courses encompassing those areas in AJMLS’s J.D. Program, American Legal Studies LL.M. Program, and Employment Law LL.M. Program.

“I believe very passionately in the kind of scholarly work carried on by Merkourios, in which both law students and experienced faculty collaborate in evaluating and publishing scholarship of the highest calibre,” Associate Dean Van Detta commented.  In his view, “that is an ideal combination of talents, perspectives, and expertise for the dynamic areas of legal scholarship which Merkourios embraces.”

The most recent issue of Merkourios—the General Issue 2013 (Vol 29, No 76)— may be viewed at http://www.merkourios.org/index.php/mj/issue/current

Associate Dean Van Detta also has three articles of his own in the publication process thus far this year:   Some Legal Considerations For EU-Based MNEs Contemplating High-Risk Foreign Direct Investments In The Energy Sector, 9 South Carolina  J.  Int’l  L. & Bus. __ (Issue 2, Spring 2013); Transnational Legal Services In Globalized Economies: American Leadership, Not Mere Compliance, With GATS Through Qualifying LL.M. Degree Programs For Foreign-Educated Lawyers Seeking State-Bar Admissions, 12 Hofstra J. Int’l Bus. & L. ___ (Spring 2013); and Politics And Legal Regulation In The International Business Environment: An FDI Case Study Of Alstom, S.A., In Israel, 21 U. Miami Bus. L. Rev. 301 (Spring 2013).

AJMLS Students Awarded First Place at Regional Transactional LawMeet

On Friday, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School sent two teams to compete at the 2013 Regional Transactional LawMeet competition hosted by Emory University.  Before the competition, teams were assigned a side in a transaction – buyer or seller – and exchanged drafts of a contract.  At the event the teams met in person to negotiate the contract.  The law school is pleased to announce that our team, consisting of Bentley Adams, Benjamin Stidham, and Amy Zapatka, was awarded first place on the seller side.

Also competing at the Regional meet were one or more teams from the following schools: University of Georgia, Emory University, University of Tennessee, Washington and Lee University, Loyola University, William & Mary University, and Nova Southeastern University.  Due to our team’s outstanding achievement at the Regional meet, the team has been invited, along with the University of Georgia (which was awarded best team for the buyer), to represent the Southeast at the 2013 National Transactional LawMeet in Philadelphia in late March.  This was a great accomplishment for the team.

Congratulations to Bentley, Benjamin, and Amy for representing John Marshall and its outstanding student body.

AJMLS Announces New Assistant Dean for Career Development

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to announce Ivonne Betancourt will now serve the law school in the role of Assistant Dean for Career Development. Since 2006, she has been a vital part of the success the Career Development Office has experienced.  “Ivonne has done an incredible job growing the Career Development Office during her time at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Students are highly satisfied with the assistance she and her staff provide as they look for jobs,” said Richardson Lynn, Dean of the law school. “Our placement rate has been remarkable, even during the last few tough years in the economy, and she will supervise the same effort at Savannah Law School.  The title “Assistant Dean” merely recognizes her outstanding service to John Marshall.”

On behalf of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, thank you Ivonne for your hard work and dedication to the school.  Congratulations on a job well done and we wish you continued success in your new position!

Dean Cieply to Participate in Experts Roundtable at Emory University

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Dean of Academics and Associate Professor Kevin Cieply was recently invited to join an experts roundtable hosted at Emory University by its International Humanitarian Law Clinic. The event, titled  “The Application of the Law of Armed Conflict in Situations of Organized Crime and Armed Conflict” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on January 22, 2013 at the university. The focus of the program centers around the clinic’s goal to promote the law of armed conflict and fight to eliminate torture, war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

Dean Cieply is joined by many notable and respected experts in the field from Jennifer Daskal of Georgetown Law School and Geoffrey Corn of South Texas College of Law to Sandy Hodgkinson, Former Chief of Staff, Deputy Secretary of Defense and many more. Congratulations Dean Cieply for being selected to lend his expertise to this event. For the full list of roundtable participants, click here.

AJMLS Ranked No. 13 of Top 50 Most Diverse Law Schools

The National Jurist recently ranked every ABA-accredited law school in the nation to find the school with the most diverse student population. Their results landed Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in the Top 20. The November 2012 issue of the magazine ranks AJMLS number 13 among schools like the University of the District of Columbia (#1), American University (#25), and Harvard Law School  (#43).

To determine how the schools would be ranked, The National Jurist judged each school based on six elements: percentage of minority faculty, percentage of African-American students, percentage of Asian and Hawaiian students, percentage of Hispanic students, percentage of American Indian students and other minorities, and percentage of Caucasian students. Each school was assigned a number from one to 10 in each category.

Schools that matched the U.S. national average for any race, received a seven. However, schools with 30 percent or higher than the national average, received a 10. The National Jurist offers this example, “13.1 percent of the U.S. population is black. Florida Coastal School of Law, with 13.2 percent black students, received a seven. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, with a 24.2 percent black student body…received a 10.”

For the full article, click here.

AJMLS Professor and Staff Member Elected to the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Georgia

Michael Oeser, Associate Professor and Bridgett Ortega, Assistant Director of the Office of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning were elected to the ACLU of Georgia’s Board of Directors at the November 10th Annual Meeting.

Professor Oeser and Mrs. Ortega join Professor Kathleen Burch who has served on the ACLU Board for the past two years and is Co-Chair of the Legal Committee. The law school also partners with the ACLU of Georgia in the Civil Liberties Seminar where students work on ACLU cases.

Founded in 1920 as a response to the Palmer Raids, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that seeks to defend the principles and freedoms embodied in the Bill of Rights. To accomplish this goal, the ACLU advocates for civil liberties in courts, legislatures, and communities all over the United States at both the federal and state level. As a result of its dedication, there is no non-governmental organization that has more frequently argued in front of the Supreme Court of the United States than the ACLU.

AJMLS is extremely proud of Professor Oeser and Mrs. Ortega and thank them for their continuous commitment to impacting the lives of others through service.

GABWA Features AJMLS Office of Financial Aid in a Law School 101 Interview

The Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) recently interviewed former AJMLS Financial Aid Counselor, Montre Everett on their talk show “Legally Speaking”. The segment titled “Law School 101” featured Everett alongside a Georgia State University College of Law Admissions Coordinator. As always, Everett provided current, relevant and insightful financial aid information and advice. The full interview will air this Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 9:30 p.m. on AIB (Comcast channel 5). To view the interview online, click here.

*Montre Everett is now the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Savannah Law School, a branch of the ABA-accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

AJMLS Student’s Article Recently Featured in GAWL Newsletter

An article written by AJMLS student, Megan Hodgkiss, was recently  featured in the July 2012 issue of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers’ (GAWL) newsletter. The article titled, “Women in Law Day: GAWL Chapter Honors Women in the Judiciary” highlighted the school’s annual Women in Law Day event held each March. This year’s event, hosted in the Blackburn Conference Center, attracted dynamic women from throughout the state of Georgia, including Fulton County State Court Judge Diane E. Bessen, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein, and Fulton County State Court Judge Susan E. Edlein.

For the full article, click here. Congratulations Megan on this prestigious honor!

New Savannah Law School Begins Accepting Applications for Fall 2012

Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of ABA-accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), yesterday began accepting applications for its inaugural Fall 2012 class. Prospective students can apply to SLS via their smart phone or tablet atm.savannahlawschool.org or on their laptop or personal computer at www.savannahlawschool.org/apply. SLS is only the second law school enabling students to apply via mobile devices. AJMLS was the first to offer this service earlier this year.

“SLS offers prospective students an opportunity to live and learn in a community with an abundance of charm where they can move forward, meet challenges – large and small – and begin their legal careers,” said Alan Boyer, Associate Dean of Recruitment and Marketing at AJMLS and SLS. “Applying to SLS is simple with the mobile application and new website.”

Like the AJMLS mobile “app,” the SLS mobile application is also a law school application form designed for today’s mobile devices. Students will still have to mail their transcripts, letters of recommendation and, of course, write that dreaded personal statement. But, filling out the actual application will be easier than ever and right at students’ fingertips, whenever – and wherever –they choose to apply.

Students can apply by typing m.savannahlawschool.org into their smartphone or tablet browser. Once there, students can learn about the school’s academic programs and living in Savannah. When they’re ready to complete the application form, they can press iApply and go straight to the form. Once completed, they will push “submit” and their application will be sent to SLS Admissions. Should potential students want additional information, they can also access the school’s website from this site.

Savannah Law School is focused on preparing talented students for legal careers in the public and private sectors. SLS offers a Juris Doctor in full-time and part-time day or part-time evening program. Students throughout the Atlantic Coastal Region can begin their legal careers closer to home. And students from around the country and the world can live and learn in a community rich in culture, heritage and southern hospitality. For more information about SLS, please visit us atwww.savannahlawschool.org.

AJMLS Students Receive Prestigious Awards at GAWL’s Annual Dinner

This year, two AJMLS students were the recipients of distinguished awards from the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL). The students were amongst a prestigious group of award recipients from the local legal community and law schools across the state, who were honored at the GAWL Annual Dinner on May 10, 2012.

Audrey Holiday, a 4L part-time student, was the recipient of the Outstanding Law Student Award. This award recognizes law students who have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, achieved excellence in academics, and generously contributed to women’s issues and related causes. Karen Kenner, a 3L full-time student, received the GAWL Foundation scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to two to four law students in Georgia who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and philanthropic potential, and a strong commitment to the legal profession.

Congratulations Audrey and Karen on being recognized for your dedication, leadership and academic excellence.

Catholic Charities of Atlanta and AJMLS Announce Plans to Launch State’s First Immigration Law Clinic

Catholic Charities of Atlanta (CCA) and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) today announced a partnership to open Georgia’s first Immigration Law Clinic to provide CCA clients with legal counsel and representation and offer second-and third-year law students real-world experience under the direction of licensed attorneys.

Key facts about the new Immigration Law Clinic:

•The clinic will open Fall 2012 at the CCA offices, 2305 Parklake Dr. NE Bldg. 9, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA, 30345;
•Services will include assistance with benefits filings, various petitions, on-site counsel at detention facilities;
•CCA serves clients who are victims of domestic violence, abused immigrant children, trafficking victims, asylum, family-based adjustment and naturalization cases. All are at or below the poverty level;
•CCA meets with 1,500 new clients and 4,800 detainees each year. There are 750 open/active cases; and
•The clinic is the first clinic of any kind for AJMLS.

“The new Immigration Clinic in partnership with Catholic Charities demonstrates our commitment to the community and preparing our students to practice law,” said Richardson Lynn, Dean and Professor of Law at AJMLS. “We are honored to work along with Catholic Charities as it serves the rapidly growing immigrant community.”

The clinic will offer CCA clients assistance with filings for immigration benefits based on family eligibility, violence against women petitions, crime victim petitions and temporary protective status. The clinic will also serve detainees at immigration detention facilities.

“Our partnership with AJMLS marks the first Immigration Clinic in the state of Georgia,” said Jennifer Bensman, Program Director of Immigration Legal Services at CCA. “We are looking forward to working with students and preparing them to interact directly with clients. It is my hope that after the completion of the Immigration Law Clinic, John Marshall students will continue to seek pro bono opportunities.”

Students will gain real-world legal experience in an academic environment, while providing assistance to CCA clients. Students will develop skills in problem-solving, client interviewing, collaborating and cross-cultural awareness, and they will also meet with detainees at immigration detention facilities.

“Students who possess a strong interest in immigration affairs are ideal candidates for the Immigration Law Clinic,” said Renata Turner, Clinic Director and Associate Professor at AJMLS. “As the school’s first clinic, we are excited to introduce students to real-world cases as a part of their legal education.”

AJMLS Featured in Spring Issue of PreLaw Magazine

In the Spring 2012 issue of PreLaw Magazine, Dean Lynn was interviewed about the rapid expansion AJMLS has experienced in the last year.

In addition to the physical-size of the school expanding with the construction of new classrooms and the Blackburn Conference Center, AJMLS has added a J.D. Honors program in Criminal Justice, an LL.M. in Employment Law, and even a branch campus in Savannah, GA. “We’re trying to continuously improve the environment for students and make them comfortable in this location with its great access to resources,” said Lynn.

For the full article on our growing school, click here.

John Marshall Law School Volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause. The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

John Marshall Law School Volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org

Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

Blackburn Conference Center Opens as Midtown’s Newest Destination for Meetings, Special Events

Whether you’re planning a small, intimate reception or coordinating an extravagant event, the message is the same – Meet at Blackburn! That’s the Judge G. Alan Blackburn Conference Center (BCC) on the campus of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS).

Named after one of AJMLS’s most influential alumni and former board member, Judge G. Alan Blackburn, the BCC, at the corner of 18th and Spring Streets, features contemporary conference, board and seminar rooms, a spacious reception and exhibit hall, kitchen and a 350-seat auditorium.

“The Blackburn Conference Center will provide a convenient meeting place for businesses, organizations and individuals looking for a Midtown Atlanta location to host meetings, receptions and a range of events,” said Hilary Patrick, the BCC’s new Director of Meeting and Conference Services. “The center is a 16,500-square foot facility that fuses stylish amenities with the ability to meet any educational, entertainment or special event need.”

The BCC includes the following meeting spaces:

Room                 Capacity         Seating Type
Auditorium          350                 Fixed,Theater
Reception Hall     100/225           Banquet or Reception
Seminar Room    65                   Flexible, Classroom
Conference A      8-12               Conference with Credenza
Conference B      6                    Conference
Conference C      6                    Conference
Board Room        16                  Conference

The amenities include:
• Open lobby and wide corridors
• Kitchen
• Photocopy capabilities
• Phone and conference services
• Projectors and drop down screens
• Roaming, lapel and free-standing microphones, portable podiums
• On-site technology, AV and maintenance support

Conveniently situated in Atlanta’s thriving Midtown district, the BCC is at the epicenter of Atlanta business and living. The BCC is only minutes from Atlantic Station to the west, downtown to the south and Buckhead to the north with its trendy shops and boutiques, the best in Southern cuisine, hotels, and easy access to Interstates 20, 75 and 85. Parking is convenient and within walking distance to public transportation.

“Reserving the BCC is simple,” Patrick said. “Meeting planners, public relations firms, administrative assistants and others responsible for securing space can reserve the facility directly from our new webpage at www.blackburncenter.com.”

Savannah Law School Announces First Faculty Appointments

Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of the ABA-accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), today announced the first faculty appointments to the school that will open later this year.

Marc Roark, currently an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of LaVerne College of Law in Ontario, CA, was named Associate Professor to teach Property and serve as the Director of the Office of Academic Achievement. Roark brings to SLS years of real-world and classroom experience from previous faculty positions at the University of Missouri and University of Tulsa and as a practicing attorney at federal and commercial litigation firms. Roark earned an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law, a J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and a Bachelor’s from Louisiana State University.

SLS also named Elizabeth Megale, currently an Assistant Professor of Law at Barry University School of Law in Orlando, FL, as an Associate Professor to serve as the Director of the Legal Skills and Professionalism Program and teach Legal Research and Writing. Prior to teaching, Megale was a trial lawyer with the Office of the Public Defender in Florida where she represented clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Megale holds a J.D. and Bachelor’s degree from Mercer University.

“Both Elizabeth and Marc bring tremendous legal practice and academic achievements that will benefit Savannah Law School and its students,” says Richardson Lynn, Dean and Professor of Law at SLS. “We will continue to make faculty and staff appointments as we prepare to open in the fall.”

Prospective students can learn more about admissions, financial aid and career development at the school’s first Open House from 9 a.m. to noon, March, 3, 2012, at the Armstrong Center, 13040 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31419.

AJMLS Goes to the UN!

On September 20, 1963, in the closing remarks of his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President John F. Kennedy stated, “My fellow inhabitants of this planet: Let us take our stand here in this Assembly of nations. And let us see if we, in our own time, can move the world to a just and lasting peace.” On February 10, 2012, in the same General Assembly Hall where that speech was made, two students represented Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and affirmed their commitment to embracing the challenge set forth by our 35th President.

Xavier A. Cunningham (2L), President of the International Law Society, and David Borum (2L), Vice President of the International Law Society, attended the 2012 Year of Decision: The UN in American Foreign Policy Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York City.  This year, the conference was hosted by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA).  The conference provided them an opportunity to meet with high ranking UN officials and engage in topical discussions with some of the most prominent foreign policy-shapers of our time, such as Dr.Jeffery Sachs of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative with the United States Mission to the United Nations, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

As law students, Xavier and David were able to perceive the global challenges discussed at the conference through a judicial lens. Whether discussing the evolution of UN Peacekeeping operations, or the growing assertiveness of the Security Council in dealing with peace and security in the 21st century, it is clear how courses such as Constitutional Law, Public International Law, Conflicts of Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and others, prepare law students to confront global challenges with an extensive arsenal of knowledge.  Thank you Xavier and David for representing AJMLS with intelligence, confidence and professionalism.

For more information about this conference and its host,please visit,unausa.org/membersday.

Congratulations to the AJMLS Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Teams!

On January 19, 2012, AJMLS’ BLSA Moot Court Teams competed in the Southeast Regional Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition in Birmingham, Alabama. The Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition is an annual, national competition that coincides with the National Black Law Students Association’s (NBLSA) regional and annual conferences. There were two teams selected from AJMLS who competed in the Southeast Regional competition.

Team one, consisting of Ashley Barnett (2L) and Sharee Tumbling (3L), won the Best Respondent Brief Award. Team two, consisting of Lauren McAlpin (2L) and Sarah Redparth (2L), advanced to the final four and placed 4th out of 24 teams in the overall competition. Team two member, Sarah Redparth, won the Best Oral Advocate Award.

Congratulations to all the ladies for their hard work and stellar performances at the NBLSA Southeast Regional Moot Court competition!

AJMLS Negotiations Team Places Third in National Competition

The AJMLS Negotiations Team placed third in the nation at the ABA’s National Negotiation Competition, held this weekend at the ABA Midyear Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Out of an initial field of 228 teams, AJMLS was among the 24 teams that advanced out of the regional rounds to compete at the national competition. Competing at the national level for the first time, the AJMLS team continually knocked out its competitors to reach the semi-final round and then the championship round.

Congratulations to AJMLS team members Torrey Rainey and Christina Scott, assisted by Joyce Adelugba and Zach Pritchard. And a special thanks to the AJMLS alumni coaches, Charles Barry and Shaun Adams, who led this year’s team to an unprecedented success.

AJMLS Alumni Board Chair, Neera Bahl, Awarded “Glory of India” Award

The school would like to congratulate AJMLS Alumni Board Chair, Neera Bahl (’01), for recently receiving the “Glory of India” award from the India International Friendship Society (IIFS), an organization engaged in helping achieve India’s targeted economic growth and modernization. This honor is awarded to individuals in India and abroad, who have glorified the country with outstanding contributions in their specialized fields. Neera practices immigration law in Atlanta, Georgia.

We are extremely proud for Neera and wish her the best as she continues to represent our school and the entire legal community with honor and professionalism. Congratulations, Neera!

ALSA Members Recognized for Volunteer Efforts

AJMLS would like to recognize members of the Asian Law Student Association, who volunteered at the 2011 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Conference in Atlanta recently. They are: Caroline Yi, Jason Kim, Thomas Hwang, Yoohwa Seong, Suzette Guerra, Crystal Tran, and Wellington Tzou. Thanks to them and to all of our students who represent us so well in professional settings.

Law Admissions Lowdown – How Important are Extracurricular Activities?

U.S. News & World Report gives the “law admissions lowdown” on extracurricular activities in a recent article. Author, Shawn O’Connor, disputes the notion that law school admissions are solely based on LSAT scores and GPAs. “While these are the two single most significant factors in the admissions process, other factors, including extracurricular involvement, application essays, and recommendations, can also be very important,” he says.

O’Connor reveals four areas to consider before choosing an extracurricular activity: quality not quantity, not all activities are created equal, start early and be selective, and law-related activities are not essential. For a detailed look at each point, clickhere.

Law School Students Help Adopt a Family for the Holidays

On behalf of the AJMLS Department of Recruitment and Marketing and its Student Ambassadors, we would like to thank everyone for your generous donations and candy gram purchases. We collected more than $700 for the family. Your commitment to helping our Adopt-A-Family program is sincerely appreciated. Because of your generosity, we were able to further our mission in bettering the lives of children across the city of Atlanta.

The pro bono partnership of Atlanta Legal Aid and Kilpatrick Townsend handles adoptions for the Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Project. Our school and volunteers from many firms expand the capacity of Atlanta Legal Aid’s staff and enable many more grandparents and other care-giving relatives to provide stable, loving homes for children whose parents cannot care for them.

Thanks, again, for generously supporting our efforts!

AJMLS Student Koji Noguchi Awarded Microsoft Scholarship

AJMLS is continually impressed with the caliber of students attending the school. To add another achievement to the long list of AJMLS scholars is Koji Noguchi’s recent scholarship awarded by Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO).

The CLEO-Microsoft Intellectual Property Scholarship selects only four recipients each year for this honor. The competitive nature of the application process makes Koji’s accomplishment even more impressive. To acknowledge his achievement, the CLEO will be highlighting Koji along with his fellow scholarship winners in the January edition of their “Your CLEO” e-bulletin.

On behalf of the school, congratulations on your selection and continued success in law school!

Three AJMLS Students Selected as GAWL Foundation Scholarship Finalists

On April 16, 2011, the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) held its 18th Annual Charity Auction benefitting the GAWL Foundation Scholarship at Art Space International in Atlanta, Georgia. The event funds 100 percent of the scholarships that the Foundation awards each year to deserving, public interest- minded, female law students in Georgia. Among the eight GAWL Foundation Scholarship finalists in the state, three attend Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School: Ashley Gholamhosseini, Audrey Holliday, and Danielle Long.

The Charity Auction included a live and a silent auction featuring art (paintings, photographs, sculpture), pottery, jewelry, vacations, and many other luxury items and baskets.

Several JMLS professors supported the GAWL Charity Auction — including Lee Adams, Kathe Burch, Browning Jefferies, Liza Karsai, Lance McMillian, and Dan Piar — who donated or purchased items to help GAWL raise scholarship funds. Also, GAWL was fortunate to have about 20 students, graduates, and friends of AJMLS volunteer to help with the auction.

These volunteers included: Andria Allen, George Boone, Matthew Dials, Kara Foskey, Ginger Fowler, Greg Gelpi, Jenn Gore, Ginny & Ansley Grigsby, Barbara Henderson, Megan Hodgkiss, Kareemah Lewis, Amber O’Connor, Susanne & Kurt Tarter, Sharee Tumbling, Mecca Waddell, Elizabeth Young, and Amy Zapatka.

Shirley Franklin to Launch Leadership Lecture Series at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will kick off its 77th academic year with former Mayor Shirley Franklin addressing members of Atlanta’s legal community and the largest incoming class in the school’s history. On Monday, August 23rd at noon, Franklin will discuss the role of public service in Atlanta, and the need for ethical professionals to provide structure and security for our communities. The Leadership Lecture Series is presented by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, whose mission is to prepare highly competent professionals who possess a strong social conscience, demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society. “This program was developed by our students to explore the fundamental values of the legal profession and engage civic leaders at the highest levels and to inspire ethical public service upon graduation,” according to Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison. “What we do, as lawyers, is greater than ourselves; we serve our fellow man. John Marshall Law School strives to instill a high level of responsibility in our students to uphold the values of our profession, beginning the first day of their legal education.” Known for her commitment to improving diversity, infrastructure, and security, Franklin will share her experiences as a public servant and professional leader in Atlanta. She will discuss the changes she initiated while Mayor, her interactions with Atlanta’s legal community and her vision of how attorneys can help the public at large. “Atlanta has a rich and diverse civic and human rights history of people working together across lines and aisles to make this community better and brighter,” noted Franklin. “I commend John Marshall for encouraging a student body who is also working for the betterment of our communities through leadership with a social conscience.” Within the last academic year, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School obtained full accreditation from the American Bar Association, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Commencement speaker, and launched Atlanta’s first online LLM degree program for Employment Law. The Leadership Lecture Series will continue on Thursday, September 16th, featuring Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. Since 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been committed to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. The school continues on its historic path, remaining faithful to its mission, while looking to the future with innovation, new programs, and unmatched faculty from across the country. For more information on the Leadership Lecture Series or to attend Shirley Franklin’s Lecture on August 23 at noon, please contact Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu or Carlos Vilela at crvilela@johnmarshall.edu.

Shirley Franklin to Launch Leadership Lecture Series at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will kick off its 77th academic year with former Mayor Shirley Franklin addressing members of Atlanta’s legal community and the largest incoming class in the school’s history. On Monday, August 23rd at noon, Franklin will discuss the role of public service in Atlanta, and the need for ethical professionals to provide structure and security for our communities.

The Leadership Lecture Series is presented by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, whose mission is to prepare highly competent professionals who possess a strong social conscience, demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society.

“This program was developed by our students to explore the fundamental values of the legal profession and engage civic leaders at the highest levels and to inspire ethical public service upon graduation,” according to Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison. “What we do, as lawyers, is greater than ourselves; we serve our fellow man. John Marshall Law School strives to instill a high level of responsibility in our students to uphold the values of our profession, beginning the first day of their legal education.”

Known for her commitment to improving diversity, infrastructure, and security, Franklin will share her experiences as a public servant and professional leader in Atlanta. She will discuss the changes she initiated while Mayor, her interactions with Atlanta’s legal community and her vision of how attorneys can help the public at large.

“Atlanta has a rich and diverse civic and human rights history of people working together across lines and aisles to make this community better and brighter,” noted Franklin. “I commend John Marshall for encouraging a student body who is also working for the betterment of our communities through leadership with a social conscience.”

Within the last academic year, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School obtained full accreditation from the American Bar Association, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Commencement speaker, and launched Atlanta’s first online LLM degree program for Employment Law.

The Leadership Lecture Series will continue on Thursday, September 16th, featuring Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle.

Since 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been committed to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. The school continues on its historic path, remaining faithful to its mission, while looking to the future with innovation, new programs, and unmatched faculty from across the country.

For more information on the Leadership Lecture Series or to attend Shirley Franklin’s Lecture on August 23 at noon, please contact Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu or Carlos Vilela at crvilela@johnmarshall.edu.

Students Volunteer with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, first year evening students of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School participated in a community service project with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH). The law school is dedicated to pro bono work that furthers its mission of “promoting the development of a student body and faculty with a strong social consciousness and dedication to improving the legal system and society” and is thankful to our students for volunteering their time and assistance towards this worthy cause.  HFTH was also thankful for our students who worked through the rain to pass out food and sort clothing. Last year, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless’ Prevention division’s on-going programming provided over 160,000 individuals with food, clothing, toiletries, transportation and other supplies and prevented homelessness through rent and utility assistance for nearly 300 families. For more information on Hosea Feed the Hungry, please visit www.HoseaFeedTheHungry.com

Students Volunteer with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, first year evening students of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School participated in a community service project with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH). The law school is dedicated to pro bono work that furthers its mission of “promoting the development of a student body and faculty with a strong social consciousness and dedication to improving the legal system and society” and is thankful to our students for volunteering their time and assistance towards this worthy cause.  HFTH was also thankful for our students who worked through the rain to pass out food and sort clothing.

Last year, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless’ Prevention division’s on-going programming provided over 160,000 individuals with food, clothing, toiletries, transportation and other supplies and prevented homelessness through rent and utility assistance for nearly 300 families. For more information on Hosea Feed the Hungry, please visit www.HoseaFeedTheHungry.com

John Marshall Law School Hosts State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program's Pipeline Program

John Marshall is proud to have once again hosted the two-week State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program’s Pipeline Program, which brings young high school students together for classes and real life experiences. This year’s class of 18 included 8 students who participated in the first and second years of the program, some of whom have been accepted to college for the fall. After morning classes of training in grammar, writing, speech, and library usage, the students visit law firms and corporate legal departments for lunch and mentoring. Congratulations to all the participants!

John Marshall Law School Hosts State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program’s Pipeline Program

John Marshall is proud to have once again hosted the two-week State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program’s Pipeline Program, which brings young high school students together for classes and real life experiences. This year’s class of 18 included 8 students who participated in the first and second years of the program, some of whom have been accepted to college for the fall. After morning classes of training in grammar, writing, speech, and library usage, the students visit law firms and corporate legal departments for lunch and mentoring. Congratulations to all the participants!

Atlanta's John Marshall Law School Offering LL.M. in Employment Law

Now enrolling for Fall 2010, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School announces an innovative, graduate-level program for attorneys seeking to develop or strengthen an employment law practice. In recent years, employment law claims of all types have increased in number and scope, requiring attorneys to develop new strategies to serve their clients on both the employer and employee side. Experts predict that the number of claims will continue to climb due to many factors, including new legislation, increased knowledge of rights by employees and changes in the economy. The LL.M. in Employment Law is specifically designed for busy practitioners who want to develop or expand their expertise in the field. Small class sizes, in-depth curriculum and innovative distance learning technology combine to set the program apart. The unique structure of the LL.M. program allows students to earn their degree without taking time away from work. Classes will be offered consecutively, one class at a time, and exclusively online. To learn more about the program, please visit theLL.M. Program section of our site.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Offering LL.M. in Employment Law

Now enrolling for Fall 2010, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School announces an innovative, graduate-level program for attorneys seeking to develop or strengthen an employment law practice. In recent years, employment law claims of all types have increased in number and scope, requiring attorneys to develop new strategies to serve their clients on both the employer and employee side. Experts predict that the number of claims will continue to climb due to many factors, including new legislation, increased knowledge of rights by employees and changes in the economy. The LL.M. in Employment Law is specifically designed for busy practitioners who want to develop or expand their expertise in the field. Small class sizes, in-depth curriculum and innovative distance learning technology combine to set the program apart. The unique structure of the LL.M. program allows students to earn their degree without taking time away from work. Classes will be offered consecutively, one class at a time, and exclusively online. To learn more about the program, please visit theLL.M. Program section of our site.

2010 Distinguished Alumni: Neera Bahl

Neera Bahl founded Neera Bahl & Associates in 2009. She received her J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2000 after a career of more than twenty years in medical and scientific research. Neera is active in professional and community organizations, including the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Raksha, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce, and India Cultural and Religious Center.

2010 Distinguished Alumni: Judge James G. Bodiford

James G. Bodiford, Judge, Cobb County Superior Court, was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School as a 2010 Distinguished Alumni. Judge Bodiford was elected Superior Court Judge in 1994 and has since been re-elected three times to this position, most recently with an 83% majority. He was Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court during 2005-2006. Judge Bodiford has presided successfully over a number of high-profile, media-intensive cases, including State of Georgia v. Brian G. Nichols in Fulton County. He is a 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Justice Clarence Thomas is Keynote Speaker at John Marshall Commencement

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was the keynote speaker at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Commencement, held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center. During the ceremonies, the law school conferred more than 160 Juris Doctor degrees. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on Justice Clarence Thomas for his unparalled career in public service and dedication to the rule of law.

2010 Distinguished Alumni: Neera Bahl

Neera Bahl founded Neera Bahl & Associates in 2009. She received her J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2000 after a career of more than twenty years in medical and scientific research. Neera is active in professional and community organizations, including the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Raksha, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce, and India Cultural and Religious Center.

Justice Clarence Thomas is Keynote Speaker at John Marshall Commencement

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was the keynote speaker at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Commencement, held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center. During the ceremonies, the law school conferred more than 160 Juris Doctor degrees. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on Justice Clarence Thomas for his unparalled career in public service and dedication to the rule of law.

2010 Distinguished Alumni: Judge James G. Bodiford

James G. Bodiford, Judge, Cobb County Superior Court, was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School as a 2010 Distinguished Alumni. Judge Bodiford was elected Superior Court Judge in 1994 and has since been re-elected three times to this position, most recently with an 83% majority. He was Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court during 2005-2006. Judge Bodiford has presided successfully over a number of high-profile, media-intensive cases, including State of Georgia v. Brian G. Nichols in Fulton County. He is a 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School acknowledges the unparalleled generosity of Bobby Lee Cook for his $100,000 donation to establish the Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund. Bobby Lee Cook is widely recognized for his career as a prominent trial attorney and his representation in some of the most controversial criminal trials in the state. His long-term commitment to the school includes past service as a member of the Board of Directors and sponsorship of the annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium, held at the law school each Spring for the past 8 years. The Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund will support a number of scholarships each year. We hope to sustain the fund through the continued generosity of friends and alumni of the law school.

Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School acknowledges the unparalleled generosity of Bobby Lee Cook for his $100,000 donation to establish the Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund. Bobby Lee Cook is widely recognized for his career as a prominent trial attorney and his representation in some of the most controversial criminal trials in the state. His long-term commitment to the school includes past service as a member of the Board of Directors and sponsorship of the annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium, held at the law school each Spring for the past 8 years. The Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund will support a number of scholarships each year. We hope to sustain the fund through the continued generosity of friends and alumni of the law school.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s 3rd Annual Youth and the Law Summit

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School held its annual Youth and the Law Summit on Saturday, April 17, 2010. More than thirty middle-school students attended this year’s Summit. The students came from various schools from the Atlanta and Clayton County school districts. Their day started with a continental breakfast and ice-breaker conducted by Darrick McDuffie, an attorney from King and Spalding. The students were then broken up into four groups. Each group, led by a John Marshall law student, participated in two separate lessons/activities designed to teach them how to analyze the impact of laws, think critically, and write persuasively. After a pizza lunch, the students listened to a panel of three attorneys, Willie Lovett, Jr., Candiss Collins, and Prof. Kamina Pinder, discuss their paths to becoming a lawyer. Students were able to ask of questions about the panelists’ educational and career choices. In the afternoon, the students broke into two teams for a very spirited debate on the First Amendment rights of students using MySpace. Closing remarks were made by Shukura Ingram, President of the Gate City Bar Association. In addition to DiscoverLaw.org back packs, students also received a portfolio, a U.S. Constitution and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s 3rd Annual Youth and the Law Summit

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School held its annual Youth and the Law Summit on Saturday, April 17, 2010. More than thirty middle-school students attended this year’s Summit. The students came from various schools from the Atlanta and Clayton County school districts. Their day started with a continental breakfast and ice-breaker conducted by Darrick McDuffie, an attorney from King and Spalding. The students were then broken up into four groups. Each group, led by a John Marshall law student, participated in two separate lessons/activities designed to teach them how to analyze the impact of laws, think critically, and write persuasively. After a pizza lunch, the students listened to a panel of three attorneys, Willie Lovett, Jr., Candiss Collins, and Prof. Kamina Pinder, discuss their paths to becoming a lawyer. Students were able to ask of questions about the panelists’ educational and career choices. In the afternoon, the students broke into two teams for a very spirited debate on the First Amendment rights of students using MySpace. Closing remarks were made by Shukura Ingram, President of the Gate City Bar Association. In addition to DiscoverLaw.org back packs, students also received a portfolio, a U.S. Constitution and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Equal Justice Works Honors Atlanta Area Law Schools

Equal Justice Works hosted a reception at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. on April 15, 2010 to honor Equal Justice Works Fellows Atlanta area law schools. One of the keynote speakers was Steve Reba, a 2008 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Steve, a member of the Equal Justice Works Fellows Class of 2009, works at the Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic of the Emory University School of Law. He gave a moving speech about his work to free and rehabilitate incarcerated juveniles. Class of 2010 Fellows were also in attendance, including Alpa Amin, a 2010 graduate from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Alpa was awarded a fellowship to work with GAIN, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. We are very proud of both Steve and Alpa and the positive impact they are making in our community. The Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program creates partnerships among public interest lawyers, nonprofit organizations, law firm/corporate sponsors and other donors in order to afford underrepresented populations effective access to the justice system. Equal Justice Works is currently supporting 108 Fellows in the field: 54 Fellows who began in September 2007 and 54 new Fellows who began last fall. Equal Justice Works is committed to recruiting attorneys who represent a variety of experiences and backgrounds and to providing them with a strong foundation on which to build a public interest career. For more information about the program, please visit: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/fellowships/general.

Equal Justice Works Honors Atlanta Area Law Schools

Equal Justice Works hosted a reception at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. on April 15, 2010 to honor Equal Justice Works Fellows Atlanta area law schools. One of the keynote speakers was Steve Reba, a 2008 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Steve, a member of the Equal Justice Works Fellows Class of 2009, works at the Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic of the Emory University School of Law. He gave a moving speech about his work to free and rehabilitate incarcerated juveniles. Class of 2010 Fellows were also in attendance, including Alpa Amin, a 2010 graduate from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Alpa was awarded a fellowship to work with GAIN, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. We are very proud of both Steve and Alpa and the positive impact they are making in our community.

The Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program creates partnerships among public interest lawyers, nonprofit organizations, law firm/corporate sponsors and other donors in order to afford underrepresented populations effective access to the justice system. Equal Justice Works is currently supporting 108 Fellows in the field: 54 Fellows who began in September 2007 and 54 new Fellows who began last fall. Equal Justice Works is committed to recruiting attorneys who represent a variety of experiences and backgrounds and to providing them with a strong foundation on which to build a public interest career. For more information about the program, please visit: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/fellowships/general.

Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium

John Marshall proudly presents its 8th Annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event, which was established to honor Mr. Cook, Georgia’s renowned criminal defense and civil rights attorney, will feature prominent members of the legal community. A long-time friend of the Law School, Mr. Cook will lead the panel, which will include J. Vincent “Jay” Cook, R. Price Nimmo, Chilton Davis Varner and Judge Alvin T. Wong. This event is free and open to the public. We encourage law students, members of the bar, and interested parties to join us for this unique opportunity to benefit from the experience of these distinguished lawyers and the “dean” of Georgia’s criminal defense attorneys. Bobby Lee Cook, principal of Cook & Connelly in Summerville, GA, has earned fame for his career as a criminal defense attorney and representation in some of the most controversial criminal trials in the state. He is believed by many to have inspired the character of “Matlock” in the television series. Mr. Cook’s influence extends beyond Georgia, as he has also represented national and international figures. Early in his career, Mr. Cook served in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate before becoming a State Court Judge. Mr. Cook’s achievements were recognized by the Georgia Bar in 1994, when it named him Trial Lawyer of the Year. J. Vincent “Jay” Cook is a veteran trial lawyer, having achieved significant judgments and settlements for clients in cases involving wrongful death, personal injury, business torts, and commercial and construction litigation. He is a respected leader in Georgia’s legal community, is past president of the State Bar of Georgia, president of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, and former president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Western Circuit Bar Association. Mr. Cook has written and edited numerous publications on the law and has conducted seminars on medical malpractice. He is the Managing Partner of Cook Noell Tolley & Bates LLP in Athens, Georgia. R. Price Nimmo is a partner with Nimmo, Hoehn & Nimmo in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an experienced litigator, focusing his practice on matters of personal injury, insurance defense, criminal defense, products liability, and family law. Chilton Varner has 30 years of courtroom experience as a trial lawyer defending corporations in product liability, business torts, contract and other commercial disputes. Ms. Varner was appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist in 2004 and re-appointed by Chief Justice Roberts in 2007 to the Federal Civil Rules Advisory Committee, where she has participated in the Committee’s drafting of amendments governing electronic discovery and consideration of changes to the Rules governing summary judgment and expert discovery. Ms. Varner speaks regularly on women’s issues for the American Bar Association and DRI. She currently practices with King & Spalding in Atlanta, Georgia. Judge Alvin T. Wong has served on the State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for eleven years. A 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Judge Wong is the only Asian Pacific American to be elected judge in the Southeast. Judge Wong serves on the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees, the Georgia Commission on Access and Fairness in the Courts, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Law Foundation Board.

John Marshall Law School Volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org

Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

Judge Blackburn Presented with First Annual Public Interest Law Award

The Honorable G. Alan Blackburn (’67 Alumnus) was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Public Interest Law Society with the First Annual Public Interest Law Award at the Public Interest Law Society’s Silent Auction and Networking Mixer on Friday, April 9, 2010. The award recognizes Judge Blackburn’s more than thirty years of public service.

Public Interest Law Society’s 1st Annual Silent Auction and Networking Mixer

Great fun and entertainment was had at the Public Interest Law Society’s 1st Annual Silent Auction and Networking Mixer on Friday, April 9, 2010. The silent auction was followed by a live auction and included items such as dinner and snooker with Dean Lynn, mentoring lunches donated by various faculty members and alumni, “stay-cation” packages, cultural events and sporting tickets, jewelry and art work. Thank you to the Zweifel Law Firm for their generosity in sponsoring the event and to the many contributors. JMLS Alumnus The Honorable G. Alan Blackburn was presented with the first annual Public Interest Law Award for his more than thirty years of public service. Proceeds of the auction will be used to sponsor a JMLS student engaged in pro bono work during this summer.

Public Interest Law Society’s 1st Annual Silent Auction and Networking Mixer

Great fun and entertainment was had at the Public Interest Law Society’s 1st Annual Silent Auction and Networking Mixer on Friday, April 9, 2010. The silent auction was followed by a live auction and included items such as dinner and snooker with Dean Lynn, mentoring lunches donated by various faculty members and alumni, “stay-cation” packages, cultural events and sporting tickets, jewelry and art work. Thank you to the Zweifel Law Firm for their generosity in sponsoring the event and to the many contributors. JMLS Alumnus The Honorable G. Alan Blackburn was presented with the first annual Public Interest Law Award for his more than thirty years of public service. Proceeds of the auction will be used to sponsor a JMLS student engaged in pro bono work during this summer.

Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium

John Marshall proudly presents its 8th Annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event, which was established to honor Mr. Cook, Georgia’s renowned criminal defense and civil rights attorney, will feature prominent members of the legal community. A long-time friend of the Law School, Mr. Cook will lead the panel, which will include J. Vincent “Jay” Cook, R. Price Nimmo, Chilton Davis Varner and Judge Alvin T. Wong. This event is free and open to the public. We encourage law students, members of the bar, and interested parties to join us for this unique opportunity to benefit from the experience of these distinguished lawyers and the “dean” of Georgia’s criminal defense attorneys.

Bobby Lee Cook, principal of Cook & Connelly in Summerville, GA, has earned fame for his career as a criminal defense attorney and representation in some of the most controversial criminal trials in the state. He is believed by many to have inspired the character of “Matlock” in the television series. Mr. Cook’s influence extends beyond Georgia, as he has also represented national and international figures. Early in his career, Mr. Cook served in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate before becoming a State Court Judge. Mr. Cook’s achievements were recognized by the Georgia Bar in 1994, when it named him Trial Lawyer of the Year.

J. Vincent “Jay” Cook is a veteran trial lawyer, having achieved significant judgments and settlements for clients in cases involving wrongful death, personal injury, business torts, and commercial and construction litigation. He is a respected leader in Georgia’s legal community, is past president of the State Bar of Georgia, president of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, and former president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Western Circuit Bar Association. Mr. Cook has written and edited numerous publications on the law and has conducted seminars on medical malpractice. He is the Managing Partner of Cook Noell Tolley & Bates LLP in Athens, Georgia.

R. Price Nimmo is a partner with Nimmo, Hoehn & Nimmo in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an experienced litigator, focusing his practice on matters of personal injury, insurance defense, criminal defense, products liability, and family law.

Chilton Varner has 30 years of courtroom experience as a trial lawyer defending corporations in product liability, business torts, contract and other commercial disputes. Ms. Varner was appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist in 2004 and re-appointed by Chief Justice Roberts in 2007 to the Federal Civil Rules Advisory Committee, where she has participated in the Committee’s drafting of amendments governing electronic discovery and consideration of changes to the Rules governing summary judgment and expert discovery. Ms. Varner speaks regularly on women’s issues for the American Bar Association and DRI. She currently practices with King & Spalding in Atlanta, Georgia.

Judge Alvin T. Wong has served on the State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for eleven years. A 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Judge Wong is the only Asian Pacific American to be elected judge in the Southeast. Judge Wong serves on the Fernbank Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees, the Georgia Commission on Access and Fairness in the Courts, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Law Foundation Board.

Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card

On February 24, 2010, the John Marshall Law Journal hosted its Annual Symposium entitled, “Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card.” In honor of its out-going faculty advisor, the John Marshall Law Journal opened the event by designating the Annual Symposium to be The Dean Robert J. D`Agostino Law Journal Symposium in perpetuity. The Symposium featured four panel discussions on timely issues in education law including religion in schools, charter schools, the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools, and tuition scholarship programs. Guests included several Atlanta-area school law attorneys, educators, law professors, and students. The event was a great success and will continue to be an annual spring tradition dedicated to Dean D`Agostino.

Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card

On February 24, 2010, the John Marshall Law Journal hosted its Annual Symposium entitled, “Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card.”

In honor of its out-going faculty advisor, the John Marshall Law Journal opened the event by designating the Annual Symposium to be The Dean Robert J. D`Agostino Law Journal Symposium in perpetuity. The Symposium featured four panel discussions on timely issues in education law including religion in schools, charter schools, the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools, and tuition scholarship programs. Guests included several Atlanta-area school law attorneys, educators, law professors, and students. The event was a great success and will continue to be an annual spring tradition dedicated to Dean D`Agostino.