Developing compassionate lawyers for everyday people
Established in 2025, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) proudly partnered with Gideon’s Promise (GP) and The Barristers Society (TBS) to launch the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. This initiative established an unprecedented collaboration between legal education and frontline advocacy to prepare the next generation of legal advocates – developing compassionate lawyers for everyday people.
The CCJI serves as a dynamic hub in Atlanta, dedicated to equipping law students and early-career attorneys with the practical skills, values, and mentorship needed to make an immediate impact on local communities. With a mission to advance justice for the underserved, the institute aims to raise the standard of representation in criminal and civil cases while providing invaluable hands-on training to AJMLS students and alumni. Through this partnership, the CCJI connects AJMLS students with accomplished legal professionals—referred to as Law Partners—to participate in externships, internships, and mentorship programs. These experiences will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, fostering a pipeline of legal talent committed to advocating for justice in Atlanta and beyond.
AJMLS, with its legacy of empowering both traditional and non-traditional law students, joins forces with GP, a trailblazer in transforming public defense to ensure equal justice for all, and TBS, an organization dedicated to educating and developing attorneys who are conscious of the various disparities facing their potential clients. Together, they form a partnership that not only addresses the urgent need for high-quality legal representation but also redefines the way future lawyers are trained.
The CCJI will also host workshops, seminars, and continuing legal education programs designed to benefit both students and practicing attorneys, particularly those working in solo or small-firm practices. Additionally, CCJI will provide mentorship and career counseling to AJMLS students and alumni, creating a sustainable support system for legal professionals.
The Criminal and Civil Justice Institute at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School embodies a shared vision for a legal system that delivers just outcomes for all. This innovative partnership marks a transformative moment in legal education and advocacy, setting a new standard for collaboration and impact.
Throughout the summer, the CCJI leaders will be working on programming for the 2025-2026 academic year, with opportunities for training, mentorship, networking, and volunteers. If you are an AJMLS student, alumni, or bar member who wants to be notified of program developments and opportunities, click here.
“This program is truly one of a kind, setting a new standard in legal education. We are proud to lead the way in preparing the next generation of highly skilled and ethical professionals.”
– Dean Jace C. Gatewood
Sam Starks, Esq., Executive Director
Starks is an experienced litigation attorney with over 30 years of civil and criminal trial and appellate court experience in local, state and federal courts in the District of Columbia, Georgia and Ohio. Sam is the founder of The Starks Law Firm. He is also a former Senior Attorney with the Cochran Firm Atlanta, a former partner with the law firm of Martin & Jones, and former associate at Garland, Samuel & Loeb. Sam graduated from Duke University School of Law in 1992, where he was a Note Editor on the Duke Law Journal. After graduating from law school, Sam Clerked for Judge Damon J. Keith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Following his clerkship, Sam began his legal career as a practicing attorney as a staff attorney at The Washington Post. While in Washington D.C., Sam also worked several years as a staff attorney at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia and relocated to Atlanta in 1999.
Contact: samlstarks@gmail.com, (404) 618-5112
Professor Jonathan Rapping, Faculty Director
Rapping, a nationally-renowned criminal justice reformer, is the Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, a Visiting Professor at Harvard Law School, and the founder of Gideon’s Promise. He is the author of Gideon’s Promise: A Public Defender Movement to Transform Criminal Justice. Among numerous recognitions, Rapping received the prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant for his cutting-edge approach to justice transformation. He was awarded the Alumni Professional Achievement Award from his alma mater, The University of Chicago and was elected for membership to the American Law Institute. He is a frequent contributor to the national conversation on criminal justice reform and has been featured by numerous media outlets. Rapping has also been a speaker at TEDx Atlanta. Rapping’s work was the inspiration for the award-winning HBO documentary “Gideon’s Army.”
Contact: jrapping@johnmarshall.edu
Torris Butterfield, Esq., Managing Director
Butterfield is a seasoned and experienced trial attorney with extensive experience in criminal law. From 1997-2004, Torris worked as trial attorney with the Office of the Public Defender, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, rising to the rank of Senior Trial Attorney responsible as lead counsel for major felonies complex cases involving multiple defendants. In 2004, he formed The Law Office of Torris J. Butterfield and Associates, where he maintains an active felony and misdemeanor criminal defense practice in state and federal courts throughout the state of Georgia.
His practice also includes representing individuals in personal injury and family law matters. Since 1997, he has represented clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, including cases involving murder, rape, armed robbery, drug possession and distribution, child molestation and child pornography. Torris is a 1997 graduate of Mercer University School of Law.
Miguel Dominguez, Esq., Director, Trial-Advocacy
Dominguez is the Managing Attorney of the Dominguez Law Firm, specializing in personal injury and civil rights cases. He’s a seasoned trial attorney, also providing trial consultant services to other Georgia law firms. Before founding his firm, Dominguez was a Partner and Supervising Trial Attorney at one of the country’s largest Plaintiff’s firms, and prior to that, a litigation attorney specializing in civil defense. Dominguez began his legal career in criminal defense before becoming a prosecutor, gaining significant jury trial experience.
He earned a reputation as a conscientious prosecutor, known for discerningly creating second chances. As a Puerto Rican, he became the first Latino prosecutor in the history of the Rockdale, Stone Mountain, and Clayton Judicial Circuits. As a Plaintiff’s attorney, he is most passionate about fighting for victims of police brutality and sexual assault. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Erin Coleman, Esq., Staff Attorney, Student Outreach
Coleman is a 2016 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and the Managing Attorney of Coleman Law and Associates LLC. Specializing in both personal injury and criminal defense, Erin assists clients injured through the negligence of others, handling cases ranging from premises liability to auto/trucking accidents and wrongful death, as well as representing clients in criminal defense cases such as drug possession, identity fraud, DUI, and theft. At Coleman Law and Associates LLC, Erin takes a client-centered approach, ensuring that each client feels seen, heard, and protected. Erin is proud to advocate strongly for her clients, making a meaningful difference during their most challenging times. As a long-time Metro Atlanta resident, mother, sister, niece, and friend, she is eager to give back to her community through her legal practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute different from the Criminal Justice Certificate Program (CJCP)?
Yes, the Institute and Certificate Program are separate but complementary programs. Information about the CJCP may be found here.
Is Gideon’s Promise (GP) separate from AJMLS?
Yes, Gideon’s Promise is a national non-profit organization revolutionizing public defense by building a movement of passionate and capable public defenders. GP empowers attorneys to provide zealous advocacy and drive systemic change within the criminal justice system.
What is the Barristers Society (TBS)?
The Barristers Society is committed to mentoring and training legal advocates who address the barriers to justice of their clients and various communities. Through innovative programming, TBS develops attorneys who champion justice and equality.
I am interested in future CCJI programming, what can I do now?
Click here to submit your information.
For current AJMLS students, what are the main objectives?
Training and development, career counseling and mentoring, internships, and externships.
For professional training programs, what areas of law will the CCJI focus on?
Criminal defense, civil rights, and plaintiff personal injury.