On February 7-9, 2025, more than two dozen Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) students volunteered to participate in several workshops at the Gideon’s Promise 2025 Trainer Development Conference, hosted at AJMLS. The students were assigned a variety of assignments designed to help them work on skills, professionalism, and ethics. As they presented in small-group settings, they were coached by seasoned public defender trainers from across the nation. As our students helped these defenders become more effective trainers and mentors to the teams they supervise, they learned critical lawyering lessons and engaged in invaluable networking opportunities.
Dean Jace C. Gatewood kicked off the weekend by thanking participating defender leaders for investing several days to improve the administration of justice in the places where they work. He also expressed gratitude for the investment they would make in helping our students become better, practice-ready lawyers.
The students found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. One student shared:
“Thank you again for an invaluable experience with Gideon’s Promise Trainer Development. This program has bridged the gap between my law classes and my need for practical experience. This program is needed on a more consistent basis to bring the practical skills and guidance that law students need.”
Another added:
“The hands-on training, the confidence building feedback, and the group support, made every session significant. As strenuous as our work schedules can be, this was a weekend well spent. I truly look forward to volunteering again.”
And:
“The Discovery Cross session taught me the huge difference between preparing for a trial cross examination and a preliminary hearing cross examination. The “funnel method” is hands down the most invaluable tool for information gathering and locking in testimony in the early stages of a case. . . . The closing argument session was invigorating and extremely helpful. I have never felt more prepared to further a career as a professional client advocate.”
You can watch student testimonials here from Kendall (2L), Donte (3L), and MORE!
This annual program is one of many opportunities we look forward to offering our students through the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute as they prepare to serve people who have historically been deprived access to justice and help our profession live up to its promise of equal justice.
AJMLS Student volunteers gather with experienced public defender trainers and supervisors from across the nation as they work together to learn skills to raise the standard of justice where it is most needed.