Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is proud to continue its commitment to access to justice through its partnership with the DeKalb County Magistrate Court Mediation Program, which was established in 2020 as a pilot program brought together by Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson and Dr. Bridgett Ortega. Through this initiative, only AJMLS students and alumni serve as court-appointed mediators, helping resolve small claims disputes.
The Mediation Program is offered to all parties in small claims civil cases originating in Magistrate Court with a jurisdictional limit of $15,000 or less. For those cases placed on the mediation calendar, the parties must first attempt mediation before a case is scheduled for trial. The mediation calendar is conducted virtually. During these sessions, a trained mediator facilitates discussion and helps participants explore possible solutions. The mediator does not issue a ruling or provide legal or financial advice. Instead, the goal is to guide the dialogue and support the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement. If the parties come to an agreement, it is documented, signed, and submitted to the Court for approval, closing the case. If no resolution is achieved, the matter proceeds to trial.
In this program, all mediators come from the AJMLS community of students and alumni, ensuring that participants receive guidance from individuals who are trained and registered through the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. This offers invaluable practical experience for future legal professionals, providing an opportunity to develop hands-on skills in dispute resolution while actively serving their community.
Currently, 13 AJMLS students and alumni are serving the court as mediators. Since the program began, a total of 22 mediators and approximately 20 observers have participated, the latter completing the ten observations required to earn certification.
The program has already demonstrated meaningful impact. Between 2021 and 2022, AJMLS piloted an asynchronous platform with 4 to 7 students, processing approximately 220 consent judgments and 120 dismissals. Due to challenges with engagement and technical issues, the program shifted to a real-time virtual platform in 2023. Since then, the numbers speak for themselves: in 2023–2024, 1,476 cases were resolved to finality through consent judgments and dismissals. In just the first quarter of 2025, another 293 cases have already reached final resolution.
Opportunities for Students and Alumni
For AJMLS students interested in becoming mediators, the process begins with a job description posted on 12Twenty that includes contact information, interview dates, and training details.
For AJMLS alumni, opportunities to contribute are also available. Alumni can find postings on 12Twenty as well as in the Alumni Office newsletter, which includes contact information for participation. Alumni are encouraged to lend their experience as mediators and support the ongoing success of the program.
The Office of Career Services and Professional Development serves as the primary point of contact for this partnership and provides guidance to both students and alumni on how to get involved.
Mediators Serving the Program
| Former Alumni Mediators: Shauki Smith Jhonae Caines Juli Crider Brittany Manuel Rochelle Walker Christina Perry Estibaliz Afanador Chanceity Robinson | Current Mediators (as of July 2025): Anaia Johnson (Alumni) Lamone Graham Kirsten Moore Dean Moore (Alumni) Brianna Smith (Alumni) Sabrina Leverette Tracy Swearingen (Alumni) Takela Levett Enya Kyser Chinyere Marshall (Alumni) Whitnie Riden (Alumni) Diamond Nimene Ashuana Gbye (Alumni) |
Alumna Whitnie Riden, who currently serves as a mediator, reflected on the value of the program:
“The program has helped show me how many issues can be resolved via mediation, and mediation is a beneficial and cost effective option for all parties involved. When used effectively, mediation can help avoid the costly and lengthy litigation process. It is a tool a party and/or attorney should consider in their own respective case, and one might be surprised at the outcome.”
Her words underscore the program’s role in shaping practice-ready professionals who understand both the legal and human dimensions of dispute resolution.
Lasting Impact
This partnership benefits both the public and the AJMLS community. For residents of DeKalb County, it provides yet another opportunity for access to justice and an efficient alternative to costly litigation. For AJMLS students and alumni, it creates a space to practice mediation in a professional setting while building the skills and confidence needed for their legal careers.
This collaboration reflects the law school’s mission of preparing practice-ready lawyers who are committed to service and community impact. By placing its students and graduates at the center of the Mediation Program, AJMLS continues to shape future leaders in law while ensuring that community members have access to fair and effective conflict resolution.
Learn more about the Mediation Program here.