Congratulations to Our 2026 Graduates and Award Recipients

Maria Jarman, full-time program

Undergraduate Institution: 

Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“I loved attending class and learning from professors who brought years of experience as practicing attorneys to the classroom.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“My plan is to begin my career in prosecution, with the ultimate goal of becoming a state trial judge.”

Justin Huggins, part-time program

Undergraduate Institution: 

The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga)

Favorite AJMLS memory:  

“1) In Contracts explaining the FFH rule and 2) the last Barristers Ball with my friends.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After the Georgia and Tennessee bar exams, I plan to work in real estate and business transactions law in Chattanooga, TN. I’ll be joining a small firm with the pursuit of becoming a partner. My main goal is to spend as much time travelling with my wife and daughter.”

Madeline Townsend, full-time program

Undergraduate Institution: 

University of Georgia 

Favorite AJMLS memory:  

“Serving as the John Marshall Law Journal Volume 19 Editor in Chief, Organizing & hosting the AJMLS Law Journal Tort Reform Act of 2025 Symposium.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I look forward to traveling the world with my husband and eventually pursuing my L.L.M. I hope to practice corporate, real estate or criminal law.”

Anjali Patel, part-time program

Undergraduate Institution: 

University of the South, Sewanee

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“Connecting with Professor Van Detta on the Law Journal and learning the art of scholarly writing.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I hope to advocate in the health care field, implementing changes for better patient care.”

Timecca Cordero

Undergraduate institution:  

Emmanuel College, Boston Massachusetts 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory is experiencing, socializing, networking and bonding with my future sisters and brothers of the law at the barrister ball located at the Georgia Aquarium. 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After passing the bar exam my dream is to open a family law firm specializing in fertility and adoption.”

Yajaira Vanegas

Undergraduate institution: 

Georgia State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“One of my favorite memories at AJMLS was during my 1L year, when my study group and I won Civil Procedure trivia with Professor Adams. It was one of the first times in a long while that we were simply laughing and enjoying the moment together something rare for us, since we were usually so focused and serious about studying. A huge shoutout to my original study group: Aaron, Ryan, Elaina, Charles, Madeline, and Jory!”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After taking the bar exam, I plan to work at a private firm practicing immigration and criminal defense. I am especially passionate about representing children who arrive in the United States as unaccompanied minors and helping them obtain legal status and stability. I am also excited to represent individuals in removal proceedings and advocate for their opportunity to remain in this country.”

Jadyn Gray-Hough

Undergraduate institution: 

Bard College in Annandale- on- Hudson, New York. 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite memory is all of the laughs I have shared with my part-time evening cohort. We truly have a collective energy which has developed through our many years of shared experiences. I am forever grateful to have met them all.” 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“My goal is to continue learning about different legal industries with the ultimate goal of becoming a change-maker and advocate in underrepresented communities. I have an active LLC and would like to create a law firm catering to creative entrepreneurs, business entrepreneurs, and those seeking civil mediation services. I will continue my work in pro bono service as well. Despite my goals, I am open to wherever God intends for me to be! (P.S. I’d also like to invest in a bakery and fund theater programs!)”

Maria Jarman

Amber Llena

Undergraduate institution: 

Georgia State University, J.Mack College of Business

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“Getting cold called in Professor McMillan’s class. It was one of my first ever cold calls, and in his class, he would randomly choose one person to brief all of the assigned cases from the readings for that day. I remember being so shy and nervous, and honestly, it was scary being put on the spot for an hour and a half, especially being a 1L. But Professor McMillan told me he knew I could be loud, so I started projecting my voice more as I went through the briefs. His iconic quote was always “LAWYERS ARE LOUD!”  By the end, I felt 100% more confident, and that moment really helped push me out of my shell.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“My dream is to become a criminal trial attorney and eventually open my own firm. I want to build a career in criminal law where I can advocate for others, grow as a trial lawyer, and one day create something of my own.”

Anjali Patel

Chloe Strickland-Teems

Undergraduate institution: 

Kennesaw State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory will always be the time I spent with my classmates. As evening students, we often arrived to class tired from long days of work or caring for our families, but there was something special about those moments together. I will always treasure the class breaks and the walks to our cars after class. I was truly blessed to share that experience with such an incredible cohort, and I cannot wait to see all that they accomplish in the years ahead.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After passing the bar exam, I plan to pursue a career in personal injury and civil litigation. I have dreamed of being an advocate my entire life, and being a source of support and guidance during some of the hardest moments in a person’s life is my calling.”

Jazmin Beard

Undergraduate institution: 

Valdosta State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory was having the opportunity to conduct my own trials in Criminal Pretrial Advocacy and Criminal Trial Advocacy. Those experiences helped build my confidence, sharpen my advocacy skills, and confirmed my passion for criminal law.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After the bar exam, I hope to begin my career as an Assistant General Solicitor with the Fulton County Solicitor-General’s Office, where I can continue developing my courtroom experience and serving the Atlanta community.”

Elaina Hardwick

Undergraduate institution: 

Georgia State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“Academically, my favorite memories were of any class professor Malempati taught as well as interning with the Office of the Public Defender: Atlanta Judicial Circuit since the summer of 1L year as it solidified my passion for public service work specifically in the area of criminal defense.” 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:  

“After spending years interning at the public defender’s office, I will continue in my commitment to helping others through pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Georgia State University starting in the Fall 2026 Semester.”

Azalea Hutchins

Undergraduate institution: 

Clark Atlanta University 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“Volunteering every year for the Youth and Law Summit with Dr. Wyatt. It is always an opportunity to network outside of the school with other AJMLS students, attorneys, and judges. It’s a chance to get to know AJMLS career services staff on a personal level and help the young people in our community. Another plus is that it counts towards pro bono hours. I enjoyed it and its something I hope to continue to be a part of after graduation.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“My plan after the bar exam is to become a prosecutor. My hope is to be a prosecutor that works to lessen the harm done by our current justice system by using alternative forms of justice, such as diversion programs, when appropriate. Never forgetting the human behind the charges and the people affected by their actions. I would also like to do a bit of estate planning on the side. It is something we all need but so many of us don’t have.”

Aaron Ridenour

Undergraduate institution: 

University of Central Florida

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“CALI’ng Van Detta and Rapping’s class, and hosting a Bible study on campus.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I plan to work as a Public Defender in Florida at the Broward County Office of the Public Defender. I can’t wait to serve the people of South Florida and fight for them the way I’d want others to fight for me. I dream about being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the nation, being the best husband for my wife, and possibly being President one day. I am blessed that John Marshall accepted me so I could be a lawyer today! It is a gift that this school has such amazing teachers and staff that care so much about students. Love y’all John Marshall friends and family.”

Andres Rincon, Jr.

Undergraduate institution: 

Georgia State University

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“I really enjoyed being part of the Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latino Law Students Association at AJMLS. Not only did I get to connect with fellow classmates, but I met Hispanic attorneys, made lasting connections, and even obtained internships through the organization.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I plan on having my own immigration practice. I want to be able to provide as much support to the immigrant community as possible and guide people towards stability in their legal affairs.”

Taylor Williams

Undergraduate institution: 

Clark Atlanta University 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“One of my favorite memories from law school was celebrating the 100 Days to Graduation with my classmates. It was such a special moment to come together, reflect on how far we had all come, and celebrate the incredible achievement of making it through law school alongside one another.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After taking the bar exam, I plan to let God guide me wherever he needs me to be and use my legal career as a vessel to help those who cannot help themselves. I specifically plan to continue my career with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and trust God to lead me wherever my journey is meant to go next.”

Armika Jolly

Undergraduate institution: 

University of West Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite memory was the unveiling of the 17th-floor lounge and the opening of the CCJI Institute.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I plan to build a career in defense litigation and eventually contribute to efforts that expand affordable housing opportunities in the city of Atlanta.”

Aaron Ridenour

C. Thomas Proenza

Undergraduate institution: 

Georgia Institute of Technology

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory would be all the friends I made along the way, who are becoming my colleagues in this field, and the knowledge that these people will be in my life for years to come.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After the bar exam I just want to continue working in criminal defense, and one day I hope to move to a bigger city like New York.”

Ryan Callahan

Undergraduate Institution: 

Liberty University, Lynchburg VA

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“In our final trial in Professor Giles Trial Advocacy class, I began the trial with a strong opening. My opposing counsel, and good friend Michael McMillian, stunned the room when he began his opening statement with an assumed British accent. He then maintained that accent throughout the trial, objections included. While I was immensely proud of my trial partner and my own high level performance, I will remember the fun that all of us shared competing against each other at our best and most humorous.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After spending three years in the courtroom during my clerkships, I will continue in my commitment to advocacy in Private Criminal Defense. 

My dream is to become a locally trusted and respected criminal defense attorney throughout middle Georgia, focusing in increasing the amount of cases taken to trial, in a passionate revival of the jury system and constitutional rights of the accused.”

Maria Jarman

Anjali Patel

Sheretha Ashford

Undergraduate Institution: 

Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“Orientation day is my most memorable time at AJMLS because it was on that day that I began to develop so many long-lasting friendships.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After law school, my aim is to practice bankruptcy law, with a strong focus on helping individuals and corporations who are experiencing financial distress to rebuild. I’m particularly drawn to guiding those through tough transitions and helping them find a stable path forward to a fresh start.” 

Jennan Moughrabi

Undergraduate Institution: 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite memory at AJMLS was helping re-establish the National Lawyers Guild chapter alongside a few of my classmates. Through that experience, we created a space where students could openly discuss some of the most pressing legal and social justice issues of our time that often were not being addressed elsewhere. The most meaningful part was hearing from students, especially 1Ls and minority students, that the organization gave them a sense of support and community during some of the most difficult moments of law school, making them feel seen, heard, and empowered.” 

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After taking the bar, I hope to build a career centered on civil and human rights advocacy, engaging in movement-centered advocacy that supports communities that have been historically marginalized and denied justice. As a Palestinian-American, I also hope that one day my work will allow me to support and advocate for Palestinians through legal, humanitarian, and human rights efforts on both a local and international level.”

Damilola Osinfolarin

Chasity Washington

Undergraduate Institution: 

Dillard University – New Orleans, Louisiana 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory was my first year of law school presenting my first oral argument in Legal Writing. It showed me that I am not only a strong oralist but it gave me the confidence I needed to push through law school.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“I plan to work as a criminal defense attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana.” 

Maria Jarman, Honor Scholar and Marshall of the Order

Justin Huggins, Scholar of the Order

Ramsey Ayikwei, Member of the Order

Undergraduate institution:  

Liberty University 

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“My favorite AJMLS memory would have to be the countless hours spent studying with friends in preparation for finals, followed by the joy and relief we felt once grades were released and we realized we had made it through another semester. Another unforgettable memory was successfully navigating Professor Van Detta’s Contracts class during my 1L year.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After the bar exam, I plan to focus my legal career on privacy law and health law. My dream is to become an established attorney in both fields, using my legal training to help organizations navigate complex regulatory, compliance, and data-protection issues.”

Jacob Moskowitz, Member of the Order

Undergraduate institution:  

Syracuse University

Favorite AJMLS memory:  

“Torts I and II with Professor Lance McMillian. Every class felt like a live audience TV show and I especially enjoyed my day being “cold called” to discuss New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964) and other cases about speech torts.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam:

“My primary goal is to secure employment involving the opportunity to learn under experienced attorney(s) or judge(s). I have interests in securities law, civil litigation, government/regulatory work, and criminal law. My goal is to spend at least some of my career as a Court’s staff attorney.”

David Smith, Honor Scholar of the Order

Undergraduate Institution: 

The University of Georgia

Favorite AJMLS memory: 

“The study group that I was a part of in 1L would meet on Sundays and spend hours going over the material for the week. Sometimes we would teach one another subject by subject, sometimes we would argue a topic down to its core, and sometimes we would build outlines and flowcharts together. Throughout the year we refined our methods, and my success in law school would have been severely stymied without working with them. More than anything, Wish Steinmetz, Griffin Lail, Nick Jones, and Jacob Potter helped to teach me the importance of collaboration and the heights that one could achieve by leaning on their peers.”

Plans/dreams after the bar exam: 

“After graduation from law school and upon passing the Georgia bar I intend to accept an offer from Smith, Cavin & Corbin and practice real estate law, working towards furthering the American dream of homeownership for thousands of families throughout my career.”

C. Thomas Proenza, Scholar of the Order

Austin Cauffman, Member of the Order

Chloe Strickland-Teems, Member of the Order