On Friday, March 6, 2026, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) had the honor of participating in the International Young Litigators Moot Court Competition, held at the Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall. The event brought together middle and high school students from across the United States and around the world, including teams traveling from Kingston, Jamaica, and competing virtually from the United Kingdom, to engage in structured legal argumentation before a panel of judges.
The competition centered on one of the most debated constitutional questions of our time: Should the government have the authority to regulate social media platforms, or does such regulation infringe upon the First Amendment right to freedom of expression? Competing teams were required to research relevant law, build compelling arguments, and present their cases with the poise and professionalism of practicing attorneys. The level of preparation and passion displayed by these young competitors was nothing short of inspiring.
AJMLS students stepped outside the classroom to coach and mentor the next generation of legal thinkers. Sarah Graves worked closely with the Genesis Innovation Academy team, helping students understand First Amendment law and prepare for competition, and her team went on to win the Middle School Division.
Benjamin Bertoni coached the Midtown High School team with focus and consistency, making sure students arrived prepared and ready to compete, a preparation that led them to win the High School Division.
Sierra King coached the Brookhaven Innovation Academy team, providing steady guidance from the first practice to the final round and reinforcing the value of preparation and commitment throughout the season.
Together, these three AJMLS students demonstrated exactly what it means to use a legal education in service of others. They did not just teach their teams how to argue, they showed them what it looks like to care about justice, to prepare thoroughly, and to show up for your community.
We extend our sincerest congratulations to every student who competed, every coach who gave their time, and every school that participated. We are proud of the role AJMLS played in this remarkable event.
