Third-year law student Theron Johnson arrived at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) with a background shaped by years of work in public policy, government affairs, and advocacy. Before beginning law school, Johnson worked closely with lawmakers, campaigns, and community organizations, experiences that helped clarify his desire to pursue a legal career grounded in service and impact.
“I decided to pursue law because I wanted a career where I could make a real impact,” Johnson shared. “I have always been interested in how decisions, policies, and systems affect people in practical ways, and I recognized the law as a place where those ideas came together.”
That sense of purpose continues to guide how Johnson approaches his legal education at AJMLS. He is intentional about his time in law school and views each class as an opportunity to prepare for practice. Rather than treating coursework as a box to check, he focuses on developing skills that will serve him beyond graduation.
“I try to treat each class as preparation for practice, not just an academic requirement, and to focus on building the skills I will actually need as an attorney.”
Johnson has also remained active outside the classroom, staying connected to the broader legal community while in law school. He is involved with the ABA Task Force for American Democracy and is a member of the Gate City Bar Association and the Atlanta Bar Association. Through these organizations, he has continued to engage with issues related to democracy, leadership, and service while building professional relationships within the legal field.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Johnson’s law school experience has been learning how to manage the many responsibilities that come with being a law student. Balancing coursework, leadership roles, and professional opportunities has been challenging, but it has also been rewarding.
“Between coursework, leadership roles, and professional opportunities, law school can be demanding,” Johnson noted. “Being able to contribute in and outside the classroom while continuing to grow academically has been something I am proud of, and it has helped build my confidence as a future lawyer.”
Johnson draws on lessons from his pre-law work as he moves through law school, carrying a strong emphasis on preparation and purposeful leadership into his studies.
“Those experiences taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, and service,” he said. “I carry those lessons with me every day, and they continue to shape the kind of lawyer and leader I hope to become.”
As Johnson looks ahead to graduation, he remains focused on using his legal education to serve others and to make a meaningful contribution to his community. His time at AJMLS has reinforced his commitment to approaching the law with intention, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.