Aspiring attorneys participating in The CK Hoffler Firm’s 2026 Summer Legal Immersion Program showcased their advocacy and public speaking skills June 25, 2026 during a mock oral argument at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), tackling one of the most complex issues at the intersection of sports, law, civil rights, and public policy.
The exercise challenged interns to argue the question: Should student-athletes of color lend their labor, their celebrity, and their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) value to institutions located in states that are systematically diluting the political voice of their own citizens through voter suppression or unconstitutional racial gerrymandering? Participants were divided into two teams and tasked with presenting persuasive arguments on both sides of the issue before legal professionals and guests.
Led by Attorney Tricia “CK” Hoffler, the program is designed to help students strengthen critical legal skills, including advocacy, teamwork, witness preparation, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation. The NIL-focused exercise also encouraged participants to examine the growing influence of student-athletes and the broader societal implications of their economic and cultural power.
In-person attendees of the event were Attorney Tricia “CK” Hoffler; Judge Gregory Jackson; Ozzie Hoffler; AJMLS Alumni: Ricky Panayoty ‘25 and Devin Eady ‘26; College students: Kevin Briggs, Mia Briggs, Kaitlyn Gary, Joseph Levy, and Brandon Stoudamire; College graduate: Ryan Grimmett; AJMLS students: Namiah Hughes, Courtney Mattox, Shyanne White, Jahde Myrick, James Woodall and Cuppondya Williams; and Howard Law School student: Sophia Jackson.
Guests included Naeemah Gary, Gwen Moss, Kiana Donnell, Erica Mattox, Terrine Gundy, Valeria Levy, and Sylvester White.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson and additional legal professionals, supporters, and guests joined the mock trial via Zoom.
The mock oral argument also reflected Attorney Tricia “CK” Hoffler’s ongoing commitment to developing future legal talent through her partnership with Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Earlier this year, Hoffler established an exclusive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) externship program for AJMLS students through The CK Hoffler Firm, providing participants with hands-on experience in one of the fastest-growing areas of sports and entertainment law. The June 25 program further reinforced that commitment by giving aspiring attorneys an opportunity to apply legal theory to real-world advocacy.
