Women make up 68% of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) current enrollment, highlighting the significant role they play in shaping the future of the legal profession. To celebrate Women’s History Month, AJMLS welcomed attorneys, alumni, and a Supreme Court of Georgia Justice to campus for a Professionalism Series followed by a Women’s History Month luncheon.
Prior to the luncheon, AJMLS hosted a Professionalism Series that provided students with practical insight into professionalism, career development, and navigating the legal field. The series featured the following speakers:
- Justice Verda M. Colvin – Supreme Court of Georgia
- Bethani Oppenheimer – Greenberg Traurig
- Tiffani Hawes (‘14) – The Hawes Law Firm
- Dawn Jones – The Firm of Dawn M. Jones
- Gillian Crowl-Parrish – Swift Currie and GABWA President
- Ebony Phillips – Douglas County District Attorney’s Office
- Kareemah Lewis (‘12) – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and GAWL President
- Brittanie Browning – Akerman
Following the series, students gathered for the Women’s History Month luncheon. The event was organized in partnership with the AJMLS Chapter of GAWL, Dean Martin Ellin’s Office, and the Office of Student Affairs. Members and student leaders of the AJMLS Chapter of GAWL were present during the luncheon and played an important role in welcoming guests and fostering student engagement.
Founded in 1928, GAWL is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting women in the legal profession and advancing equal justice under the law. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to mentorship, professional development, and meaningful connection between students and practicing attorneys.
Students had the opportunity to engage directly with attorneys representing a wide range of practice areas, including finance, personal injury, real estate, immigration, prosecution, and entertainment law. Conversations focused on career paths, professional challenges, and the day-to-day realities of legal practice. Many of the panelists and attendees were AJMLS alumni, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of graduates to mentor and support current students.
Those in attendance at the luncheon were:
- Justice Verda M. Colvin – Supreme Court of Georgia
- Bethani Oppenheimer – Greenberg Traurig
- Tiffani Hawes (‘14) – The Hawes Law Firm
- Dawn Jones – The Firm of Dawn M. Jones
- Gillian Crowl-Parrish – Swift Currie and GABWA President
- Brittanie Browning – Akerman (Appellate Advocacy and Insurance Litigation)
- Jennifer Gore (‘12) – Evergreen (Business Coaching) and AJMLS Distinguished Alumni
- Karen Kenner Scott (‘12) – The Scott Law Firm
- Corey Martin (‘09) – Veterans Legal Assistance Program at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and GAWL Representative at Large
- Ebony Phillips – Douglas County District Attorney’s Office
- Kareemah Lewis (‘12) – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and GAWL President
- Brianna Smith (‘22) – Arrington and Phillips, LLP
AJMLS extends its sincere appreciation to each panelist and luncheon guest who gave their time to meet with students, share their experiences, and contribute to thoughtful conversation. Their willingness to engage and build connections strengthens the professional community students are preparing to join.