Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Jonathan Rapping recently spoke to high school students at the Gate City Bar Association’s Twentieth Annual Justice Robert Benham Law Camp, held at Georgia State University College of Law.
Professor Rapping, Faculty Director of the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI), addressed students as part of the camp’s programming designed to introduce high school participants to the legal profession and issues of justice and equity.
During his presentation, he spoke about social justice lawyering and the need for lawyers committed to building a more humane legal system. He highlighted CCJI’s work to prepare a generation of attorneys dedicated to advancing equal justice and strengthening fairness within legal institutions.
Professor Rapping also discussed the challenges that can arise for lawyers practicing in systems that may feel impersonal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining empathy, purpose and professional resilience throughout a legal career.
The Justice Robert Benham Law Camp, an annual program of the Gate City Bar Association, brings together high school students from across the Atlanta area for legal education, mentorship, and exposure to the justice system. This year’s session featured strong student engagement, with many participants expressing interest in pursuing law and further involvement in justice-related work.