Proudly educating attorneys for over
85 years
discite non scholae sed vitae discimus l e a r n n ot f o r s c h o o l , b u t f o r l i f e
Just like the city, Atlanta’s John Marshall buzzes with energy. The social, cultural, and economic hub of the South, Georgia’s capital and Atlanta’s John Marshall are right where you want to be. 2
atlanta’s John marshall law school | dean’s message
our legacy of promise Your interest in Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School marks the beginning of one of the most exciting adventures of your life — a journey that will lead you to a lifetime of learning and bettering the lives of those you represent. Our central mission is your success. The focus is on teaching you the law and training on how to practice it. At Atlanta’s John Marshall, preparing you to become a successful lawyer is our top priority. The following pages will give you a sense of our school, our students, our faculty and how the law school serves as the pathway into the profession for successful lawyers.
A message from the Dean
Our faculty is a group of highly-regarded, accomplished professors. They are a coterie of impressive scholar-practitioners, each of whom has a commitment to their students and sharing both their knowledge and lawyer “know-how” in a way that enables you to be practice-ready upon graduation. Their teaching philosophy is simple — do what is necessary for you to succeed. This includes utilizing their offices as satellite classrooms where professors provide one-on-one instruction designed to address your individual educational needs.
Salutem et ave! Greetings and welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School!
Our students are a diverse group of individuals from throughout the country and different walks of life. Those differences bring richness to the classroom that allows students to gain a new perspective on the law and how it impacts others. It is a place where all can thrive and learn from one another. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is an “enterprise of opportunity.” Our doors are open to those who want to become lawyers, even if they thought that was beyond their grasp. We can help you achieve that goal. I encourage you to consider what the school can offer you and how that will advance your professional aspirations. You are welcome to contact us with any questions you have. If you are ready for the challenge of entering the legal profession, we will lead you to that goal. When you reach it, I proudly will shake your hand as you walk across the stage to receive your Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School diploma. Sincerely, Malcolm L. Morris Dean
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atlanta’s John marshall law school | Juris doctor programs
a forum for collaborative discourse full-time program [3 years] fall entry The full-time J.D. program is designed for the acquisition and development of intellectual, analytical, and lawyering skills. From the first-year curriculum, with its required set of core courses, through the third year, with courses that emphasize practical skills development, this degree program promotes analytical reasoning, precision in both oral and written communication, and problem solving. With these fundamental skills students learn the rules of law and how to apply them in an ever-changing society. This program requires study in residence for six semesters over three academic years. Optional summer sessions are available, but not required. criminal Justice certificate program The Criminal Justice Certificate Program prepares graduates to practice criminal law, whether as a prosecutor or a defender. Students of the Certificate Program graduate equipped with strategies to allow them to shape the criminal justice arena rather than simply being shaped by it. Students will complete field work in their third year, where they will be afforded the opportunity to apply curriculum lessons in a criminal law placement. Students may elect to apply for the Certificate Program once the first year curriculum is complete.
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part-time program [4 years] day or evening The part-time J.D. program is designed to provide a means to achieve a legal education to those who, for personal and/or professional reasons, are unable to devote full time to the study of law. The parttime program requires study in residence for eight semesters over four academic years, which includes summer sessions. Part-time day students take their required classes during the day with the full-time students. Classes in the day-division normally are scheduled during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m.
to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, while required classes in the parttime evening division are scheduled three evenings per week from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. accelerated program [2 ½ years] spring entry The accelerated J.D. program is designed so that students acquire and develop the same set of skills in less time than the standard threeyear program. All coursework and class requirements are identical to the three-year program. The curriculum and its instruction begin in the spring and summer semesters, allowing the students to complete the program in two and a half years. The program requires study in residence for six semesters over two and a half academic years, plus one required summer session. employment law J.d./ll.m. Atlanta’s John Marshall J.D. students can participate in the LL.M. upon successful completion of their first year curriculum. As early as their second year, J.D. students can apply to co-enroll in courses that will earn them up to 12 credit hours to go towards both their J.D. and their LL.M. degrees. After graduating with their J.D., the student would complete an additional 12 credit hours, typically one year’s worth of online courses, and be awarded their LL.M. in Employment Law.
We offer
Four One One versatile J.D. program options,
certificate program, and
J.D./LL.M. program to meet your needs.
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labore improbus omnia vincit hard work conquers all
In the classroom, you will learn how to think like a lawyer. Your experiences outside the classroom will teach you how to BE a lawyer.
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atlanta’s John marshall law school | life outside the classroom
a community of applied learning More than just work experience, experiential learning is an opportunity to develop your professional footprint.
The law school offers over
350
externship placements
experiential learning The Experiential Learning Program is a bridge between law school and the practice of law. Externships or field placements provide students with the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical experience of on-the-job training. Please note that, students matriculating at the law school after August 1, 2016 must earn six (6) credit hours in one or more experiential courses. Experiential courses include simulation courses, law clinics, and externships
pro bono program The AJMLS Pro Bono Program furthers the Law School’s commitment to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. Students benefit from the practical experience gained through volunteering while experiencing the rewards and joys of giving back to the community.
Students can further their individual educational goals by selecting a field placement that offers the skills and knowledge they need to enhance their educational and professional development. Unlike an internship, an externship allows a student to receive academic credit for the enhanced education he or she receives outside the classroom. The Law School website lists over 350 approved local, state, and national placements, and The Office of Experiential Learning will work with you to find and/or approve placements that meet your individual needs and interests.
Students who participate in pro bono work are recognized and rewarded through special activities and graduation honors.
The Pro Bono Program is structured as a Formal Voluntary Program. Students are able to select from a robust list of pro bono organizations an activity that fits their interests.
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atlanta’s John marshall law school | student success programs
a proactive approach ACADEMiC ACHiEVEMENT The Office of Academic Achievement (OAA) focuses on enhancing and strengthening the academic skills that ensure law school and bar exam success. OAA offers multiple opportunities for students to identify, strengthen, and leverage their academic skills through individual assistance, group workshops, and formal course offerings. Equipped with a team of academic support professionals, the OAA facilitates and assists students in developing academic action plans and helping students and alumni meet their academic goals. In addition to individualized academic counseling, OAA offers specific courses while at AJMLS. COuRSE OffERiNGS academic labs Law school exposes students to a whole new way of thinking. To assist students in this challenging new endeavor, OAA offers an academic lab to all first-year law students in the first semester of their 1L year to enhance and refine specific academic skills necessary to succeed in law school. Focusing on the skills of critical reading, legal analysis, and self-regulated learning, the lab provides several opportunities for students to submit assignments and receive instructive feedback to improve and strengthen the academic skills heavily assessed in law school and utilized by successful law students and practicing attorneys.
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From study skills to passing the bar, from externships and job interviews to career development, Atlanta’s John Marshall is there — teaching, mentoring and guiding you along your path to success.
legal methods Students receive focused instruction and intensive practical experience in the application of skills and strategies associated with expert-level legal learning and problem-solving in this course offered to a select number of students in their second semester of their first year. The instructional methods in the course are designed to implicate higher order mental processes and achieve deeper conceptual understanding of complex legal problems via active learning techniques, teambased learning, and problem-based exercises, in an environment simulating the working dynamics encountered by practicing attorneys. Progress is reviewed frequently utilizing a combination of traditional essay exams, self-evaluation techniques, and peer feedback to encourage deep-level thought and to foster the development of the advanced analytical skills. bar success In an effort to increase success on the bar exam, the following courses have been implemented in the form of specialized course offering and workshops. While most prepare for the attorney’s licensing exam (the bar exam) after graduation, AJMLS students are provided a unique advantage to jumpstart their bar studies through the following required courses in the third year of study. mastering legal skills (mls) MLS introduces 3Ls to the
Multistate Performance Test (MPT), a component of the Georgia bar exam and several other jurisdictions. The MPT tests six skills, which include problem solving, legal analysis & reasoning, factual analysis, communication, organization and management of a legal task, and recognizing & resolving ethical dilemmas. Through this course, students actively employ these skills through multiple assessments and exercises. Students receive instructive and practical feedback with regard to their individual MPT performance along with numerous strategies to succeed on the MPT. Students are also given numerous opportunities to actively self-evaluate their performance to leverage their ability to independently identify, address, and solve areas of opportunity to improve. mastering legal principles (mlp) In the last semester of law school, MLP provides a jumpstart to bar preparation. The course provides an intense review of commonly tested bar exam subjects, such as real property, contract, constitutional law, and federal civil procedure, as well as several opportunities to apply, practice, and assess the various components of the bar exam, the multistate bar exam (“MBE”), and the state specific essay component of the bar exam. Students receive exposure, practice, and instruction on multiple choice questions as well as individualized feedback on practice essays.
Supplemental Alumni Bar Support Studying for the bar exam is not something that our students have to do alone. After graduation, alumni are provided with an opportunity to participate in the bar success program. The supplemental bar success program is not intended to be a substitute for a commercial bar review, but rather is intended to be an added benefit and support program to alumni sitting and preparing for the upcoming bar exam. The supplemental alumni program is a problem-based program that actively engages bar studiers with several practice assessments, such as multiple choice questions and essays, and specific strategies to optimize performance on the bar exam. Individual counseling is available on request. In addition, bar exam takers that participate in the program are paired with a bar review coach, a member of the OAA team who offers support and strategies to students as they prepare for this difficult exam. CAREER DEVELOPMENT We believe early career assessment and skills training are essential to a successful job search and satisfying career. The Law School’s Career Development Office (CDO) offers extensive programing and a wide range of resources and opportunities to help our students identify and secure desired positions. With everything from individual career advising and job-specific
seminars to mock interviews and exit interviews, our graduates are thoroughly prepared for their job search. Job fairs, advanced Internet programs, and job postings are just a few of the readily-accessible resources we provide for a successful job search. We also foster strong alumni relationships that support our students through a mentoring program. Advising The Law School provides individual counseling for students and alumni to discuss all aspects of their career searches. Each student is assigned a counselor and is encouraged to meet with the counselor throughout his or her tenure at Atlanta’s John Marshall. Job Fairs The CDO participates in numerous job fairs with other schools across the country, including ones designed to place graduates in specialty practice, minority, public interest positions, and government jobs. Exit Interviews The staff of the CDO meet with each third (or part-time fourth) year student prior to graduation in order to assess his or her job search status and strategy. Recent graduates will continue to receive job search assistance in an effort to secure employment promptly. Student Affairs AJMLS makes a concerted effort to provide a learning environment collegial and supportive for its students. Specifically, the Office
of Student Affairs and Pro Bono Programs strives to create opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. This is accomplished by promoting communication, the free exchange of ideas, and interaction between and among groups. In addition, the Office makes every effort to instill a sense of professionalism and community, while fostering academic and social integration. Peer Mentorship Program The Peer Mentorship Program helps improve the quality of life for new students by providing social and personal support. By making mentors available to all first-year students, we hope to improve overall academic performance, provide an ongoing orientation to all aspects of law school, and foster academic and social integration. Through sustained, supportive and nurturing mentor-mentee relationships, the program strives to enhance the learning and holistic development of students both in and out of the classroom. Professionalism Series Program The Professionalism Series establishes good practices and high ethical standards early in our students’ legal training. It is also an opportunity for students to develop their professional identity by engaging with judges, practicing lawyers, and legal experts who exude the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Participation in the Series is mandatory for all first-year students.
carpe diem s e i z e t h e d ay
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atlanta’s John marshall law school | the faculty
a network of scholars and achievers Our faculty combines excellent academic credentials with years of practical experience.
Atlanta’s John Marshall is dedicated to helping students succeed in law school, in law practice and in life. Faculty members are mentors and role models who balance high expectations with genuine care and compassion. The Law School is dedicated to preparing highly competent and professional lawyers under the guidance of an outstanding group of scholars. The law school faculty is dedicated to ensuring all students have the opportunity to develop and grow as they master both the law and the professional skills required to provide representation to all clients at every level of society.
Our faculty have taught over
260
combined years at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
The diverse faculty brings a wealth of practical knowledge and scholarship to the school. The classroom environment allows for substantial interaction with the professors and the best conditions for learning. The classroom environment also promotes close friendships with fellow students and with faculty. Professors treat students as individuals, and are committed to helping them succeed. You will find a supportive learning environment where professors are readily available to help foster mastery and success.
“My object is to facilitate each student’s development into a lawyer by practicing in a pressurized setting the skills of thinking on one’s feet, synthesizing ideas you’ve read about into new arguments and perspectives, considering the client and other audiences for a lawyer’s work, and making connections between Contracts and the other courses that are part of your law studies.”
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Jeffrey A. Van Detta, educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 19 years, The John E. Ryan Professor of International Business and Workplace Law
Learn Business Organizations, Sales and Secured Transactions, or Bankruptcy from...
Professor Robert D’Agostino – educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 24 years An avid bicyclist and political activist, “Dag” practiced bankruptcy and commercial law for 20 years, served as a presidential appointee to the U.S. Department of Justice under President Ronald Reagan as Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights, served as Dean at AJMLS from 1996-2000, and has participated in several U.S. Supreme Court amicus briefs dealing with bankruptcy issues.
Learn to navigate the law library with its Director and namesake, or learn Contracts from…
Professor Michael J. Lynch – educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 21 years An industry pioneer in transitioning law schools across the nation from catalogue to computer based libraries, Professor Lynch’s unprecedented service and expansion of library services was honored in 2013 with the dedication of the library in his name. Professor Lynch serves as the Director of the Michael J. Lynch Law Library.
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a case for 226 community atlanta’s John marshall law school | community
different undergraduate institutions represented on-campus in 2017
the sense of community created and experienced by our students is one of the many factors that sets us apart from other law schools. There is an intentional diversity to the Law School’s student body that we believe strengthens every aspect of our program. Each student, ranging from a recent college graduate to a career professional, brings a unique perspective to
the classroom. This diverse and talented group not only enhances the learning experience, but also provides a deeper understanding of how the law impacts all persons.
“i had always heard stories of extreme competitiveness in law school. luckily, here at atlanta’s John marshall, students are collaborative and supportive of each other. i have found life-long friends and future colleagues during my time at atlanta’s John marshall law school.”
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While backgrounds are varied, students share a deep commitment to achieving their dream of becoming lawyers.
The range of professional backgrounds is vast, particularly in the part-time evening division, which has included medical doctors, teachers, police officers, mental health workers, accountants, engineers, homemakers, and more. Student organizations sponsor numerous activities that enrich the law school experience — from lectures by community leaders and panel discussions on current legal issues, to the annual Barristers’ Ball, and much more. Some of the many organizations include: Amnesty International, Black Law Students Association, Christian Legal Society, Corporate
and Business Law Society, Criminal Law Society, Family Law Society, Gideon’s Promise, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Immigration Law Society, Latin American Law Students Association, Phi Alpha Delta, OutLaw and Allies,Sports and Entertainment Law Society, SOLO Practioners’ Law Society, Veteran Law Students Association, and the Student Bar Association. There are organizations for those interested in a plethora of legal disciplines. In addition, students are always invited to follow the process to start a new student organization LAW JOURNAL The John Marshall Law Journal is
an annual legal periodical. Second and third year full-time students and third and fourth year part-time students staff the Journal. Students receive invitations to join based on their academic success and writing skills. ADVOCACY BOARD The Advocacy Board is an intensive program of advocacy training in a competitive environment. The program provides students the opportunity to develop written, oral, and team-based advocacy skills in the Moot Court Track and/or the Mock Trial Track. The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School competition teams have won awards at the local, regional, and national levels.
concordia res parvae crescent W o r k to g e t h e r to a c c o m p l i s h m o r e
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an opportunity atlanta’s John marshall law school | admissions
J.d.
these factors is impossible, therefore,
degree from a regionally accredited college or university. We highly encourage prospective students to check with their undergraduate institution regarding its accreditation status. Students with senior year undergraduate standing may be considered for admission, provided their degree will be conferred prior to law school matriculation. All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and to have their test scores, along with all academic transcripts, reported through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The LSAT score must be no more than five years old at the time an application is considered. Applicants may register for the LSAT exam and CAS by calling (215) 968-1001 or online at www.lsac.org.
To enroll a qualified and diverse class each year, the Office of Admissions takes in to account the whole individual. In addition to the candidate’s academic record and standardized test results, Admissions will carefully examine factors that indicate a high probability for success in the study of law.
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Such factors include: life experience; personal and professional achievements; ability to overcome life’s obstacles, including personal or family hardships; the capacity for rigorous intellectual study; the self-discipline demanded by the profession; and a commitment to be of service to the profession and society. Precise measurement of
the Office of Admissions exercises reasonable discretion with regards to application to each candidate. The goal of the admissions process is to achieve ethnic, racial, cultural, gender and experiential diversity.* For detailed information about applying to Atlanta’s John Marshall, contact: The Office of Admissions 1422 West Peachtree St., NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (678) 916-2620 admissions@johnmarshall.edu www.johnmarshall.edu requirements Admission to the Juris Doctor program requires a bachelor’s
documentation Prospective students can apply to the Law School directly online at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply and www.lsac.org. An application can also be downloaded at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply. In addition, applicants must submit the following materials: 1. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report: available for retrieval. 2. A personal statement detailing life experiences which have contributed to your personal development and prepared you to successfully undertake a rigorous program in the study of law. The statement should
a posse ad esse F r o m p o s s i b i l i t y to a c t u a l i t y
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been fully approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association since 2009. The Section of Legal Education may be contacted at: 321 North Clark St. Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 9088-6738
be typed, double-spaced, and no more than three pages.
review of any application until all required documentation is received.
3. Two letters of recommendation from persons who know you well and can attest to your capacity to succeed in the study of law.
Admissions Events The Office of Admissions holds Open Houses and attends numerous recruiting events throughout the year. Classroom visits and tours are also available year-round. For a schedule of events, visit www. johnmarshall.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (678) 916-2620.
4. Upon acceptance and prior to registration, an official transcript for all undergraduate, graduate, or professional study undertaken must be forwarded directly from the degree-granting institution to the Office of Admissions. Application instructions for international students, transfer students, visiting students, reapplicants, and audit students can be found under the Admissions section at www.johnmarshall.edu. Application Schedule Applications are accepted yearround. However, applicants should apply as early as possible to ensure consideration prior to a class becoming full. The Admissions Committee will not undertake a
*Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School does not use admission policies or take other action to preclude admission of applicants or retention of students on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The Law School fosters and maintains equal opportunity for students, faculty, and staff, without discrimination or segregation. The purpose of this viewbook is to provide prospective students with an overview of the curriculum, faculty, location, programs, and services at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. The information provided does not
constitute a contract and is subject to change without notice. All programs are subject to meeting minimum enrollment. LL.M. LL.M. is the abbreviation of the Latin phrase, Legum Magister, which means Master of Laws. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, which grants acquiescence to the LL.M. degrees. LL.M. in Employment Law [24 credit hours, typically five semesters online] Our LL.M. in Employment Law educates new and experienced attorneys, as well as nonattorneys who aspire to obtain higher education for a career in Employment Law or Employee Benefits. The program is focused on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective and highly-functioning employment law specialists in today’s increasingly global marketplace. The program is offered exclusively online and 100% asynchronous.
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In Atlanta Attend a Prospective Student Open House or schedule a visit to tour campus. Upcoming event dates are located on our website. Sign-up online through our Schedule a Visit form. Register for a free practice LSAT exam. We partner with study providers to offer free practice exams throughout the year. Register for our next practice exam on our website.
At a University or Public Event Our admissions team travels the country with the sole intention of meeting you and answering your questions. Review our Recruitment Calendar online to see our travel schedule.
connect with admissions and the law school community
Online The Office of Admissions hosts free webinar events that cover topics ranging from ‘Creating a Competitive Application’ to ‘Financing Your Legal Education’. Upcoming webinar dates are located on our website. Connect with us on social media for real-time updates about our law school community. facebook.com/AJMLS @AtlantaJMLS @AtlantaJMLS pinterest.com/AJMLS Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School