Category: Top News

Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of ABA-accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), yesterday began accepting applications for its inaugural Fall 2012 class. Prospective students can apply to SLS via their smart phone or tablet atm.savannahlawschool.org or on their laptop or personal computer at www.savannahlawschool.org/apply. SLS is only the second law school enabling students to apply via mobile devices. AJMLS was the first to offer this service earlier this year.

“SLS offers prospective students an opportunity to live and learn in a community with an abundance of charm where they can move forward, meet challenges – large and small – and begin their legal careers,” said Alan Boyer, Associate Dean of Recruitment and Marketing at AJMLS and SLS. “Applying to SLS is simple with the mobile application and new website.”

Like the AJMLS mobile “app,” the SLS mobile application is also a law school application form designed for today’s mobile devices. Students will still have to mail their transcripts, letters of recommendation and, of course, write that dreaded personal statement. But, filling out the actual application will be easier than ever and right at students’ fingertips, whenever – and wherever –they choose to apply.

Students can apply by typing m.savannahlawschool.org into their smartphone or tablet browser. Once there, students can learn about the school’s academic programs and living in Savannah. When they’re ready to complete the application form, they can press iApply and go straight to the form. Once completed, they will push “submit” and their application will be sent to SLS Admissions. Should potential students want additional information, they can also access the school’s website from this site.

Savannah Law School is focused on preparing talented students for legal careers in the public and private sectors. SLS offers a Juris Doctor in full-time and part-time day or part-time evening program. Students throughout the Atlantic Coastal Region can begin their legal careers closer to home. And students from around the country and the world can live and learn in a community rich in culture, heritage and southern hospitality. For more information about SLS, please visit us atwww.savannahlawschool.org.

This year, two AJMLS students were the recipients of distinguished awards from the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL). The students were amongst a prestigious group of award recipients from the local legal community and law schools across the state, who were honored at the GAWL Annual Dinner on May 10, 2012.

Audrey Holiday, a 4L part-time student, was the recipient of the Outstanding Law Student Award. This award recognizes law students who have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, achieved excellence in academics, and generously contributed to women’s issues and related causes. Karen Kenner, a 3L full-time student, received the GAWL Foundation scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to two to four law students in Georgia who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and philanthropic potential, and a strong commitment to the legal profession.

Congratulations Audrey and Karen on being recognized for your dedication, leadership and academic excellence.

Catholic Charities of Atlanta (CCA) and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) today announced a partnership to open Georgia’s first Immigration Law Clinic to provide CCA clients with legal counsel and representation and offer second-and third-year law students real-world experience under the direction of licensed attorneys.

Key facts about the new Immigration Law Clinic:

•The clinic will open Fall 2012 at the CCA offices, 2305 Parklake Dr. NE Bldg. 9, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA, 30345;
•Services will include assistance with benefits filings, various petitions, on-site counsel at detention facilities;
•CCA serves clients who are victims of domestic violence, abused immigrant children, trafficking victims, asylum, family-based adjustment and naturalization cases. All are at or below the poverty level;
•CCA meets with 1,500 new clients and 4,800 detainees each year. There are 750 open/active cases; and
•The clinic is the first clinic of any kind for AJMLS.

“The new Immigration Clinic in partnership with Catholic Charities demonstrates our commitment to the community and preparing our students to practice law,” said Richardson Lynn, Dean and Professor of Law at AJMLS. “We are honored to work along with Catholic Charities as it serves the rapidly growing immigrant community.”

The clinic will offer CCA clients assistance with filings for immigration benefits based on family eligibility, violence against women petitions, crime victim petitions and temporary protective status. The clinic will also serve detainees at immigration detention facilities.

“Our partnership with AJMLS marks the first Immigration Clinic in the state of Georgia,” said Jennifer Bensman, Program Director of Immigration Legal Services at CCA. “We are looking forward to working with students and preparing them to interact directly with clients. It is my hope that after the completion of the Immigration Law Clinic, John Marshall students will continue to seek pro bono opportunities.”

Students will gain real-world legal experience in an academic environment, while providing assistance to CCA clients. Students will develop skills in problem-solving, client interviewing, collaborating and cross-cultural awareness, and they will also meet with detainees at immigration detention facilities.

“Students who possess a strong interest in immigration affairs are ideal candidates for the Immigration Law Clinic,” said Renata Turner, Clinic Director and Associate Professor at AJMLS. “As the school’s first clinic, we are excited to introduce students to real-world cases as a part of their legal education.”

In the Spring 2012 issue of PreLaw Magazine, Dean Lynn was interviewed about the rapid expansion AJMLS has experienced in the last year.

In addition to the physical-size of the school expanding with the construction of new classrooms and the Blackburn Conference Center, AJMLS has added a J.D. Honors program in Criminal Justice, an LL.M. in Employment Law, and even a branch campus in Savannah, GA. “We’re trying to continuously improve the environment for students and make them comfortable in this location with its great access to resources,” said Lynn.

For the full article on our growing school, click here.

In the Spring semester, AJMLS first-year students receive appellate advocacy training. As part of this process, they participate in an appellate advocacy competition. The 1L Oral Advocacy Competition is divided into four initial rounds, with the pool of competing students becoming smaller with each round. The top four finalists then argue at the Georgia Court of Appeals before a bench of state and federal judges. Two winners, one advocating for the Appellant and one advocating for the Appellee, are then announced at the conclusion of the final round.

This year, our top four finalists argued at the Georgia Court of Appeals on April 18, 2012. The AJMLS finalists who argued before these judges were:

•Craig Samuel (Representing Appellant) – Winner
•Melba Melton (Representing Appellant) – Finalist
•Samuel Radin (Representing Appellee) – Finalist
•Nickolas Kitchens (Representing Appellee) – Winner

The judges who served on the bench for this final competition round were:
•The Honorable Keith R. Blackwell, Georgia Court of Appeals
•The Honorable Lana Layton, E.E.O.C.
•The Honorable Dax Lopez, DeKalb County State Court
•The Honorable. Christopher McFadden, Georgia Court of Appeals
•The Honorable E. Clayton Scofield, III, District Court, N.D. Ga.
•The Honorable Melvin K. Westmoreland, Superior Courts of Georgia

AJMLS would like to congratulate all of the finalists of this year’s 1L Oral Advocacy Competition! We also want to thank the stellar bench of judges who volunteered their time and lent their support to our students and to this annual competition!

AJMLS student organizations joined forces to participate in Relay for Life last Friday. The April 13th event at Georgia State University raised $17,427. Of the 37 teams participating, AJMLS came in first place, raising $2,681 for the American Cancer Society.

This dominant effort was lead by Eric von Hacke, President of the Litigation Society, and included support from the Asian Law Student Association, the Black Law Student Association, our Georgia Association of Women Lawyers chapter, the Immigration Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta, the Latin American Law Student Association, the SBA and the Student Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.

Thank you to everyone who donated their time and money to this worthwhile cause.

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause. The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org

Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

Whether you’re planning a small, intimate reception or coordinating an extravagant event, the message is the same – Meet at Blackburn! That’s the Judge G. Alan Blackburn Conference Center (BCC) on the campus of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS).

Named after one of AJMLS’s most influential alumni and former board member, Judge G. Alan Blackburn, the BCC, at the corner of 18th and Spring Streets, features contemporary conference, board and seminar rooms, a spacious reception and exhibit hall, kitchen and a 350-seat auditorium.

“The Blackburn Conference Center will provide a convenient meeting place for businesses, organizations and individuals looking for a Midtown Atlanta location to host meetings, receptions and a range of events,” said Hilary Patrick, the BCC’s new Director of Meeting and Conference Services. “The center is a 16,500-square foot facility that fuses stylish amenities with the ability to meet any educational, entertainment or special event need.”

The BCC includes the following meeting spaces:

Room                 Capacity         Seating Type
Auditorium          350                 Fixed,Theater
Reception Hall     100/225           Banquet or Reception
Seminar Room    65                   Flexible, Classroom
Conference A      8-12               Conference with Credenza
Conference B      6                    Conference
Conference C      6                    Conference
Board Room        16                  Conference

The amenities include:
• Open lobby and wide corridors
• Kitchen
• Photocopy capabilities
• Phone and conference services
• Projectors and drop down screens
• Roaming, lapel and free-standing microphones, portable podiums
• On-site technology, AV and maintenance support

Conveniently situated in Atlanta’s thriving Midtown district, the BCC is at the epicenter of Atlanta business and living. The BCC is only minutes from Atlantic Station to the west, downtown to the south and Buckhead to the north with its trendy shops and boutiques, the best in Southern cuisine, hotels, and easy access to Interstates 20, 75 and 85. Parking is convenient and within walking distance to public transportation.

“Reserving the BCC is simple,” Patrick said. “Meeting planners, public relations firms, administrative assistants and others responsible for securing space can reserve the facility directly from our new webpage at www.blackburncenter.com.”

Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of the ABA-accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), today announced the first faculty appointments to the school that will open later this year.

Marc Roark, currently an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of LaVerne College of Law in Ontario, CA, was named Associate Professor to teach Property and serve as the Director of the Office of Academic Achievement. Roark brings to SLS years of real-world and classroom experience from previous faculty positions at the University of Missouri and University of Tulsa and as a practicing attorney at federal and commercial litigation firms. Roark earned an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law, a J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and a Bachelor’s from Louisiana State University.

SLS also named Elizabeth Megale, currently an Assistant Professor of Law at Barry University School of Law in Orlando, FL, as an Associate Professor to serve as the Director of the Legal Skills and Professionalism Program and teach Legal Research and Writing. Prior to teaching, Megale was a trial lawyer with the Office of the Public Defender in Florida where she represented clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Megale holds a J.D. and Bachelor’s degree from Mercer University.

“Both Elizabeth and Marc bring tremendous legal practice and academic achievements that will benefit Savannah Law School and its students,” says Richardson Lynn, Dean and Professor of Law at SLS. “We will continue to make faculty and staff appointments as we prepare to open in the fall.”

Prospective students can learn more about admissions, financial aid and career development at the school’s first Open House from 9 a.m. to noon, March, 3, 2012, at the Armstrong Center, 13040 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31419.

On September 20, 1963, in the closing remarks of his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President John F. Kennedy stated, “My fellow inhabitants of this planet: Let us take our stand here in this Assembly of nations. And let us see if we, in our own time, can move the world to a just and lasting peace.” On February 10, 2012, in the same General Assembly Hall where that speech was made, two students represented Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and affirmed their commitment to embracing the challenge set forth by our 35th President.

Xavier A. Cunningham (2L), President of the International Law Society, and David Borum (2L), Vice President of the International Law Society, attended the 2012 Year of Decision: The UN in American Foreign Policy Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York City.  This year, the conference was hosted by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA).  The conference provided them an opportunity to meet with high ranking UN officials and engage in topical discussions with some of the most prominent foreign policy-shapers of our time, such as Dr.Jeffery Sachs of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative with the United States Mission to the United Nations, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

As law students, Xavier and David were able to perceive the global challenges discussed at the conference through a judicial lens. Whether discussing the evolution of UN Peacekeeping operations, or the growing assertiveness of the Security Council in dealing with peace and security in the 21st century, it is clear how courses such as Constitutional Law, Public International Law, Conflicts of Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and others, prepare law students to confront global challenges with an extensive arsenal of knowledge.  Thank you Xavier and David for representing AJMLS with intelligence, confidence and professionalism.

For more information about this conference and its host,please visit,unausa.org/membersday.

The school would like to congratulate AJMLS Alumni Board Chair, Neera Bahl (’01), for recently receiving the “Glory of India” award from the India International Friendship Society (IIFS), an organization engaged in helping achieve India’s targeted economic growth and modernization. This honor is awarded to individuals in India and abroad, who have glorified the country with outstanding contributions in their specialized fields. Neera practices immigration law in Atlanta, Georgia.

We are extremely proud for Neera and wish her the best as she continues to represent our school and the entire legal community with honor and professionalism. Congratulations, Neera!

This is the time of year when students are planning visits to various law schools across the country. Whether you’re a prospective student or admitted student, US News & World Report strongly suggest visiting schools in order to make a well-informed decision. Author, Shawn O’Connor, details how to make the most of your law school visit and even gives a breakdown of specific things to do during each visit. Click here for the full article.

AJMLS would like to recognize members of the Asian Law Student Association, who volunteered at the 2011 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Conference in Atlanta recently. They are: Caroline Yi, Jason Kim, Thomas Hwang, Yoohwa Seong, Suzette Guerra, Crystal Tran, and Wellington Tzou. Thanks to them and to all of our students who represent us so well in professional settings.

On behalf of the AJMLS Department of Recruitment and Marketing and its Student Ambassadors, we would like to thank everyone for your generous donations and candy gram purchases. We collected more than $700 for the family. Your commitment to helping our Adopt-A-Family program is sincerely appreciated. Because of your generosity, we were able to further our mission in bettering the lives of children across the city of Atlanta.

The pro bono partnership of Atlanta Legal Aid and Kilpatrick Townsend handles adoptions for the Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Project. Our school and volunteers from many firms expand the capacity of Atlanta Legal Aid’s staff and enable many more grandparents and other care-giving relatives to provide stable, loving homes for children whose parents cannot care for them.

Thanks, again, for generously supporting our efforts!

The annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium brings together experienced lawyers and judges who reflect on their legal career, trends in the profession, and advise John Marshall students about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Mr. Cook has been a friend of the law school for many years and has generously funded the Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship. The 9th annual symposium, moderated by JMLS alumnus Mike Moran, was held on April 8, 2010 with guest presenters Peggy Brockington, Emmet Bondurant, Buck Rogers and Paul Weathington. Both John Marshall students and our guests benefited from the experience and wisdom of these prominent individuals.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will kick off its 77th academic year with former Mayor Shirley Franklin addressing members of Atlanta’s legal community and the largest incoming class in the school’s history. On Monday, August 23rd at noon, Franklin will discuss the role of public service in Atlanta, and the need for ethical professionals to provide structure and security for our communities. The Leadership Lecture Series is presented by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, whose mission is to prepare highly competent professionals who possess a strong social conscience, demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society. “This program was developed by our students to explore the fundamental values of the legal profession and engage civic leaders at the highest levels and to inspire ethical public service upon graduation,” according to Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison. “What we do, as lawyers, is greater than ourselves; we serve our fellow man. John Marshall Law School strives to instill a high level of responsibility in our students to uphold the values of our profession, beginning the first day of their legal education.” Known for her commitment to improving diversity, infrastructure, and security, Franklin will share her experiences as a public servant and professional leader in Atlanta. She will discuss the changes she initiated while Mayor, her interactions with Atlanta’s legal community and her vision of how attorneys can help the public at large. “Atlanta has a rich and diverse civic and human rights history of people working together across lines and aisles to make this community better and brighter,” noted Franklin. “I commend John Marshall for encouraging a student body who is also working for the betterment of our communities through leadership with a social conscience.” Within the last academic year, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School obtained full accreditation from the American Bar Association, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Commencement speaker, and launched Atlanta’s first online LLM degree program for Employment Law. The Leadership Lecture Series will continue on Thursday, September 16th, featuring Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. Since 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been committed to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. The school continues on its historic path, remaining faithful to its mission, while looking to the future with innovation, new programs, and unmatched faculty from across the country. For more information on the Leadership Lecture Series or to attend Shirley Franklin’s Lecture on August 23 at noon, please contact Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu or Carlos Vilela at crvilela@johnmarshall.edu.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will kick off its 77th academic year with former Mayor Shirley Franklin addressing members of Atlanta’s legal community and the largest incoming class in the school’s history. On Monday, August 23rd at noon, Franklin will discuss the role of public service in Atlanta, and the need for ethical professionals to provide structure and security for our communities.

The Leadership Lecture Series is presented by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, whose mission is to prepare highly competent professionals who possess a strong social conscience, demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society.

“This program was developed by our students to explore the fundamental values of the legal profession and engage civic leaders at the highest levels and to inspire ethical public service upon graduation,” according to Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison. “What we do, as lawyers, is greater than ourselves; we serve our fellow man. John Marshall Law School strives to instill a high level of responsibility in our students to uphold the values of our profession, beginning the first day of their legal education.”

Known for her commitment to improving diversity, infrastructure, and security, Franklin will share her experiences as a public servant and professional leader in Atlanta. She will discuss the changes she initiated while Mayor, her interactions with Atlanta’s legal community and her vision of how attorneys can help the public at large.

“Atlanta has a rich and diverse civic and human rights history of people working together across lines and aisles to make this community better and brighter,” noted Franklin. “I commend John Marshall for encouraging a student body who is also working for the betterment of our communities through leadership with a social conscience.”

Within the last academic year, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School obtained full accreditation from the American Bar Association, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Commencement speaker, and launched Atlanta’s first online LLM degree program for Employment Law.

The Leadership Lecture Series will continue on Thursday, September 16th, featuring Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle.

Since 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been committed to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. The school continues on its historic path, remaining faithful to its mission, while looking to the future with innovation, new programs, and unmatched faculty from across the country.

For more information on the Leadership Lecture Series or to attend Shirley Franklin’s Lecture on August 23 at noon, please contact Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu or Carlos Vilela at crvilela@johnmarshall.edu.

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, first year evening students of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School participated in a community service project with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH). The law school is dedicated to pro bono work that furthers its mission of “promoting the development of a student body and faculty with a strong social consciousness and dedication to improving the legal system and society” and is thankful to our students for volunteering their time and assistance towards this worthy cause.  HFTH was also thankful for our students who worked through the rain to pass out food and sort clothing. Last year, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless’ Prevention division’s on-going programming provided over 160,000 individuals with food, clothing, toiletries, transportation and other supplies and prevented homelessness through rent and utility assistance for nearly 300 families. For more information on Hosea Feed the Hungry, please visit www.HoseaFeedTheHungry.com

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, first year evening students of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School participated in a community service project with Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH). The law school is dedicated to pro bono work that furthers its mission of “promoting the development of a student body and faculty with a strong social consciousness and dedication to improving the legal system and society” and is thankful to our students for volunteering their time and assistance towards this worthy cause.  HFTH was also thankful for our students who worked through the rain to pass out food and sort clothing.

Last year, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless’ Prevention division’s on-going programming provided over 160,000 individuals with food, clothing, toiletries, transportation and other supplies and prevented homelessness through rent and utility assistance for nearly 300 families. For more information on Hosea Feed the Hungry, please visit www.HoseaFeedTheHungry.com

John Marshall is proud to have once again hosted the two-week State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program’s Pipeline Program, which brings young high school students together for classes and real life experiences. This year’s class of 18 included 8 students who participated in the first and second years of the program, some of whom have been accepted to college for the fall. After morning classes of training in grammar, writing, speech, and library usage, the students visit law firms and corporate legal departments for lunch and mentoring. Congratulations to all the participants!

John Marshall is proud to have once again hosted the two-week State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program’s Pipeline Program, which brings young high school students together for classes and real life experiences. This year’s class of 18 included 8 students who participated in the first and second years of the program, some of whom have been accepted to college for the fall. After morning classes of training in grammar, writing, speech, and library usage, the students visit law firms and corporate legal departments for lunch and mentoring. Congratulations to all the participants!

Now enrolling for Fall 2010, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School announces an innovative, graduate-level program for attorneys seeking to develop or strengthen an employment law practice. In recent years, employment law claims of all types have increased in number and scope, requiring attorneys to develop new strategies to serve their clients on both the employer and employee side. Experts predict that the number of claims will continue to climb due to many factors, including new legislation, increased knowledge of rights by employees and changes in the economy. The LL.M. in Employment Law is specifically designed for busy practitioners who want to develop or expand their expertise in the field. Small class sizes, in-depth curriculum and innovative distance learning technology combine to set the program apart. The unique structure of the LL.M. program allows students to earn their degree without taking time away from work. Classes will be offered consecutively, one class at a time, and exclusively online. To learn more about the program, please visit theLL.M. Program section of our site.

James G. Bodiford, Judge, Cobb County Superior Court, was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School as a 2010 Distinguished Alumni. Judge Bodiford was elected Superior Court Judge in 1994 and has since been re-elected three times to this position, most recently with an 83% majority. He was Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court during 2005-2006. Judge Bodiford has presided successfully over a number of high-profile, media-intensive cases, including State of Georgia v. Brian G. Nichols in Fulton County. He is a 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was the keynote speaker at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Commencement, held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center. During the ceremonies, the law school conferred more than 160 Juris Doctor degrees. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on Justice Clarence Thomas for his unparalled career in public service and dedication to the rule of law.

Neera Bahl founded Neera Bahl & Associates in 2009. She received her J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2000 after a career of more than twenty years in medical and scientific research. Neera is active in professional and community organizations, including the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Raksha, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce, and India Cultural and Religious Center.

Neera Bahl founded Neera Bahl & Associates in 2009. She received her J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2000 after a career of more than twenty years in medical and scientific research. Neera is active in professional and community organizations, including the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Raksha, Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce, and India Cultural and Religious Center.

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was the keynote speaker at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Commencement, held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center. During the ceremonies, the law school conferred more than 160 Juris Doctor degrees. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on Justice Clarence Thomas for his unparalled career in public service and dedication to the rule of law.

James G. Bodiford, Judge, Cobb County Superior Court, was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School as a 2010 Distinguished Alumni. Judge Bodiford was elected Superior Court Judge in 1994 and has since been re-elected three times to this position, most recently with an 83% majority. He was Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court during 2005-2006. Judge Bodiford has presided successfully over a number of high-profile, media-intensive cases, including State of Georgia v. Brian G. Nichols in Fulton County. He is a 1976 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School acknowledges the unparalleled generosity of Bobby Lee Cook for his $100,000 donation to establish the Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund. Bobby Lee Cook is widely recognized for his career as a prominent trial attorney and his representation in some of the most controversial criminal trials in the state. His long-term commitment to the school includes past service as a member of the Board of Directors and sponsorship of the annual Bobby Lee Cook Practical Legal Symposium, held at the law school each Spring for the past 8 years. The Bobby Lee Cook Endowed Scholarship Fund will support a number of scholarships each year. We hope to sustain the fund through the continued generosity of friends and alumni of the law school.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School held its annual Youth and the Law Summit on Saturday, April 17, 2010. More than thirty middle-school students attended this year’s Summit. The students came from various schools from the Atlanta and Clayton County school districts. Their day started with a continental breakfast and ice-breaker conducted by Darrick McDuffie, an attorney from King and Spalding. The students were then broken up into four groups. Each group, led by a John Marshall law student, participated in two separate lessons/activities designed to teach them how to analyze the impact of laws, think critically, and write persuasively. After a pizza lunch, the students listened to a panel of three attorneys, Willie Lovett, Jr., Candiss Collins, and Prof. Kamina Pinder, discuss their paths to becoming a lawyer. Students were able to ask of questions about the panelists’ educational and career choices. In the afternoon, the students broke into two teams for a very spirited debate on the First Amendment rights of students using MySpace. Closing remarks were made by Shukura Ingram, President of the Gate City Bar Association. In addition to DiscoverLaw.org back packs, students also received a portfolio, a U.S. Constitution and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Equal Justice Works hosted a reception at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. on April 15, 2010 to honor Equal Justice Works Fellows Atlanta area law schools. One of the keynote speakers was Steve Reba, a 2008 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Steve, a member of the Equal Justice Works Fellows Class of 2009, works at the Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic of the Emory University School of Law. He gave a moving speech about his work to free and rehabilitate incarcerated juveniles. Class of 2010 Fellows were also in attendance, including Alpa Amin, a 2010 graduate from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Alpa was awarded a fellowship to work with GAIN, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. We are very proud of both Steve and Alpa and the positive impact they are making in our community. The Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program creates partnerships among public interest lawyers, nonprofit organizations, law firm/corporate sponsors and other donors in order to afford underrepresented populations effective access to the justice system. Equal Justice Works is currently supporting 108 Fellows in the field: 54 Fellows who began in September 2007 and 54 new Fellows who began last fall. Equal Justice Works is committed to recruiting attorneys who represent a variety of experiences and backgrounds and to providing them with a strong foundation on which to build a public interest career. For more information about the program, please visit: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/fellowships/general.

Equal Justice Works hosted a reception at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. on April 15, 2010 to honor Equal Justice Works Fellows Atlanta area law schools. One of the keynote speakers was Steve Reba, a 2008 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Steve, a member of the Equal Justice Works Fellows Class of 2009, works at the Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic of the Emory University School of Law. He gave a moving speech about his work to free and rehabilitate incarcerated juveniles. Class of 2010 Fellows were also in attendance, including Alpa Amin, a 2010 graduate from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Alpa was awarded a fellowship to work with GAIN, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. We are very proud of both Steve and Alpa and the positive impact they are making in our community.

The Equal Justice Works Fellowship Program creates partnerships among public interest lawyers, nonprofit organizations, law firm/corporate sponsors and other donors in order to afford underrepresented populations effective access to the justice system. Equal Justice Works is currently supporting 108 Fellows in the field: 54 Fellows who began in September 2007 and 54 new Fellows who began last fall. Equal Justice Works is committed to recruiting attorneys who represent a variety of experiences and backgrounds and to providing them with a strong foundation on which to build a public interest career. For more information about the program, please visit: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/fellowships/general.

On April 14, 2010, volunteers from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School helped the Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute 3,448 pounds of food to 2,298 families. Volunteers included faculty, staff and students of the school, with Professor Renata Turner, Shannon Keef, Randi Moore, Anne Bowerman, Carlos Nauedo, Alpa Amin, Barbara Herzberg, Lauren Wallace, Cliff Turner and Gregory Gelpi all lending a hand to this great cause.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 800 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, senior centers and other service programs to distribute almost two million pounds of food each month to low-income Georgians. To learn more about The Atlanta Community Food Bank, please visit their website at www.ACFB.org

Volunteers pictured (from left to right): Barbara Herzberg, Shannon Keef, Alpa Amin, Randi Moore and Greg Gelpi

The Honorable G. Alan Blackburn (’67 Alumnus) was honored by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Public Interest Law Society with the First Annual Public Interest Law Award at the Public Interest Law Society’s Silent Auction and Networking Mixer on Friday, April 9, 2010. The award recognizes Judge Blackburn’s more than thirty years of public service.

Great fun and entertainment was had at the Public Interest Law Society’s 1st Annual Silent Auction and Networking Mixer on Friday, April 9, 2010. The silent auction was followed by a live auction and included items such as dinner and snooker with Dean Lynn, mentoring lunches donated by various faculty members and alumni, “stay-cation” packages, cultural events and sporting tickets, jewelry and art work. Thank you to the Zweifel Law Firm for their generosity in sponsoring the event and to the many contributors. JMLS Alumnus The Honorable G. Alan Blackburn was presented with the first annual Public Interest Law Award for his more than thirty years of public service. Proceeds of the auction will be used to sponsor a JMLS student engaged in pro bono work during this summer.

The City of Atlanta’s Law Department is accepting resumes for its summer internship program. The nine week program runs from June 1 through July 31. Students will work in two of four practice areas: litigation, commercial transactions, government council and aviation. For more details, please visit their website. Please note that the website shows an April deadline, however, the actual DEADLINE IS MARCH 15. For more information contact Prof. Turner at rturner@johnmarshall.edu or Jerry Deloach at JDeloach@AtlantaGa.Gov.

The City of Atlanta’s Law Department is accepting resumes for its summer internship program. The nine week program runs from June 1 through July 31. Students will work in two of four practice areas: litigation, commercial transactions, government council and aviation. For more details, please visit their website. Please note that the website shows an April deadline, however, the actual DEADLINE IS MARCH 15. For more information contact Prof. Turner at rturner@johnmarshall.edu or Jerry Deloach at JDeloach@AtlantaGa.Gov.

The Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project provides free legal representation to low- and low-middle income victims of violence each week in TPOs. 3L’s will work with Legal Aid attorneys to represent victims of violence under the Third Year Practice Act. For more information, please contact Prof. Turner at rturner@johnmarshall.edu.

On February 24, 2010, the John Marshall Law Journal hosted its Annual Symposium entitled, “Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card.” In honor of its out-going faculty advisor, the John Marshall Law Journal opened the event by designating the Annual Symposium to be The Dean Robert J. D`Agostino Law Journal Symposium in perpetuity. The Symposium featured four panel discussions on timely issues in education law including religion in schools, charter schools, the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools, and tuition scholarship programs. Guests included several Atlanta-area school law attorneys, educators, law professors, and students. The event was a great success and will continue to be an annual spring tradition dedicated to Dean D`Agostino.

On February 24, 2010, the John Marshall Law Journal hosted its Annual Symposium entitled, “Adequate Public Education: Georgia’s Report Card.”

In honor of its out-going faculty advisor, the John Marshall Law Journal opened the event by designating the Annual Symposium to be The Dean Robert J. D`Agostino Law Journal Symposium in perpetuity. The Symposium featured four panel discussions on timely issues in education law including religion in schools, charter schools, the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools, and tuition scholarship programs. Guests included several Atlanta-area school law attorneys, educators, law professors, and students. The event was a great success and will continue to be an annual spring tradition dedicated to Dean D`Agostino.

On January 11, 2010, eleven John Marshall alumni were personally admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Dean Richard Lynn proudly moved the admissions and Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. administered the oath. Following the ceremony, the group remained to hear oral arguments.

Gain real world experience and enhance your resume, while working in the Micronesian Islands. Placement sites include judicial clerkships, legislative counsel, attorneys general offices, public defender offices, and legal services. Placements available for both first and second year students. For an application please contact Sylvia Fernandez, Faculty Secretary (8th Floor Faculty Suite) – sfernandez@johnmarshall.edu / Ext: 285 or Professor Kathleen Burch (8th Floor Faculty Suite) –kburch@johnmarshall.edu / Ext: 105 or click here.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is pleased to announce that on Saturday, December 5, 2009, the Council of the ABA Section on Legal Education granted full approval to the Law School. As we move forward with a renewed purpose, there is much more to be done as we consolidate our strengths as a law school and establish new programs to benefit students, the legal community, Atlanta, and the nation. Dean Lynn

On November 19, 2009, 48 JMLS graduates who passed the July 2009 Georgia bar exam were sworn in to the Georgia Supreme Court by Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein and to the Fulton County Superior Court by Judge Melvin K. Westmoreland. Congratulations to the Class of 2009!

The law school is proud to host the third annual Fred Gray Social Justice Seminar, honoring The Georgia Innocence Project, with the topic “Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The Journey to Justice for the Wrongfully Accused.” Panelists include Attorney Aimee Maxwell, Executive Director of GIP, Professor Heather Kleider, Ph.D., an expert in the field of eyewitness accuracy, and three gentlemen freed from wrongful imprisonment, Mr. Clarence Harrison, freed from prison in 2004 after serving approximately 18 years, Mr. Ronald Taylor, freed from prison in 2007 after serving 14 years, and Mr. Mario Rocha, freed from prison in 2006 after serving 10 years. The Seminar is open to the public. Please join us on November 13, 2009, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Room 301 for this program.

On February 27, 2009 from 3 to 5, John Marshall Law Journal and John Marshall Property Law Society will co-host a Symposium focusing on Georgia’s treatment of Privacy and Private Property Rights. The free event will include presentations of articles featured in the Law Journal’s forthcoming volume including a presentation by Larry Frankel, ACLU, State Legislative Counsel, in Washington D.C. A question and answer session will follow each presentation. A reception will immediately follow with free food and drinks. For more information click here.

On February 27, 2009 from 3 to 5, John Marshall Law Journal and John Marshall Property Law Society will co-host a Symposium focusing on Georgia’s treatment of Privacy and Private Property Rights. The free event will include presentations of articles featured in the Law Journal’s forthcoming volume including a presentation by Larry Frankel, ACLU, State Legislative Counsel, in Washington D.C. A question and answer session will follow each presentation. A reception will immediately follow with free food and drinks.
For more information click here.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s inaugural team performance in the 2008 RUN FOR JUSTICE impressed race organizers and the Atlanta legal community. Proceeds from the storied annual 5K benefit Atlanta Legal Aid. The JMLS team took 2nd in overall participation, and pictured left, Justin Cawthorn (JMLS 1L) won the race overall with a finishing time of 18 minutes; 20 seconds.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School held its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The class of 102 graduates, along with hundreds of family and friends gathered at the World Congress Center in Downtown Atlanta. Dean Richardson Lynn delivered the opening remarks.

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell delivered the commencement address. Judge Bell, appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit by President Kennedy, later served as U.S. Attorney General in the Carter administration. As a Fifth Circuit Judge during the struggle for civil rights, Griffin Bell’s opinion aided in the peaceful integration of public places and services. In his speech, Judge Bell told the graduates, “To the public you owe the duty of seeing to it that counsel is made available for those who cannot afford counsel either on a pro bono basis or for such fees as can be afforded.” Dr. Michael Markovitz, Chair of the law school’s Board of Directors, conferred upon Judge Bell an Honorary Degree from the law school.

Beginning a new tradition, Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to the Honorable G. Alan Blackburn (Class of 1968) who was introduced by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carol W. Hunstein, and to Adam Malone (Class of 1999), introduced by Professor Robert D’Agostino.

The Valedictorians Jessica Rachel Scott (Part-Time Division) and Diona M. Potter (Full-time Division) also spoke to their classmates. As Ms. Scott said, “As this institution, this faculty, and our family and friends have invested themselves in our legal education, let us now invest ourselves in the improvement of our communities and our system of justice.”

2007-2008 Student Honors & Awards

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School held its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The class of 102 graduates, along with hundreds of family and friends gathered at the World Congress Center in Downtown Atlanta. Dean Richardson Lynn delivered the opening remarks. The Honorable Griffin B. Bell delivered the commencement address. Judge Bell, appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit by President Kennedy, later served as U.S. Attorney General in the Carter administration. As a Fifth Circuit Judge during the struggle for civil rights, Griffin Bell’s opinion aided in the peaceful integration of public places and services. In his speech, Judge Bell told the graduates, “To the public you owe the duty of seeing to it that counsel is made available for those who cannot afford counsel either on a pro bono basis or for such fees as can be afforded.” Dr. Michael Markovitz, Chair of the law school’s Board of Directors, conferred upon Judge Bell an Honorary Degree from the law school. Beginning a new tradition, Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to the Honorable G. Alan Blackburn (Class of 1968) who was introduced by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carol W. Hunstein, and to Adam Malone (Class of 1999), introduced by Professor Robert D’Agostino. The Valedictorians Jessica Rachel Scott (Part-Time Division) and Diona M. Potter (Full-time Division) also spoke to their classmates. As Ms. Scott said, “As this institution, this faculty, and our family and friends have invested themselves in our legal education, let us now invest ourselves in the improvement of our communities and our system of justice.” 2007-2008 Student Honors & Awards

The Georgia House of Representatives proclaimed John Marshall Day on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. This proclamation was sponsored by Representatives Doug Collins (2008) and Billy Maddox (2006), and was attended by Dean Richardson Lynn, Associate Dean Kathleen Burch, and John Marshall students and faculty. The event recognized the growth and achievements of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, including a record increase in faculty, growth of student body, and success in achieving provisional ABA approval. The Law School will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in this Fall.

First-time takers on the February, 2008 bar exam passed at a 100% rate, equaled only by graduates of the University of Georgia. The overall passing rate for all John Marshall graduates (after ABA approval) was 64.2%, surpassing even Mercer University. The average score by John Marshall graduates on the multi-state portion of the exam was seven points higher than on the February 2007 bar exam. Congratulations to everyone who succeeded on their first try!