The Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) continued building momentum throughout the Spring and Summer semesters, providing students with opportunities to develop practical lawyering skills, engage with leaders in the legal profession, and gain meaningful experience serving communities in need.
Building on the Institute’s work from the Fall semester, CCJI continued emphasizing lawyering skills, professional values, and practical experience through a combination of training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and partnerships with legal professionals committed to supporting AJMLS students.
The semester began with a CCJI community dinner hosted at Professor Rapping’s home, bringing together approximately two dozen students and staff members. Dean Ellin joined the gathering and shared his enthusiasm for the Institute’s work, while students and staff reflected on the importance of the community being built through CCJI and its role in shaping their professional identities.
Throughout the semester, CCJI hosted a variety of programs designed to connect students with legal professionals while exploring pressing issues in criminal and civil justice. Evening programs addressed topics including immigration advocacy, the role of lawyers in protecting the rule of law, the experiences of young prosecutors and public defenders, and civil rights advocacy through a conversation with nationally recognized civil rights attorney Lee Merritt.
These conversations were complemented by smaller, interactive lunchtime sessions focused on practical skills. Students engaged with attorneys and advocates on topics including civil rights litigation, criminal defense, depositions, legal writing, and building careers dedicated to serving clients and communities. CCJI also hosted a weekend Know Your Rights program focused on the rights of non-citizens and protesters during encounters with law enforcement.
A highlight of the semester was CCJI’s partnership with Gideon’s Promise, which hosted its annual Trainer Development Conference at AJMLS with support from the Georgia Bar Foundation. Approximately 40 students participated in intensive workshops drawn from Gideon’s Promise’s nationally recognized public defender training curriculum, gaining hands-on advocacy experience and feedback from experienced public defender trainers from across the country.
CCJI also welcomed author Emily Galvin Almanza during her national tour for The Price of Mercy, providing students with the opportunity to discuss advocacy, justice, and the themes explored in her book. Throughout the semester, CCJI collaborated with several AJMLS student organizations, including the Criminal Law Society, Black Law Students Association, and National Lawyers Guild, to expand opportunities for engagement and learning.
Beyond its programming, CCJI continued expanding experiential learning opportunities for students. Twenty-three students gained intensive practical experience through employment and externship placements with ten CCJI legal partners and two judges committed to mentoring the next generation of advocates.
Among these opportunities, four students developed a partnership with Sanctuary of the South, an organization dedicated to representing immigrant detainees. Through their work, students have helped secure the release of four individuals, preventing families from being separated and gaining invaluable firsthand advocacy experience. Their most recent success was highlighted in the Fulton County Daily Report.
As the semester came to a close, the 17th floor of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School continued to develop as a hub of opportunity for students interested in criminal and civil justice. Through its commitment to training, mentorship, and service, CCJI continues preparing students to become skilled advocates equipped to address the legal challenges facing vulnerable communities.
