It was an incredible year for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) alumni. Each month in the alumni newsletter, top attorneys are recognized for their achievements, honors, and exciting announcements. If you or someone you know have earned a spot in our Alumni on the Move series, please submit the information here. Below are our 2025 alumni highlights. Our hometown Atlanta law school has been educating Atlanta, Georgia, regional, national and international legal professionals for 90+ years and it is our pleasure to celebrate their achievements.
If you would like to update your information to receive the alumni newsletter, please email Director of Alumni Relations, AJ Doucett, at adoucett@johnmarshall.edu.
January 2025
Sonya F. Allen (’99) – Congratulations to Sonya who was sworn in as the new District Attorney for Cobb County on December 10, 2024. She is the first African-American woman elected to this position.
Shalamar J. Parham (’08) – Congratulations to Shalamar on her selection as a Member-at-Large to the Gate City Bar Association Executive Board.
M. Scott Gazlay (’10) – Congratulations to Scott on his role in assisting with the opening of the new Braselton office of GSH Attorneys, where he has focuses his legal career on residential real estate.
Sarah A. Steele (’10) – Congratulations to Sarah, who, after running her own firm successfully for twelve years, has joined the Douglas County Juvenile Public Defender’s Office as the Assistant Juvenile Public Defender Sarah enjoys her work with at-risk youth and looks forward to serving Douglas County and its citizens.
Lauren L. Wallace (’11) – Congratulations to Lauren on being sworn in as the newest judge for the Douglasville Superior Court.. She previously served as an Assistant Solicitor General, Assistant District Attorney, and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney in both DeKalb and Douglas Counties.
Janie P. Varnell (’12) – Congratulations to Janie Varnell on her nomination by Hamilton County, Tennessee, Mayor Weston Wamp to serve as the next County Attorney. Janie, a dedicated criminal defense attorney with Davis & Hoss, was recognized for her outstanding advocacy and legal expertise
Mariette L. Clardy-Davis (’13) – Congratulations to Mariette, who was recently appointed to the Association of Corporate Counsel-Georgia Chapters (“ACC”) Board of Directors in 2025 The ACC is a Global Legal Association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations, and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy.
February 2025
Ron Bingham (’96) – Congratulations to Ron on his appointment as Financial Services Practice Group Leader at Adams and Reese. A partner in the firm’s Atlanta office, Ron leads a team representing global, national, regional, and local banking institutions, Fortune 500 companies, Fintech companies, credit unions, and other key players in the financial services industry.
Brianna T. Smith (’22) – Congratulations to Brianna on being selected as a founding board member for the Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM). AIM will be a tuition-free public charter school opening in Fall 2026, serving Georgia students in grades 6-12 with an Accelerated Career Diploma program.
Grace C. Rispoli-Gomez (’24) – Congratulations to Grace on starting a new position as Law Clerk at Krasner Law, PLLC.
Leah L. Young (’24) – Congratulations to Leah on starting a new position as Associate Attorney at John B. Miller & Associates, PC.
Yashica Marshall (’13) – Congratulations to Yashica on her new position as Associate General Counsel-Privacy Officer at Georgia Department of Public Health
Shaheem M. Williams (’13) – Congratulate Shaheem on his promotion to Partner at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP.
Taylor A. Middleton (’17) – Congratulations to Taylor on her selection as Secretary to the Gate City Bar Association Executive Board.
Shombraya E. Goodman (’22) – Congratulations to Shombraya on starting her new position as an Assistant Public Defender at the Fulton County Public Defender Office.
Ashley L. Starnes (’23) – Congratulations to Ashley on her promotion to Corporate Counsel at Featurespace, where she will focus on AI, privacy, and technology transactions. Ashley began her journey at Featurespace as a legal intern before advancing to Associate Corporate Counsel.
March 2025
Dr. Megan T. Hodgkiss (’12) – Congratulations to Megan on her new role as Associate Director of Communication at Emory University School of Law.
Lydia E. Toomer Popoola (’14) – Congratulations to Lydia on her new role in External Affairs at the Fulton County Juvenile Court.
Glenda Mitchell (’16) – Congratulations to Glenda on the launch of the Glenda Mitchell Paralegal Certificate Program at Georgia Highlands College’s Cartersville Campus. This program offers 12 course modules, each taught by experienced local attorneys, to equip students with practical skills for a paralegal career.
Jessica L. Jones (’21) – Congratulations to Jessica on receiving two prestigious awards from the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL): the President’s Commitment to GACDL Award for her work on the amicus curiae committee and recognition as a Lee Sexton Strike Force Soldier.
Nicole H. Kim (’21) – Congratulations to Nicole on her new position as a Trial Attorney at Bird Law Group.
April 2025
Inez Grant (’91) – Congratulations to Inez on her appointment as Solicitor General of Hall County by Governor Brian P. Kemp. A seasoned prosecutor and dedicated community advocate, Inez brings decades of legal experience to the role, including her prior service as chief assistant in both Hall and Forsyth counties.
Judge Sonja N. Brown (’04) Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Judge Brown on receiving the 2024 Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. This prestigious honor recognizes her remarkable dedication to improving access to justice and her lasting impact through volunteerism, mentorship, and community leadership. Judge Brown’s commitment to service exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession
Deborah Stewart (’10) – Congratulations to Deborah on expanding her practice to include Employment Law alongside Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. She also recently joined the newest Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Leadership cohort.
Jennifer Gore (’12) Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Jennifer on receiving the Visionary Award from the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. This honor recognizes her outstanding foresight, creativity, and leadership in the legal profession, as well as her commitment to driving innovation and inspiring progress within the industry.
Kareemah L. Lewis (’12) Alumni Board Member – Congratulations to Kareemah on being sworn in as the new President of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers.
Karen K. Scott (’12) – Congratulations to Karen on being sworn in as Vice President of Scholarship for the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Foundation.
Gulliana L. Goehring (’21) – Congratulations to Gulliana on being sworn in as President of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Foundation.
Joseph R. Moss (’23) – Congratulations to Joseph on beginning his new role as Assistant Solicitor at Cobb County Government.
May 2025
Inez Grant (’91) – Congratulations to Inez on her appointment as Solicitor General of Hall County by Governor Brian P. Kemp. A seasoned prosecutor and dedicated community advocate, Inez brings decades of legal experience to the role, including her prior service as chief assistant in both Hall and Forsyth counties.
Judge Sonja N. Brown (’04) Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Judge Brown on receiving the 2024 Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. This prestigious honor recognizes her remarkable dedication to improving access to justice and her lasting impact through volunteerism, mentorship, and community leadership. Judge Brown’s commitment to service exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession
Deborah Stewart (’10) – Congratulations to Deborah on expanding her practice to include Employment Law alongside Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. She also recently joined the newest Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Leadership cohort.
Jennifer Gore (’12) Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Jennifer on receiving the Visionary Award from the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. This honor recognizes her outstanding foresight, creativity, and leadership in the legal profession, as well as her commitment to driving innovation and inspiring progress within the industry.
Kareemah L. Lewis (’12) Alumni Board Member – Congratulations to Kareemah on being sworn in as the new President of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers.
June 2025
The Honorable Judge Sonja N. Brown (’04), Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Judge Brown on being elected Vice Chair of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Judicial Section.
Terri R. Casey (’07) – Congratulations to Terri on her appointment as Chief Human Resources Officer at American Oncology Network.
The Honorable Judge Elizabeth A. Higgins-Brooks (’09) – Congratulations to Judge Higgins-Brooks on being elected Secretary of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Judicial Section.Corey B. Martin (’09) Alumni Board Member, Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Corey on being named the newest Representative-at-Large for the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL).
The Honorable Judge Ashley G. Drake (’11), Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Judge Drake on being elected to the Atlanta Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section Board. In addition to her judicial service, she continues to shape future legal professionals as an adjunct professor at AJMLS, where she recently taught Criminal Trial Advocacy.
Megan A. McCulloch (’18) – Congratulations to Megan on beginning her new role as Government Affairs Associate with Washington Legal Group.
Bethany N. Johnston (’20) – Congratulations to Bethany on launching her new law firm, The Johnston Firm, LLC.
Carlton A. Lewis (’23) – Congratulations to Carlton on his promotion to Assistant District Attorney with the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
Noelia C. Rivera (’24) – Congratulations to Noelia on joining Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. as an Associate Attorney in the Atlanta office. Her practice focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense.
July 2025
Nicholas D. Chester (’10) – Congratulations to Nicholas on beginning his new role as Employment Law Attorney at Barrett & Farahany!
Karen Kenner-Scott (’12) – Congratulations to Karen on winning the grand prize in the State Bar of Georgia’s Professionalism Committee’s Connect with a Colleague event! Her entry was selected during the Committee’s May 14, 2025 meeting, following the two-month statewide initiative held from March through April.
Antonio C. Lee (’14) Distinguished Alumni – Congratulations to Antonio on his installation as the 111th President of the Cook County Bar Association, marking a momentous milestone in his career and leadership in the legal community.
Judge James D. Boles, Jr. (’16) – Congratulations to Judge Boles on his appointment to the State Court of Henry County. Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Partner at Sexton & Moody, P.C., specializing in criminal defense, family law, and personal injury.
Bill J. Black (’18) – Congratulations to Bill on beginning his new role as Senior Attorney for the State of Georgia. He will serve as in-house counsel and provide legal guidance on agency operations, compliance, employment law, and administrative procedures.
Bryan D. Dayton (’19) and Tom B. Kirkbride (’18) – Congratulations to Bryan and Tom on launching their new firm, Law Firm of Kirkbride Dayton, PC. where they will focus on personal injury law.
Layla Ghali (’23) – Congratulations to Layla on starting her new role as Associate Attorney at Nothdurft Law, LLC, where she will focus primarily on criminal law.
Eryn A. Jenkins (’24) – Congratulations to Eryn on starting her new position as Staff Attorney at Lister, Holt & Dennis, LLC!
Wide M. Thomas (’24) – Congratulations to Wide on beginning her new position as Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of L. Marcius Joseph & Associates!
August 2025
Judge Aubrey Duffey (’62) – Congratulations to Judge Duffey on his retirement after more than 60 years of service. In recognition of his lifetime of dedication, Carroll County officially declared June 30 “Judge Aubrey Duffey Day.” A resolution honoring his steady and impartial justice was read during a celebration attended by more than 100 well-wishers.
Nicholas R. Schnyder (’11) – Congratulations to Nicholas, founder of Schnyder Law Firm, on winning multiple categories in the 2025 Best of Cobb Awards by Cobb Life Magazine! His firm earned 1st Place in Overall Attorney, Personal Injury Attorney, and Workers’ Compensation Attorney, as well as 2nd Place in Civil Attorney, Individual Attorney, and Overall Law Firm.
Stephanie G. Thompson (’14) – Congratulations to Stephanie on her appointment as a Municipal Court Judge for Athens-Clarke County.
JJ Poole (’18) – Congratulations to JJ on the release of his new book, In-Formation: A Lawyer’s Guidance to Business Formation & Entrepreneurial Success, offering insights and strategies for aspiring business owners and legal professionals alike.
Joshua D. Sachs (’24) – Congratulations to Joshua on starting his new role as Litigation Attorney at Jaffe Family Law Group.
Allison Gibbs (’25) – Congratulations to Allison on beginning her new position as Assistant Solicitor with Henry County Government.
September 2025
The Honorable Judge Ashley G. Drake (’11) and Noosheen Bagheri (’16) – Congratulations to Judge Drake and Noosheen on their participation in the 2025 Iranian American Bar Association Southeast Chapter Summit. The event, hosted by the Bagheri Law Firm, brought together legal professionals for conversations on the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the legal field. Judge Drake and Noosheen participated in fellowship during the summit, which represents IABA members across seven southeastern states.
Dr. Megan T. Hodgkiss (’12) – Congratulations to Dr. Hodgkiss on her appointment as Vice President of the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Board of Trustees. She previously served as Board Secretary and Chair of the Marketing and Development Committee. The Center is Atlanta’s oldest private non-profit preservation organization, dedicated to protecting the city’s significant buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes through education and advocacy.
Karen Kenner-Scott (’12) – Congratulations to Karen on launching The Scott Law Firm. Her practice focuses on Real Estate Law, Business Law, and Code Enforcement Defense, providing strategic guidance to business and property owners across Georgia.
Shauki M. Smith (’19) – Congratulations to Shauki on receiving the Chairman’s Award at the National Bar Association’s Annual Convention, an honor recognizing her ongoing impact.
Reece E. Riden (’18) – Congratulations to Reece on starting his new role as Partner at The Riden Law Firm. His practice focuses on personal injury, premises liability, and criminal defense.
Meredith G. Vickrey (’22) – Congratulations to Meredith on her new role as an Attorney at Bovis, Kyle, Burch & Medlin.
Darryl H. Ford (’24) – Congratulations to Darryl on beginning his new position as an Attorney at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm.
October 2025
Nell Brimmer (’10) – Congratulations to Nell on starting a new position as Executive Director at Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Jason M. Shepherd (’10) – Congratulations to Jason on receiving the Defenders Award from the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network in recognition of his leadership in promoting respectful civic engagement. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University.
Janie P. Varnell (’12) – Congratulations to Janie on becoming the first woman to serve as Hamilton County Attorney, where she works alongside her classmate Timothy Clark (’12), who serves as Deputy County Attorney. She was appointed by the county mayor and confirmed by the County Commission.
Kimberly S. Rojik (’17) – Congratulations to Kim on being promoted to Assistant Vice President, Executive Claim Director, Financial Lines at Chubb.
Kenneth L. French (’18) – Congratulations to Kenneth on his promotion to Regional Director of the Atlanta Regional Office at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Andrienne K. McKay (’19) – Congratulations to Andrienne on joining Brandon Smith Law as an Associate Attorney.
Grace C. Rispoli-Gomez (’24) – Congratulations to Grace on starting a new position as an Associate Attorney at Miller Law Group.
Blake A. Whitsell (’24) – Congratulations to Blake on accepting a position as Human Resource Specialist III, Title VII Investigator with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Executive Director’s Office.
Mia B. Ciccarella (’25) – Congratulations to Mia on beginning her new position as Associate Attorney at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.
Kristen A. Gough (’25) – Congratulations to Kristen on starting her new role as Assistant Solicitor at the Hall County Solicitor’s Office.
Danielle K. Ortega (’25) – Congratulations to Danielle on starting her new role as Assistant District Attorney with the Northeastern Judicial Circuit.
November 2025
Judge Dusty W. Hightower (’07) – Congratulations to Judge Hightower on being named President of the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. He was appointed to the bench in 2016, by then-Governor Nathan Deal and initially served in the Coweta Judicial Circuit. Following the circuit’s division on January 1, 2025, he now presides in the newly created West Georgia Judicial Circuit.
Tara E. (Latimer) Murphy (’18) – Congratulations to Tara on joining The Manely Firm, P.C. as an Associate Attorney. In her new role, she will continue her passion for family law.
Jasmine R. Knight (’25) – Congratulations to Jasmine on beginning her new role as Assistant District Attorney with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
Brandon T. Witt (’25) – Congratulations to Brandon on his recent promotion to Associate Attorney at Rollins Law Group.
December 2025
Carl S. Cansino (’95) – Congratulations to Carl on his appointment by Governor Brian P. Kemp as Solicitor General of Washington County. He is the founder of Cansino Law Firm, LLC and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Randy E. Fry – Distinguished Alumni (’98) and Gulliana L. Goehring – Alumni Board Member (’21) – Congratulations to Randy and Gulliana on the grand opening of their new office in Athens, Georgia.
Bill J. Black (’18) – Congratulations to Bill on his new role as Assistant District Attorney in the Enotah Judicial Circuit, serving the community in and around Dahlonega, Georgia.