Professor Mecca Anderson brings 14 years of experience across personal injury, criminal law, civil litigation, and appellate practice to her role at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. She equips students with practical insights and strategic thinking to bridge the gap between legal theory and real-world impact.
As Director of Externship Programs, she connects students with meaningful placements across Georgia—including courts, law firms, and public interest organizations—while guiding their development through rigorous instruction, thoughtful reflection, and hands-on mentorship. Her classroom teaching complements students’ fieldwork with a structured, inquiry-driven approach that emphasizes professional identity, ethics, and critical thinking.
Before joining academia, Professor Anderson served as Chief of Staff to Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein of the Georgia Supreme Court, contributing to statewide judicial initiatives, legislative policy, and court reform. Her legal career also includes trial and litigation roles at The Cochran Firm and The Summerville Firm, where she managed high-stakes personal injury and complex civil cases. As an Assistant Solicitor in Fulton County, she led a trial team, prosecuted hundreds of cases, and trained new attorneys—all of which continue to inform her practical, justice-centered approach to teaching.
Professor Anderson’s leadership in the legal profession has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Georgia Super Lawyer (2022–2023), a Rising Star (2018–2021), and recipient of the State Bar of Georgia’s Commitment to Equality Award. She has served on the boards of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, the DeKalb Bar Association, the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce, and DeKalb Pro Bono. Her service also includes active involvement with the State Bar of Georgia’s Professionalism Committee and Attorney-Client Solicitation Committee. Through these roles, she continues to mentor emerging leaders, build community, and elevate the standards of the profession.
Outside of law, she finds joy in cooking, live music, and walking the Atlanta Beltline with her spirited pup, MJ. Her greatest pride is her daughter, Layla, a brilliant and compassionate young woman who inspires her daily.
Looking to apply for an Externship? Visit the Externship Programs page for more information or reach out to Professor Anderson manderson@johnmarshall.edu or Allyn Haynes ahaynes@johnmarshall.edu directly for any questions pertaining to externships.