***Images Courtesy of the Carter Center.
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is proud to celebrate alumnus Jason Shepherd (Class of 2010) for receiving the prestigious 2025 Georgia Civic Excellence Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, civic engagement, and contributions to the betterment of their communities.
Attorney Shepherd has built a distinguished legal career, balancing private practice with a deep commitment to public service and civic involvement. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he serves as a Commissioner on the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, an appointment made by Governor Kemp in 2024, where he helps shape policies that impact public health and access to care across the state. Shepherd’s work exemplifies how legal expertise can be applied to meaningful community service and thoughtful policymaking.
Reflecting on his time at AJMLS, Shepherd emphasizes the unique environment of the school, particularly its part-time program, which brings together students from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. He particulary states, “Part of studying the law is the study on how to disagree better and model civility, even in disagreement. During my time as a student in AJMLS’s part-time program, my classmates came from all backgrounds and political positions, as did many of my professors. More than simply preparing me to be an effective attorney and advocate, AJMLS prepared me to find common ground and not just see the differences.”
Shepherd’s recognition with the Georgia Civic Excellence Award also highlights his hands-on civic initiatives. Last year, he co-organized the program “Waffles & Wine”, which brought together community members for engagement and discussion on civic issues. The program’s success directly contributed to Shepherd and his co-organizer Michael Owens being honored with this award. More about the program can be found here.
Throughout his career, Shepherd has actively contributed to initiatives that advance justice, equity, and accessibility in Georgia’s legal and public service sectors. He has participated in civil rights advocacy, collaborated with local organizations to expand access to legal resources for underserved populations, and engaged in policy work through his commission appointment. His leadership in organizing programs like “Waffles & Wine”, along with his involvement in civic and political initiatives, demonstrates a commitment to public service, thoughtful governance, and collaborative problem-solving, all qualities recognized by the Georgia Civic Excellence Award.
AJMLS takes pride in Shepherd’s achievements, which reflect the school’s broader mission to prepare students not only to excel in the practice of law but also to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in their communities. His journey from AJMLS student to accomplished attorney and civic leader illustrates how dedication, mentorship, and a commitment to service can create lasting impact.
As Shepherd continues to advance in his career, AJMLS looks forward to seeing his ongoing contributions to the legal profession and the state of Georgia. His accomplishments serve as an inspiring example to current and future students of how the study of law can be a foundation for leadership, service, and meaningful societal change.