Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to welcome Amy K. Waggoner as the new Director of Advocacy Programs. A trial and appellate attorney with over 30 years of practice, Professor Waggoner brings a distinguished career spanning courtroom litigation, appellate advocacy, mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, and legal education.
Professor Waggoner founded and led three independent legal practices over the course of her career, including Waggoner Family Law and Mediation, where she litigated more than 1,000 high-conflict family law cases through jury and bench trials, appeals, arbitrations, mediations, and collaborative practice. As a Georgia Registered Mediator, she mediated more than 100 high-conflict family disputes, and she spent more than 20 years serving as a Guardian ad Litem in contested custody cases, advising judges on the best interests of children involved.
Her career also includes five years presiding as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Union City, Georgia, where she managed a high-volume caseload while applying conflict resolution principles inside and outside the courtroom.
Professor Waggoner’s commitment to legal education runs throughout her career. She served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University College of Law, teaching collaborative practice to law students, and spent more than a decade as a trainer with the Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia, where she trained over 200 attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial specialists in collaborative dispute resolution methods. She has also taught continuing legal education courses for the Atlanta Bar Association and the Stonewall Bar Association, where she previously served as President and on the Board of Directors.
Now at AJMLS, Professor Waggoner shared her outlook on the role ahead.
“Advocacy programs provide a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice, allowing students to hone the skills they will use throughout their legal careers… I am confident that developing a successful program will promote John Marshall’s reputation in the legal community. Most of all, I am excited to support students as they discover their potential and achieve success both in competition and in their future careers.”
On what students can expect from her, she stated:
“I want to create opportunities for students to develop practical advocacy skills, build confidence, and pursue meaningful professional experiences. By listening to students, providing mentorship, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative community, I hope to help every student feel supported as they grow into effective advocates and future leaders in the legal profession.”
Professor Waggoner also reflected on the approach she brings to the role and to the AJMLS community:
“My approach is centered on building relationships, listening carefully, and creating opportunities for students to grow both personally and professionally… I am eager to learn from and build on the unique AJMLS student and community focus already in place, and contribute to a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and committed to excellence. I am truly excited to be here and look forward to working together to help our students thrive.”
AJMLS welcomes Amy Waggoner to her new role and looks forward to the experience, perspective, and student-centered leadership she will bring as she helps expand advocacy opportunities for the law school community.