Teaching the Law

The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School faculty combines excellent academic credentials with years of practical experience. Hailing from some of the world’s leading institutions: Boston College, University of Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Emory, Georgetown University Law Center, The George Washington University National Law Center, University of Georgia School of Law, the London School of Economics, Michigan, University of North Carolina School of Law, Northwestern University School of Law, Princeton, Spelman, University of Texas, Union College, University of Virginia School of Law, Washington and Lee University School of Law, Washington University School of Law, and Wisconsin. Our full-time faculty have taught over 260 combined years at the Law School.

From the United States Supreme Court to the Federal States of Micronesia Supreme Court, the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty can teach from their personal courtroom experience. The United States Supreme Court has cited the work of two faculty members, and judges all around the country rely on the scholarship published by the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty. From King & Spalding and Troutman Sanders to the Georgia Pacific Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty teach from their firm and business experience.

The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School faculty have also given back to the community serving in positions of leadership such as President of the Board of Directors for the National Juvenile Defender Center, Chairperson of the Leadership Council of The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, Board Member of Federal Defenders, Inc., Board Member of ACLU of Georgia, Board Member of Georgia Association of Women Lawyers Foundation, Board Member of Atlanta Bar Association Business and Finance Law Section, Board Member of CLEO, Vice-Chairperson of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education Board of Trustees, Chairperson of State Bar of Georgia Criminal Law Section, President of Gideon’s Promise, presidential appointee to U.S. Department of Justice as Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights, and mayor of the city of Decatur.

Subject of an award-winning HBO documentary and leader of a TedX Talk, the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty are teaching in and outside the building.

Quoted in the New York Times, CNN International, Fox Business Channel, National Public Radio, Huffington Post, and others, the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty and their expertise are recognized internationally.

Faculty News

    Criminal Law and RICO Expert, Professor Michael Mears, Interviewed by New York Times, CNN, Australian Radio, Canadian Radio, Russian Television International and Others

    November 7, 2023

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor and criminal law expert, Michael Mears, has become an international go-to authority on RICO charges in Georgia. Interviewed by outlets in the United States, Canada, and Australia, his storied career lends powerful insight to the ongoing RICO cases involving former President Donald Trump, and separately, the Atlanta Cop… Read More

    State Bar of Georgia President Reappoints Professor Van Detta to Serve on the Formal Advisory Opinion Board For Tenth Consecutive Two-Year Term

    August 22, 2023

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Jeffrey A. Van Detta was reappointed by State Bar of Georgia President Hon. J. Antonio “Tony” DelCampo to serve on the State Bar’s Formal Advisory Opinion Board (FAOB or “the Board”) for the tenth consecutive two-year term in June 2023. In 2005, Professor Van Detta became AJMLS’s first Representative to the FAOB…. Read More

    AJMLS Dean Erika Walker-Cash Engages Google Employees in Fireside Chat

    June 15, 2023

    On June 12, 2023, Professor Erika Walker-Cash, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Dean of Academic Administration, was a featured speaker at Google, where she facilitated a discussion about the unique challenges Black employees often face in the workplace.  Code-switching in academia and in corporate spaces is one of Dean Walker-Cash’s scholarship interests, and she enjoyed… Read More

    AJMLS Announces the Retirement of Professor Anthony Baker

    May 16, 2023

    After 13 years of distinguished service at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), Professor Anthony Baker has announced his retirement from teaching at the end of July 2023. With a career spanning decades, Professor Baker has left an indelible mark on the legal community, both in the United States and Canada. Throughout his career, Professor… Read More

    Professor Burch Wins in Both the FSM Supreme Court and the ROP Supreme Court

    May 15, 2023

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Kathleen Burch, whose work in Micronesia has spanned more than 20 years, won cases in the Appellate Division of both the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau (ROP), the highest courts of those countries. In Paul v…. Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Appointed to Serve on SEALS Global Outreach Committee

    October 5, 2022

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Michael Mears, has been appointed to serve on the Southeastern Association of Law Schools (SEALS) Global Outreach Committee for this coming year. SEALS is a regional association of law schools that provides annual opportunities for faculty to present and receive feedback on their ongoing research at their annual… Read More

    The American Law Institute Elects Professor Jonathan Rapping as New Member

    September 2, 2022

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates and celebrates Professor Jonathan Rapping, Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, for his recent election to The American Law Institute (ALI). The American Law Institute is the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law. As stated… Read More

    Dr. Bridgett Ortega Honored at ACLU Annual Meeting

    July 14, 2022

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) joins the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia in celebrating Dr. Bridgett Ortega, Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, for her 12 years of service and leadership. After 11 years at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Dr. Ortega is closing out her last month as a… Read More

    AJMLS Announces the Retirement of Professor Robert D’Agostino

    April 11, 2022

    After over 28 years of distinguished service, Professor D’Agostino, “Dag”, has announced his retirement from teaching at the end of May 2022. He will continue to serve as Dean Emeritus for an additional academic year to complete various projects and publications. It is with mixed feelings that we announce the retirement of Professor Robert D’Agostino…. Read More

    AJMLS Announces the Retirement of Dr. Bridgett Ortega, Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development

    April 4, 2022

    After 11 years of distinguished service, Dr. Ortega has announced her retirement at the end of July 2022. Dean Jace C. Gatewood stated, “Dr. Ortega has been a steadfast colleague and friend to all who have worked with her. I personally consider her my mentor and have appreciated her guidance and counsel during my time… Read More

    Dean Jace C. Gatewood Signs Letter to Support Supreme Court Justice Nominee

    March 10, 2022

    On March 2, 2022, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Dean and CEO, Jace C. Gatewood, signed his support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic nomination, which was sent to Senate Leadership and the Committee on the Judiciary. Dean Gatewood was one of 38 Black Law Deans that submit the letter of support. The letter begins,… Read More

    Dr. Bridgett Ortega Presents at National Association of Drug Court Professionals Conference

    August 31, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, Dr. Bridgett Ortega, recently presented at multiple sessions at The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Conference – RISE21 in National Harbor, Maryland. RISE21 was held August 15-18, 2021 and brought together judges, law enforcement officials, treatment providers, drug and veterans… Read More

    Professor Jonathan Rapping Receives The University of Chicago Alumni Professional Achievement Award

    August 30, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Professor Jonathan Rapping, Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, for his recent honor receiving the Alumni Professional Achievement Award from The University of Chicago.  The Alumni Professional Achievement Award recipients are accomplished luminaries in any professional field. These alumni’s achievements have brought distinction to themselves, credit to the… Read More

    Professor John Melvin Published by National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA)

    August 27, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Adjunct Professor, John Melvin, for his recent publication, Georgia Objections at Trial, Second Edition. The ebook is a publication for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) and is an invaluable guide that helps judges, lawyers, and law students navigate the Georgia Evidence Code. The publication is current through… Read More

    Professor Jaffe Cited in Michigan Supreme Court Concurring Opinion

    August 16, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Elizabeth Jaffe’s 2016 article on swatting was cited in the Concurring Opinion in the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision in People v. Pagano, 2021 WL 1570350. In this case, the Defendant was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with a child as a passenger and having an open container in… Read More

    Professor Burch to argue before the Palau Supreme Court, Publishes Book Chapter

    August 6, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) faculty are diverse in trial, classroom, and scholarship experience, with a strong international presence. When stateside, Professor Burch teaches a variety of courses at AJMLS, including Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law; and presents at conferences such as the recent Law Teaching Strategies for a New Era: Beyond the Physical Classroom Conference…. Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Selected to Participate in Transnational Legal Education Project

    March 18, 2021

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Michael Mears, has been selected to participate in a transnational legal education project with the National Law University in New Delhi, India. The National Law University in New Delhi is one of the national law schools in India built on the five-year law degree model proposed and implemented by… Read More

    AJMLS Dean, Jace C. Gatewood, Joins Law Deans in Joint Statement About the Election and Events at the Capitol

    January 14, 2021

    “In difficult times, such as the times we find ourselves in today, it may be necessary to speak in one collective voice so that all our voices are heard. As lawyers and future lawyers, we are in a unique position to have our voices heard the loudest. I hope you will find the joint statement… Read More

    AJMLS Leadership: A Re-introduction to Dr. Bridgett Ortega, Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development

    November 10, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is led by a dynamic team of leaders and we are pleased to re-introduce you to them in this AJMLS Leadership article series. Dr. Bridgett Ortega, a veteran of the United States Air Force, is the Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law… Read More

    Professor Rapping Publishes Gideon’s Promise: A Public Defender Movement to Transform Criminal Justice

    August 25, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is proud to share that Professor Jonathan Rapping, Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, has published Gideon’s Promise: A Public Defender Movement to Transform Criminal Justice. The book hit shelves this month and is a #1 New Release on Amazon. The book is described online as, A blueprint for… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Board of Directors Officially Name Jace C. Gatewood 10th Dean of Law School

    August 19, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of its 10th Dean, Jace C. Gatewood. Dean Gatewood succeeded Dean Malcolm L. Morris on January 1, 2020 as Interim Dean and CEO, and has now been affirmed by the Board as the permanent Dean. Dean Gatewood became the first African American… Read More

    Professor Malempati Elected to the Board of the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators (NALAE)

    August 18, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) congratulates Professor Suparna Malempati, who has been elected to the Board of the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators (NALAE). NALAE is a newly formed organization which supports the community of educators dedicated to elevating advocacy skills education in American law schools.  Professor Malempati will be serving as a Regional… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law Establishes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

    August 10, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is proud to announce it has formally established the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. The Committee was created early June 2020 by Dean Jace C. Gatewood and is Chaired by both Professor Kathleen Burch and Professor Erika Walker-Cash. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee advises the Dean on equity,… Read More

    Professor Mears Quoted in Time Magazine About the Suit Filed by Governor Kemp Against Atlanta City Council and Mayor Bottoms

    July 20, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Michael Mears, was interviewed by Time Magazine for their recent piece, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Sued to Block Atlanta’s Face Mask Ordinance. In the article, the writer interviewed legal experts at Georgia law schools on whether Governor Kemp’s suit to block the local ordinance mandating masks would be successful… Read More

    Professor Mears Appointed to Board of Trustees for Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education

    July 8, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Michael B. Mears, has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). Mears has served on the Board for over seven years and has previously served two consecutive terms as Chairman of the Board. The Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education is… Read More

    Dr. Ortega Announced as Keynote Speaker for National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 83rd Annual Conference

    June 29, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, Dr. Bridgett Ortega, has been announced as the opening keynote speaker for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 83rd Annual Conference on July 20, 2020. Dr. Ortega’s session on Compassionate Jurisprudence will help to set the tone for the… Read More

    Chief Judge and Adjunct Professor Steve Teske Delivers Keynote at State Bar Conference, Publishes Series of Regional and National Journal Articles

    June 18, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Adjunct Professor and Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County, Steve Teske, has been especially active outside the court and classroom in recent months. In January, The Child Protection and Advocacy section of the State Bar of Georgia invited Judge Teske to deliver the keynote address at their… Read More

    Atlanta Mayor Appoints Professor Rapping as Co-Chair to Use of Force Advisory Council

    June 13, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan Rapping, was recently appointed by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as Co-Chair of the new Use of Force Advisory Council in Atlanta.  Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order to convene an Advisory Council comprised of community members and partners to… Read More

    A Statement from the Faculty of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

    June 4, 2020

    The willful and wanton murder of George Floyd serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing institutional racial and social injustices in this country. The painful wounds that flow from the unequal administration of justice run deep. In a democratic society, law is the covenant that binds free people together. The legitimacy of that covenant… Read More

    Dr. Ortega Advocates for Reentry Education, Homeless Veterans, and Talks Voting Disenfranchisement

    February 7, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development, Dr. Bridgett Ortega, is on the move in Georgia, advocating for others. In her capacity at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Dr. Ortega collaborated with AJMLS students to develop and write Home for Good: Overcoming Legal Barriers to Reentry in Georgia*,… Read More

    Professor Rapping Inspires Criminal Justice Reform in North Carolina and California

    January 24, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan A. Rapping, has been on the move in December and January speaking about criminal justice. In addition to his roles at AJMLS, Professor Rapping serves as the President and Founder of Gideon’s Promise, is a Visiting Professor of Law… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Names Jace C. Gatewood Interim Dean and CEO

    January 17, 2020

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 10th Dean, Jace C. Gatewood. Dean Gatewood succeeded Dean Malcolm L. Morris on January 1, 2020 as Interim Dean and CEO, becoming the first African American to serve in the role since the school’s founding in 1933. Dean Gatewood, who has… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Dean, Malcolm L. Morris, Announces Retirement

    January 7, 2020

    Dean Malcolm L. Morris, who is Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s (AJMLS) ninth dean, announced his retirement to the AJMLS community on November 14. Dean Morris, who has served since July 1, 2014, said “Fifty years ago I entered law school. Except for a brief hiatus to practice law, I have been working in law… Read More

    WalletHub Interviews Professor Diamond About Georgia Auto Insurance

    September 6, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Adjunct Professor, Jeffrey D. Diamond, was interviewed by WallHub as one of their insurance experts. The article goes in-depth about Georgia auto rates and insurers. Professor Diamond is a practicing litigation attorney who specializes in insurance law and related matters and teaches Insurance Law at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School…. Read More

    Dr. Ortega Leads Training for Georgia Association of Legal Externships

    August 14, 2019

    Several years ago, Georgia law schools formed GALE, the Georgia Association of Legal Externships. GALE has worked hard to standardize policies and practices for the supervision of externs in their field placements. Every year, the Georgia Association of Legal Externships hosts an annual Supervising Attorney training designed to help externship supervisors and their organization get… Read More

    Professor Elizabeth Jaffe Cited in Dissenting Opinion

    June 18, 2019

    The Indiana Court of Appeals recently issued its decision on the F.B.C. v MDwise, Inc. case. In this case, F.B.C. filed a suit against her health insurance company alleging “disclosure,” “intrusion,” and “outrage” after her husband saw personal information that was placed on a web portal and decided to continue with their divorce process. The… Read More

    Professor Jonathan Rapping Cited in National Media Outlets on the Equal Defense Act

    May 29, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan Rapping, was cited in many articles regarding the Equal Defense Act. “I am hopeful that this Act prompts us all to continue to understand public defenders as a critical piece of the criminal justice solution, and to build on… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Featured on National Television

    May 7, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Michael Mears, was a special guest on the New York based show “Law and Crime,” which is shown nationally and on many cable outlets. In this segment, Professor Mears explores details regarding the recent death penalty case in Georgia involving Tiffany Moss who was tried in the… Read More

    Professor John Melvin Named Georgia Bureau of Investigation Chief of Staff

    March 21, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Adjunct Professor and Acting District Attorney in Cobb County has been named the new Chief of Staff at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). In addition to teaching AJMLS students, Professor Melvin is in his 24th year as a prosecutor and has worked in three metro Atlanta counties: Dekalb,… Read More

    Professor Jaffe Quoted in The Wall Street Journal

    March 19, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Associate Professor, Elizabeth Jaffe, was recently quoted in The Wall Street Journal. The article, It’s Hard to Spot the Terrorists Among the Trolls, analyzes the correlation between online harassment and hateful acts such as terrorism found in mass shootings. With the rise of online social platforms, research conducted on… Read More

    Professor Jonathan Rapping Helps Facilitate Trial Advocacy Workshop at Harvard Law School

    January 15, 2019

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan A. Rapping, helped to facilitate the Trial Advocacy Workshop for law students at Harvard Law School January 9-10, 2019. In addition to his roles at AJMLS, Professor Rapping serves as the President and Founder of Gideon’s Promise, is a Visiting Professor of Law… Read More

    Dean Malcolm L. Morris Represents CLEO in Collaboration with National Conference of Bar Examiners

    November 5, 2018

    NCBE and CLEO Announce New Collaboration NCBE invests in diversity and inclusion within the legal profession *Madison, Wisconsin – The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO) are pleased to announce a new collaboration in support of their shared goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in the… Read More

    Professor Jeffrey Van Detta Lectures at Belmont University Law School and State Bar of Georgia ICLE

    November 1, 2018

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Jeffrey Van Detta, the John E. Ryan Professor of International Business and Workplace Law, recently gave two lectures based on his most recently completed works of legal scholarship. On October 5, 2018, Professor Van Detta was one of the featured speakers at Belmont University Law School’s 2018 Law… Read More

    AJMLS Professor Delivers Keynote as Two Alumna Are Honored at Atlanta Bar Association Celebrating Service Luncheon

    October 19, 2018

    The Atlanta Bar Association is hosting their 11th Annual Celebrating Service Luncheon today at the Commerce Club. The luncheon is a celebration honoring legal professionals who have made significant impacts on our community through their dedication to public service. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, Jonathan… Read More

    AJMLS Professors and Associate Dean to Chair and Participate in 25th Annual U.S. Supreme Court Update

    October 2, 2018

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Kathleen M. Burch has been selected as Program Chair of the 25th Annual United States Supreme Court Update seminar of the State Bar of Georgia’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) to be held on October 18, 2018. Additionally, Professor Jeffrey A. Van Detta and Associate Dean Judith… Read More

    Dean Malcolm L. Morris Meets with Aspiring Law Students at CLEO ASAP Event

    July 2, 2018

    Dean Malcolm L. Morris met with aspiring law students this past week at the Council of Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) event in Washington, D.C. Dean Morris is a member of the CLEO, Inc. Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. ASAP is an intensive weekend that helps participants… Read More

    Professor Lisa Tripp Speaks at Department of Justice World Elder Abuse Awareness Event

    June 20, 2018

    The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently recognized the 13th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by hosting an event in Washington, DC. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor Lisa Tripp was invited to attend and speak at the event, where next steps in seeking nationwide elder justice were announced. Tripp is a consultant to… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Elected to Serve Second Term as Chairperson of ICLE Board of Trustees

    June 8, 2018

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor B. Michael Mears has been re-elected as Chairperson for the Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) Board of Trustees. The ICLE is a not-for-profit educational service for Georgia’s licensed attorneys. The State Bar of Georgia assumed administrative duties for the ICLE in 2017 and is governed by representatives from each of… Read More

    Professor Mears’ Article Selected for Cover of The Journal Jurisprudence

    May 8, 2018

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Professor Michael Mears’ article, “An American Tragedy: The Story of Johnny Lyn Old Chief,” has been selected as the cover article for The Journal Jurisprudence Easter Term 2018. The Journal Jurisprudence is an international law journal publication and issued four times per year. Each edition focuses on a key… Read More

    Four AJMLS Professors Secure Highest Rating Allowed by Martindale Hubbell

    February 21, 2018

    Four Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) professors have been given the highest rating allowed by Martindale-Hubbell for 2018. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings allow attorneys to complete anonymous peer reviews where they rate fellow lawyers on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) scale in five categories: Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Faculty Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

    November 20, 2017

    In 2017, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is fortunate to celebrate major milestone faculty anniversaries for six professors. Professor Michael Lynch is celebrating 20 years with AJMLS while Professors Dalton, Jeffries, McMillian, Mears, and Rapping are all celebrating 10 years with the Law School. AJMLS is built on the principle that the Law School is… Read More

    AJMLS Professors Participate in 24th Annual U.S. Supreme Court Update

    October 24, 2017

    On Thursday, October 19, 2017, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s Professor Kathleen Burch served as the Program Chair for the 24th Annual United States Supreme Court Update seminar held at the State Bar of Georgia. She gave the welcome and program overview and served as the presiding moderator. Additionally, Professors Judith Barger and Michael Mears were also… Read More

    Welcome New Faculty and Staff Members!

    August 14, 2017

    A very warm welcome to the new members of the Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) faculty and staff! Each joins the AJMLS community with a stellar background and a plethora of experience within the legal community. Paul Wilson and B. Taylor Bartlett join the Career Development office. Debbi Cohen and Dione Duckett join the… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Named Chairperson for the Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education

    August 1, 2017

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) Professor B. Michael Mears has been named Chairperson for the Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education for a two year term. This is a great honor for Professor Mears as he has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for over four years and was recently elected by his fellow trustees to… Read More

    A Tribute to Professor Willie J. Lovett, Jr.

    May 9, 2017

    Do Good Anyway- A Lesson from Professor Willie J. Lovett, Jr.  March 22, 1965 – January 30, 2017 By: Judge Renata D. Turner Judge. Professor. Mentor. Leader. Friend. These are just a few of the titles proudly worn by our beloved Professor Willie Jake Lovett, Jr. I am most honored to have called him a… Read More

    Professor Rapping Quoted in The New York Times

    April 14, 2017

    Professor Rapping was recently quoted in the SundayReview, an Op-Ed in The New York Times. The article, Justice Springs Eternal, explores the current state of the American prison system. In recent years the prison population numbers have been on the decline. The article examines how that decline may be affected by President Trump and a new… Read More

    AJMLS Professor, Michael Mears, Quoted in April’s Atlanta Magazine

    April 13, 2017

    AJMLS Associate Professor, Michael Mears, was recently quoted several times in the April edition of Atlanta Magazine. The article, Why did Georgia execute more prisoners in 2016 than any other state?, centered on the nine convicted murderers put to death in Georgia in 2016, more than any other state. This is the highest number of executions… Read More

    Professor Tripp Cited in Groundbreaking New Regulation

    October 7, 2016

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a historic new regulation that prohibits nursing homes receiving federal funds from using pre-dispute binding arbitration agreements. Pre-dispute binding arbitration agreements are usually presented to residents upon admission to the nursing home and residents are often unaware that by signing them they are giving up their rights to go to court…. Read More

    SALT Awards 2016 Junior Faculty Teaching Award to Professor Harpalani

    September 23, 2016

    Savannah Law School Professor Harpalani has been awarded the esteemed 2016 Junior Faculty Teaching Award by the Society of American Law Teachers (‘SALT’). The award recognizes an outstanding and emerging law professor who demonstrates a commitment to justice, equality and academic excellence. Professor Harpalani was selected for the award among a field of highly deserving nominees. Professor Harpalani is… Read More

    Professor Jaffe Quoted in The Wrap

    September 21, 2016

    Robert Sepúlveda Jr. is Logo TV’s lead in the network’s first same-sex dating show, Finding Prince Charming. He is threatening to sue online cyberbullies for “targeted harassment, shaming and bullying.” Sepúlveda Jr. turned to Instagram to fire back at those he feels have bullied him and stated “if you come for me, we will come for you and… Read More

    Professor Rapping Discusses Current State of the Criminal Defense System

    August 17, 2016

    Atlanta’s John Marshall’s Professor Jonathan Rapping was recently asked to participate in a discussion on the podcast Criminal (In)Justice with David Harris. The subject of the podcast was the current state of our criminal defense system, specifically indigent defendants requiring state-provided assistance of counsel. Professor Rapping was asked to participate because of both his impressive… Read More

    Professor Rapping Selected to Participate in Town Hall by Russell Simmons

    July 8, 2016

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Professor Jonathan Rapping was recently selected by Russell Simmons and his media company, All Things Def, and participated in a town hall at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. Along with our own Professor Rapping, the panel featured Nick Cannon; National Bar Association President Benjamin Crump, who represented the family… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Publishes Viewpoint in Daily Report

    June 16, 2016

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Associate Professor of Law Michael Mears recently wrote a poignant article which was published in the June 16, 2016 issue of the Daily Report. The article affirms that law students with dreams of joining the legal profession make a tremendous commitment of both their time and finances to further their… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears to Serve as Vice-Chair of ICLE Georgia’s Board of Trustees

    May 5, 2016

    Professor Michael Mears has been asked to serve as the Vice-Chairperson of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) in Georgia’s Board of Trustees for the year of 2017. The Chair of the Board will be Robert Kauffman, the Immediate Past-President of the State Bar of Georgia. This is a tremendous honor, not only for… Read More

    Professor Suparna Malempati Named Area Vice President for Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    March 11, 2016

    Professor Suparna Malempati has joined the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) as area Vice President for Fulton County beginning in January 2016.  GACDL is a statewide association that supports criminal defense attorneys in their fight to advocate and protect the rights of the accused.  GACDL is the largest member supported statewide criminal defense… Read More

    Assistant Dean Ortega and Professor Malempati Present at 2015 Georgia Conference on Children and Families

    October 29, 2015

    Assistant Dean Ortega and Professor Malempati of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School presented at the 2015 Georgia Conference on Children and Families (GCCF) held in Augusta, Georgia October 21-23, 2015. The GCCF is the largest annual interdisciplinary event in Georgia designed to bring together the community that serves children and families, including child advocacy, juvenile justice,… Read More

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Welcomes New Faculty

    August 17, 2015

    Fall classes are officially underway and the law school is pleased to welcome its new and returning faculty.   New to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Derek Alphran, Adjunct Professor Judith Barger, Distinguished Teaching Professional Ronald Blasi, Adjunct Professor Sujata Chanani, Adjunct Professor Erin Corken, Adjunct Professor Joe Habachy, Adjunct Professor Susan Jackson, Adjunct Professor… Read More

    Former Chief Justice Norman Fletcher Mentions Professor Mears While Accepting Gideon’s Promise Award

    May 21, 2015

    Professor Michael Mears, a former public defender and leading expert on the death penalty in Georgia, was mentioned in high regard by former Chief Justice Norman Fletcher as he accepted the Gideon’s Promise Award from the Southern Center for Human Rights. During Fletcher’s award acceptance, he addressed Steve Bright (Southern Center’s president and senior counsel)… Read More

    Professor Jonathan Rapping Speaks at Bold Moves TEDx Talk

    May 11, 2015

    Professor Jonathan Rapping, Director of the Criminal Justice Honors Program and 2014 MacArthur Genius Fellow, spoke at the April 28, 2015 Bold Moves TEDx Atlanta talk. TEDx described the Bold Moves event on their website, What’s a bold move and why does it matter? It’s a challenge to go where you’ve never gone before. It’s the… Read More

    Professor Lisa Tripp Writes Opinion Piece on Euro Crisis for CNN

    March 24, 2015

    Professor Lisa Tripp’s expertise in Greece, the Eurozone and the U.S. healthcare system has led her to become a frequent guest and contributor to CNN. Tripp’s recent opinion piece, Greece the only villain in euro crisis? Don’t believe it!, is paraphrased below. The full article may be read online here. Europe is in the midst of a… Read More

    Dean Renata D. Turner Appointed Associate Judge for Fulton County Juvenile Court

    March 19, 2015

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School congratulates Assistant Dean Renata D. Turner, current Magistrate Judge in Fulton County, who has recently been appointed as Fulton County’s next Associate Juvenile Court Judge. Fulton County Juvenile Court is the largest such court in Georgia and amongst the largest in the Southeast, with over 6,500 cases handled in 2014…. Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Quoted by AJC’s Bill Torpy About Last Meals on Death Row

    March 3, 2015

    Professor Michael Mears was quoted by Bill Torpy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in his recent column that discussed the last meal of death row inmate, Kelly Renee Gissendaner, as well as the history of the last meal ritual. Just last month, Mears also appeared on GPB Radio to discuss Georgia’s death penalty law and the execution… Read More

    Professor Lisa Tripp Discusses Future of Greek Economy on CNN

    January 30, 2015

    Prior to the polls coming to a close in Greece’s recent election, Professor Lisa Tripp spoke with CNN’s Jonathan Mann via Skype to discuss the future of the country’s economy. After the election, Tripp joined CNN’s Amara Walker and Michael Holmes on CNN Today to weigh-in on the new Prime Minister’s economic challenges. Lisa Tripp is… Read More

    Professor Michael Mears Appears on GPB Radio to Discuss Georgia’s Death Penalty Law

    January 28, 2015

    Professor Michael Mears appeared as a guest on the GPB Radio program On Second Thought (hosted by Celeste Headlee) on Tuesday, January 27. Mears discussed the history of Georgia’s death penalty law and the execution of mentally disabled persons. The timely discussion was prompted by the scheduled [Tuesday] execution of Georgia inmate, Warren Lee Hill. Also… Read More

    Professor Patrice Fulcher Quoted in The Economist

    January 27, 2015

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School congratulates Professor Patrice Fulcher, who has been quoted in a headline article in the 24 January 2015 issue of The Economist. Patrice Fulcher is a Tenured Associate Professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School where she teaches Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. Her scholarship focuses on issues surrounding the Prison Industrial… Read More

    AJMLS Alumnus and Professor Quoted in AJC on Immigration

    October 2, 2014

    When it comes to the debate on U.S. immigration; neither U.S. Rep Doug Collins (Class of 2008) or Professor Joseph Rosen are strangers to the discussion. In an article recently published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC), both Collins and Rosen, along with several other law professors were given the opportunity to share their views… Read More

    The Honorable Wendell Willard Visits John Marshall

    September 26, 2014

    The Honorable Wendell Willard, Chairman of the Georgia House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, recently visited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School to speak to Professor Michael Mears’ Evidence class. State Representative Willard led a decade long fight to have the model rules of evidence adopted in Georgia. It was largely through his efforts that Georgia adopted the… Read More

    Professor Tripp, Guest Speaker on FOX Business Channel

    September 22, 2014

    FOX Business channel recently aired a news segment featuring Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor, Lisa Tripp. Professor Tripp was a guest on MONEY with Melissa Francis discussing amongst a panel of experts the referendum in Scotland and their currency options if they chose independence . She was contacted by FOX based on her recent article,… Read More

    Professor Mears Discusses Ethics at Georgia Public Defenders Council Lecture

    September 19, 2014

    Professor Michael Mears was recently asked to prepare and present a course and lecture for the Georgia Public Defenders Council entitled Ethics for Public Defenders. The Council subsequently decided to use Mears’ presentation as a statewide webinar lecture on ethics, as well as a learning tool on the Council’s YouTube channel. The one-hour lecture has… Read More

    Professor Jonathan Rapping Named MacArthur Genius Fellow

    September 17, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is honored to announce that Professor Jonathan Rapping was named a 2014 MacArthur Genius Fellow for the impact his non-profit organization, Gideon’s Promise, has made on society. The MacArthur Fellow Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a… Read More

    Pro Bono Assistant Director to Speak at 10th Annual Accountability Courts Conference

    September 16, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is proud to announce that Bridgett E. Ortega, Assistant Director for the Office of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning, will speak at the Accountability Courts Conference. The conference will be held at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center during the week of September 14-18, 2014.  Sponsored by the… Read More

    AJMLS Professor Travels to New Mexico Detention Center to Represent Immigrant Children

    September 10, 2014

    Joseph Rosen, Immigration Law adjunct professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School  will travel to an immigration detention center in New Mexico next week to represent some of the Central American detainees who have recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Rosen will be helping immigrant children and their parents determine if they have viable claims for… Read More

    Professor Mears Discusses Death Penalty with the Chattanooga Times Free Press

    August 20, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor, Michael Mears, was recently interviewed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press to discuss delayed justice in Walker Co., GA where many inmates sit on death row for decades while the families of their victims are left to wait hopelessly for justice to be served. In the article, Professor Mears… Read More

    Article from Professor Fulcher Listed on SSRN’s Top Ten Download List

    July 22, 2014

    An article from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor, Patrice Fulcher, was recently listed on Social Science Research Network’s (SSRN) Top Ten download list for the topic Security and Safety. The article also reached the Top Ten downloads list for the Criminology eJournal, Political Economy – Development eJournal, and the Economic Inequality & the Law… Read More

    Professor Dalton Discusses Priest-Penitent Privilege in The Washington Times

    July 16, 2014

    Fueling the debate over priest-penitent privilege, is the recent ruling in the Louisiana Supreme Court which states that a teenage girl’s confession to a priest can be used as testimony in a child abuse case. A recent article by The Washington Times says, the Diocese of Baton Rouge deemed the court’s decision a violation of… Read More

    Professor Joseph Rosen Discusses Immigration in Special Fourth of July Podcast

    July 7, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor, Joseph Rosen was recently interviewed by Mark Deal from U.S. Immigration Podcast in a special Fourth of July episode. As America turned 238 years old, Professor Rosen was selected to speak on the history and future of immigration in the country. Rosen also discussed topics such as the Chinese… Read More

    Professor Mears Discusses the Upcoming Execution of Marcus Wellons

    June 17, 2014

    Marcus Wellons, convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1989 is set to be executed on June 17, 2014 at 7 p.m. However, instead of a three-drug cocktail formerly used, the state of Georgia wants to use one drug — sodium pentothal — to execute Marcus Wellons. In small doses, it is a sedative…. Read More

    Professor Rapping Speaks on Unequal Representation for the Poor

    June 17, 2014

    A recent article from The Guardian calls on Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Jonathan Rapping to discuss unequal representation for the nation’s poor. In the article by Sadhbh Walshe, the issue of wealth and its connection with acquittals, not-guilty verdicts, and reduced sentences were discussed. Professor Rapping insists that, “Money determines who sits in… Read More

    Footnote from AJMLS Professor Used in Dissent of Justice Benham

    May 20, 2014

    The Georgia Supreme Court recently issued its opinion in the Warren Lee Hill case. Hill was sentenced to death following the 1990 murder of a fellow inmate in the Lee County Correctional Institute, in which Hill beat the victim with a board embedded with nails. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Michael Mears was quoted… Read More

    AJMLS Professor Accepts the Eleventh Annual Ridenhour Prize for Gideon’s Army

    May 12, 2014

    Gideon’s Army, an HBO documentary about the non-profit organization of AJMLS professor Jon Rapping, recently received the 2014 Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize. The film follows three young public defenders as they struggle with staggering caseloads, long hours, low pay, and trying to balance their commitment to public service with a criminal justice system strained to… Read More

    National Institute for Trial Advocacy Invites AJMLS Professor to Teach Trial Advocacy Basics

    May 2, 2014

    The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) is the nation’s leading provider of legal advocacy skills training. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado, NITA pioneered the legal skills learning-by-doing methodology over 40 years ago and has since remained the ultimate standard in continuing legal education. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Suparna Malempati… Read More

    Daily Report Interviews Professor Mears on Botched Oklahoma Execution

    May 1, 2014

    “The botched execution of Clayton Lockett in Oklahoma on Tuesday should serve as a wake-up call to Georgia officials scrambling to find ways to put inmates to death without trampling constitutional guarantees and basic human decency,” said Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor, Michael Mears, in a recent interview with the Daily Report. Professor Mears,… Read More

    AJMLS Announces Eleven Upcoming Tenure Appointments

    April 24, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has granted tenure to eleven faculty members, effective August 1, 2014. Eight of the eleven appointments are AJMLS professors and three are professors at Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of AJMLS. Upcoming Tenured Professors at AJMLS Associate Professor K…. Read More

    AJMLS Professor Chosen for Radio Interview with Legal Talk Network

    April 22, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor and Director of the Honors Program in Criminal Justice, Jonathan Rapping was recently interviewed on Legal Talk Network’s radio program, Lawyer2Lawyer, to discuss his organization Gideon’s Promise. On this episode of Lawyer2Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interviewed Professor Rapping, founder of the Atlanta-based public defender training… Read More

    Law Review Article by AJMLS Professor Cited in Forbes Magazine

    April 22, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Beckett Cantley was cited in a recent article by Forbes Magazine discussing life insurance and 831(b) captive insurance companies. His extensive experience on the issue, in addition to his recent appearance as a panelist at the Spring Meeting of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association made… Read More

    Professor Fulcher Gives Expert Opinion to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

    April 15, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Patrice Fulcher was asked by Representative Elijah E. Cummings’ office, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to comment on the contempt proceedings against Lois Lerner. Cummings released opinions from 25 legal experts across the country and the political spectrum concluding that Committee Chairman Darrell… Read More

    Jonathan Rapping Earns National Recognition with Inaugural Purpose Economy 100 Award

    April 8, 2014

    Nearly 80 percent of the 12 million people who move annually through America’s criminal justice system cannot afford a lawyer. As a result, many innocent defendants plead guilty simply because they cannot afford to take their case to trial, and the public defender system is so overwhelmed by crushing volume, that adequate and meaningful defense… Read More

    Professor D’Agostino Interviewed Regarding Bankruptcy Laws

    March 24, 2014

    In a recent article from CardHub, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Robert D’Agostino and other legal experts answered common questions individuals have regarding bankruptcy. CardHub offers an easily-accessible search engine and relevant articles for individuals to use to find a credit card that suits their personal and financial needs. However, due to the increase… Read More

    Professor Rapping Receives the INSPIRE Award from Cardozo School of Law

    February 4, 2014

    Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Jonathan Rapping was recently awarded the INSPIRE Award from Cardozo School of Law in New York City. The award was given to Professor Rapping, President and Founder of Gideon’s Promise, because of his work with an organization that inspires, mobilizes and trains legal professionals to provide the highest quality… Read More

    AJMLS Professor’s Non-Profit Organization Receives $1 Million Grant from Department of Justice

    October 31, 2013

    Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced a total of $6.7 million in grants to state and local criminal and civil legal services organizations across the country that provide legal defense services for the poor.  The non-profit organization of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School professor Jon Rapping was one of the organizations chosen to receive a… Read More