Our students come for Law School
“I wanted to complete my education at a school that catered to ME. I wanted to experience a world-class city full of energy. Atlanta and John Marshall truly the best of both worlds.
— Amber O’Connor, AJMLS ’12 Graduate
OUR
To prepare highly competent and professional lawyers who possess a strong social conscience, continually demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society.
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Take a look. We believe you will find John Marshall to be compelling and exciting – a place where you can thrive and succeed.
We instill a sense of obligation to the community and legal profession. You and your training can make a difference.
Students are put first. My success at John Marshall is reflected by this. Paul Nam, AJMLS ’12 Graduate
table of contents
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our passion message from the dean at a glance jd programs
14 curriculum 16 outside the classroom 18 student success programs
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the faculty life at AJMLS admissions board of directors
message from the dean
Salutem et ave! Greetings and welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School! Your interest in Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) could mark the beginning of one of the most exciting adventures of your life- a journey that could lead to adding the title “Attorney at Law” to your name. If that is your goal, we have the road for you to take. Our central mission is your success. We focus our energies on teaching students the law and training them to practice it. At AJMLS, preparing you to become a lawyer is our top priority.
The following pages will give you a sense of our school, the people who learn here, those who teach, and how AJMLS serves as the pathway into the profession for successful lawyers. Our faculty is a group of highly-regarded and accomplished professors. They are a coterie of impressive scholar-practitioners, each of whom has a commitment to our students and to sharing both their knowledge and lawyer “know-how” in a way that enables you to be practice-ready upon graduation.
Their teaching philosophy is simpledo what is necessary for you to succeed. B.S., Cornell University J.D., SUNY at Buffalo LL.M., Northwestern University
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This includes considering their offices as satellite classrooms where one-on-one instruction designed to address a student’s educational needs is provided. Our students are a diverse group of individuals each with one goal in mind-becoming practicing lawyers. They have come to the school 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 allow you to advance your professional aspirations. You are welcome to contact us with any questions you might 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 and CEO
at a glance HIGHLIGHTS • Founded in 1933 • ABA Accredited, American Bar Association: 321 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60654 • Women were apart of the first graduating class • Among the first integrated Southern law schools • Offers part-time day and part-time evening programs for non-traditional students • Savannah Law School (SLS), a branch of AJMLS, welcomed the inaugural class in 2012 Academic Options 3 Year Full-Time Day Program* 4 Year Part-Time Day Program* 4 Year Part-Time Evening Program* 3 Year Honors Program in Criminal Justice 2.5 Year Accelerated Full-Time Day Program, Spring Entry Only Residential LL.M. for the Practice of Law in the U.S. Online LL.M. in American Legal Studies Online LL.M. in Employment Law 2014 - 2015 Enrollment** Total Full-Time Part-Time Male Female Minority Student/Faculty Ratio Graduation rate 2013-2014 (AJMLS) 2014 Entering Class Profile** Number of Applicants Applicants Accepted Entering Class Size AJMLS SLS Part-Time Class Size Gender Male Female Resident of Georgia Non-Georgia Minority Enrollment Median Age, Full-Time Median Age, Part-Time
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604 372 232 261 343 50% 13:1 76% 1311 706 215 173 42 62
2014 LSAT/GPA Entering Class** 75% Median 25% LSAT 151 148 146 GPA 3.21 2.9 2.63 BAR PASSAGE RATE First Time Takers Pass Rate – First Time State First Time Pass Rate
July ’13 146 67.1% 88.8%
Feb. ‘14 62 64.5% 75.2%
FACULTY & ADMINISTRATORS*** Full Time Faculty 36 Part Time Faculty 20 Administrators 15 Male 25 Female 30 Minority 12 PLACEMENT STATISTICS Placement Rate for 2013 Graduates 85.5% TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT Law Firms Business/Industry Government Public Interest Judicial Clerkships Academia Unknown
54.5% 24.5% 14% 3% 1% 2% 1%
LAW LIBRARY • Four Professional Librarians • More than 250,000 volumes • Wireless internet access throughout building • Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw *Offered at AJMLS and SLS **Includes AJMLS and SLS, data collected 8/22/14 ***AJMLS fosters and maintains equality of opportunity for students, faculty, and staff, without discrimination on the basis of
41% 59% 73% 27% 51% 24 32
race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. AJMLS has a faculty whose qualifications and experience carry out its program of legal education. The faculty possess a high degree of competence, as demonstrated by their experience in teaching or practice, teaching effectiveness, and scholarship. Data as of Fall 2014 academic year, includes AJMLS and SLS.
John Marshall is an American hero. He served in the Continental Army, helped ratify the Constitution and served as a member of Congress. He was internationally known as a diplomat and Secretary of State, and is lauded as one of the greatest Supreme Court Justices. We are inspired by the legacy of this great leader.
Our dedication has made the dream of practicing law a reality for thousands of our students.
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School at is dedicated to providing a quality education to both traditional and nontraditional students. AJMLS is proud of its rich history of diversity and inclusion. East Carolina University East Tennessee State University Eastern Michigan University Eckerd College Agnes Scott College Elon University Alabama A&M University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Albany State University University Albion College Emory University Alcorn State University Excelsior College Alfred University Fisk University American Intercontinental Florida A&M University- GA Florida Atlantic University American Public University System Florida Gulf Coast University American University Florida International University Anderson University- SC Florida Southern College Appalachian State University Florida State University Arizona State University Fort Valley State University Armstrong Atlantic State Francis Marion University University Franklin Pierce College Art Institute of Atlanta George Mason University Ashford University George Washington University Auburn University Georgia College & State University Augusta State University Georgia Institute of Technology Baylor University Georgia Southern University Belmont University Georgia Southwestern State Univ. Bennett College Georgia State University Berea College Goucher College Berry College Grambling State University Boston College Guilford College Boston University Hampden-Sydney College Brenau University Hampton University Brewton Parker College Harding University Brigham Young University Hilbert College Brown University Howard University Bryan College Illinois State University Bucknell University Indiana State University Butler University Ithaca College California State University Jackson State University Calvin College Jacksonville State University Campbell University Jacksonville University Canisius College James Madison University Capella University Kaplan University Carleton University Kennesaw State University Case Western Reserve University King University Central Michigan University Kutztown University of Penn. Chicago State University La Salle University Christian Brothers University Lee University City University of New York Liberty University Clark Atlanta University Longwood University Clayton College & State University Louisiana State University Clemson University Loyola University Maryland College of Charleston Lyon College College of Staten Island Marquette University Columbus State University Maryville College Concordia College Memorial University of Covenant College Newfoundland Dallas Baptist University Mercer University Dartmouth College Mercy College – New York Davis and Elkins College Michigan State University Devry Institute of Technology Middle Tennessee State University Denison University Minnesota State University Depaul University Monmouth University Drexel University Monroe College Summary of Colleges and Universities Represented: 2010-2013 Entering Classes
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a glance
Montclair State University Morehouse College Morgan State University Mount Holyoke College Murray State University National University New College of Florida New York Institute of Tech Norfolk State University North Carolina A&T State Univ. North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University North GA College & State Univ. Northern Illinois University New York University Oakwood University Oglethorpe University Ohio Dominican University Ohio State University Paine College Peirce College Pennsylvania State University Piedmont College Georgia Presbyterian College Purdue University Queens College Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Reinhardt University Rhodes College Rollins College Rutgers University Saint Leo University Saint Thomas University Savannah State College Shorter College – Georgia South Carolina State University South University - Savannah Southeastern Louisiana University Southern Methodist University Southern Polytechnic State Univ. Spelman College State University of New York Stetson University St. John’s University – NYC Strayer University Suffolk University Syracuse University Temple University Tennessee State University Tennesee Tech University Texas A&M University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Woman’s University The Citadel Touro College Towson University Transylvania University Troy University Truett McConnell College Tufts University U.S. Air Force Academy
University of Alabama University of California University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Florida University of Georgia University of Houston University of Illinois University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Memphis University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Nebraska University of New Orleans University of North Alabama University of North Carolina University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Phoenix University of Pittsburgh University of Scranton University of South Alabama University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Southern Mississippi University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Texas University of the Pacific University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Wake Forest University Walla Walla College Washington Adventist University Wayne State University Weber State University West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western Michigan University Wheaton College Whittier College Wilkes College Wilmington University Winston-Salem State University Winthrop University Wofford College Xavier University York University Young Harris College
Our students come from across the nation to bring their remarkable talents and professional accomplishments to the community.
“I expected to find a challenging and exciting law school, but found so much more - a nurturing and supportive community that will impact my career and my life.”
— Ungeliqua Burns, AJMLS ‘13 Graduate
juris doctor programs The study of law is exciting, dynamic, and richly rewarding. At AJMLS, our academic programs provide the skills necessary for graduates to enter the profession well-equipped and ready to practice law. Fall Entry [three years]
Accelerated Spring Entry [two and one half years]
The full-time J.D. program is designed for the acquisition and development of intellectual, analytical and lawyering skills. From the firstyear curriculum with its required set of core courses, through the third year with courses that emphasize practical skills development, the degree program promotes analytical reasoning, precision in both oral and written communication and problem solving. With these fundamentals, students learn the rules of law and how to apply them in an everchanging society. This program requires study in residence for six semesters over three academic years, which includes optional summer sessions.
The accelerated J.D. program is designed so that students acquire and develop the same set of skills in less time than the standard three year 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 to complete the program in two and one half years. The program requires study in residence for six semesters over two and one half academic years, plus one required summer session.
Part-Time, Day or Evening [four years, fall entry only]
New law school graduates often take jobs in the American criminal justice system without any real preparation. They learn on the job in offices largely driven by caseload and resource pressures.
The part-time J.D. program is designed to provide a means to achieve a legal education to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to devote full time to the study of law. The part-time 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 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, while required classes in the part-time evening division are scheduled three evenings per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 6:15pm to 9:30pm.
Honors Program in Criminal Justice [three years]
The Honors Program curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to excel in the area of criminal law and to enter the field ready to practice as prosecutors or defenders. It provides an integrated, applied approach that equips students with the strategies to be ethical, professional, and moral lawyers in less than perfect systems. Students complete a criminal law externship in their third year. AJMLS has well established and approved externship placements with criminal courts, juvenile law and advocacy agencies, public defenders’ offices, prosecutors’ offices and municipal and state agencies.
Jonathan Rapping, Director of Honors Program in Criminal Justice and Associate Professor of Law, named 2014 MacArthur Fellow.
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While law school will not be easy, it will fully prepare you for success.
Full-Time Students
curriculum
FIRST YEAR
FALL P.A.S.S.*** 0 Civil Procedure I 3 Contracts I 3 Criminal Law 3 Torts I 3 3 LRWA** I Total Credits 15 SPRING Civil Procedure II Contracts II Real Property I LRWA** II Torts II Total Credits
3 3 3 3 3 15
SECOND YEAR
PART-Time Students FIRST YEAR
FALL Constitutional Law I 3 Evidence 4 Real Property II 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 2-6 Total Credits 12-16 SPRING Criminal Procedure 3 Constitutional Law II 3 Business Organizations 3 Sales & Secured 3 Transactions Elective or 0-4 Writing Req.* 12-16 Total Credits THIRD YEAR
FALL Professional Responsibility 2 Remedies 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 7-11 Total Credits 12-16 SPRING Elective(s) and/or Writing Req. 12-16 Total Credits 12-16 TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
88
Fall Spring Contracts I 3 Contracts II 3 LRWA** I 3 LRWA** II 3 Torts I 3 Torts II 3 P.A.S.S.*** (online) 0 Total Credits 9 Total Credits 9
Summer Criminal Law 3 Electives(s) and/or 2-3 Writing Req.*
SECOND YEAR
Total Credits
Fall 3 Civil Procedure I Real Property I 3 Criminal 3 Procedure 9 Total Credits
Spring Summer Civil Elective(s) and/or Procedure II 3 Writing Req.* Real Property II 3 Elective or Writing Req.* 2-5 Total Credits 8-11 Total Credits
THIRD YEAR
5-6
5-6
5-6
Fall Spring Summer Constitutional Constitutional Elective(s) and/or Law I 3 Law II 3 Writing Req.* 0-4 Evidence I 2 Evidence II 2 Professional Elective(s) and/or Responsibility 2 Business Organizations 3 Writing Req.* 3-6 Elective or Writing Req.* 2-3 Total Credits 10-11 Total Credits 8-11 Total Credits 2-6 FOURTH YEAR
Fall Spring Remedies 3 Elective(s) and/or Sales & Secured Writing Req.* Transactions 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 3-5 Total Credits 9-11 Total Credits
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
1-11
1-11
88
*After the first year of study and completion of LRWA I & II, students must take a minimum of two writing courses totaling at least five credits. Also after the first year, students must take a minimum of 26 credits in elective courses. **Legal Research, Writing and Analysis. ***Professional & Academic Success Seminar
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Gain the knowledge and expertise you need to succeed in your preferred area of study.
FIRST YEAR
ACCELERATED STUDENTS FIRST YEAR
SPRING P.A.S.S.*** Civil Procedure I Contracts I Real Property I Torts I LRWA** I Total Credits
0 3 3 3 3 3 15
SummeR Civil Procedure II Contracts II Criminal Law LRWA** II Torts II Total Credits
3 3 3 3 3 15
SECOND YEAR
FALL Real Property II 3 Constitutional Law I 3 Evidence 4 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req. 2-5 Total Credits
12-15
SPRING Criminal Procedure 3 Constitutional Law II 3 Business Organizations 3 Sales & Secured Transactions 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 0-4 Total Credits 12-16
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
12-15
88
ELECTIvE COURSE CATEGORIES
(SUbJECT TO CHANGE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR) BuSINeSS, COmmeRCIAL & PROPeRTY LAW Accounting Bankruptcy Consumer Law Corporate Taxation Payment Systems Real Estate Finance PeRSONAL, TORT & CRImINAL LAW Advanced Evidence Corrections Law Domestic Relations Domestic Violence Estate Planning Intellectual Property Trademark Law White Collar Crime Workers’ Compensation PuBLIC LAW Administrative Law Conflict of Laws Environmental Law Federal Courts Immigration Law Juvenile Law Local Government Law COmPARATIVe/INTeRNATIONAL Comparative Crim. Pro. International Business Trans. International Civil Litigation Public International Law INTeRDISCIPLINARY Jurisprudence Constitutional Legal History PRACTICe-ORIeNTeD SKILLS Adv. Appellate Advocacy Adv. Legal Research Arbitration & Writing Art of Advocacy Depositions GA Practice & Procedure Law Office Management Mediation Pre-Trial Practice & Pro. Transactional Drafting
0 3 3 3 3 3 15
SPRING Civil Procedure II Contracts II Real Property I LRWA** II Torts II Total Credits
3 3 3 3 3 15
SECOND YEAR
SPRING Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 12-15
Total Credits
FALL P.A.S.S.*** Civil Procedure I Contracts I Criminal Law Torts I LRWA** I Total Credits
FALL Constitutional Law I 3 Criminal Procedure 4 Evidence 4 Real Property II 3 Select (a) or (b): (a) Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 2 (b) Advanced Appellate Advocacy 2 Total Credits 16
THIRD YEAR
FALL Professional Responsibility 2 Remedies 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req.* 7-10 Total Credits 12-15
CRIMINAL JUSTICE HONORS STUDENTS
Business Planning Entertainment Law Federal Income Taxation Criminal Law Ethics Employment Law Patent Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Education Law Health Care Law Legislation European Union Law International Crim. Law
Adv. Trans. Drafting Client Interviewing Internet Law Negotiations Trial Advocacy
SPRING Advanced Criminal Procedure 3 Constitutional Law II 3 Advanced Evidence 3 Criminal Justice Lawyering 3 Select (a) or (b): (a) Elective or Writing Req.* 2-4 (b) Criminal Pre-trial Practice & Procedure 2 Total Credits 14-16 THIRD YEAR
FALL Professional Responsibility Remedies Externship Integrated Criminal Practice Total Credits
2 3 4 6 15
SPRING Externship 4 Criminal Law Ethics 2 Business Organizations 3 Elective(s) and/or Writing Req. 3-7 Total Credits 12-16 TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
88
outside the classroom 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. Externship Program The Externship Program is a bridge between law school and the practice of law. Externships, or field placements, provide the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical experience of on-the-job training. 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 you to receive academic credit for the enhanced education you gain outside the classroom. The AJMLS website lists over 200 approved placements, and The Office of Pro Bono and Experiential Learning will work with you to find or approve placements that meet your individual needs and interests.
Enriching practical experiences await Pro Bono Program The Pro Bono Program furthers the 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 who do pro bono work are recognized and rewarded through special activities and graduation honors. Clinics AJMLS students also may enhance their legal education with a more intensive combination of both theory and practice through our clinics. The Immigration Law Clinic allows students to work directly with the immigrant community under the direction of AJMLS professors. The Fulton Family Law Intensive Externship Clinic also offers the opportunity to work with clients at the Fulton County Superior Court under a professor’s direction and guidance. These opportunities offer practical experience with the added benefit of a professor focused on using the experience to develop students into an outstanding lawyers.
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“The course schedule is flexible to fit the lives of both students directly out of undergraduate study and students entering law school later in life.” — Charles Blaska, AJMLS ’09 Graduate
student success programs Our goal is for every student to be fully equipped to practice law. To that end, we have created a host of student success programs that give every student the tools to succeed.
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tudent success is our priority in word and deed. The following programs prepare our students from their first day at AJMLS through graduation and into their practice of law. From study skills, career development, passing the bar, externships and job interviews, AJMLS is there — teaching, mentoring and guiding you along your path to success. Academic Achievement Program To help our students achieve the high standards we have set for them, we have put in place an extensive support system, including the Office of Academic Achievement. Students receive personalized assistance in structuring a study program or may seek help in strengthening a particular study skill. We offer Saturday and Wednesday workshops for first-year students, an Advanced Analytical Methods course for second-year students, and a variety of tools and support services for third-year and fourth-year parttime students in preparation for the bar exam. Starting out on the right foot is critical for every first-year student, which is why we created the Professional and Academic Success Seminar (P.A.S.S.) program. Each student participates in this once-a-week class during their first semester. The program helps identify and strengthen weaknesses in areas such as issue spotting, analytical thinking, and writing skills — all areas closely related
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to achieving success in law school, on the bar exam, and in practice. Bar Exam Preparation At John Marshall, preparation for the bar exam does not begin after graduation. Students attend workshops and complete practice exams starting in their first year to build the skills that will be necessary to achieve success in exam preparation after graduation.
Putting academics into action, these student success programs prepare our students for the opportunities and challenges of practice in the real world. Whatever comes their way, they will be ready. Peer Mentorship Program The AJMLS 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 increase student retention, 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 AJMLS students.
The success of our students is our priority, and we do everything we can to help them realize their potential.
Monique Joshi, AJMLS ’12 Graduate
student success programs
Legal Skills and Professionalism Program This program was created with two goals in mind: higher bar passage rates and graduates ready to practice law independently. It offers a cohesive approach to legal problem solving that is built upon systematically each year. The program includes a four-semester, required writing sequence focused on the analytic and writing skills needed to succeed on the bar exam and successfully practice law. Skills mastered in the first year are applied to simulated real-world situations preparing our students for life after law school. Ethical and professionalism issues are incorporated in all writing and skills courses.
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 John Marshall. Job Fairs The Career Development Office participates in numerous job fairs with other schools across the country, including ones focused on employment in specialty practice, minority, public interest, and government.
Career Development Program We believe early career assessment and skills training are essential to a successful job search and satisfying career. Our Career Development Program is extensive, offering 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 for a successful job search. We also enjoy strong alumni relationships that support our students through an information and mentoring program.
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Examples of job fairs that AJMLS has hosted on-campus are: Prosecutor’s Job Fair, Corporate Counsel Job Fair, and Multilingual Job Fair. AJMLS has also co-sponsored job fairs, such as: Public Sector Job Fair, Spring Southeast Legal Hiring Conference, Atlanta Minority Clerkship Program, Southeast Minority Job Fair (SEMJF), and Judicial Clerkship Job Fair. Exit Interviews Directors 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.
“I wanted a law school that looked at the whole person. The caring atmosphere and specialized attention of the faculty have given me an excellent education as well as a foundation to positively impact the community — Kamau Hull, AJMLS ‘13 Graduate
the faculty
Our faculty combines
excellent academic credentials with years of practical experience. AJMLS is dedicated to helping students succeed in law school, in law practice and in life. They are mentors and role models who balance high expectations with genuine care and compassion.
“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.” — Jeffrey Van Detta, Professor and Associate Dean for Scholarship
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A
JMLS is dedicated to preparing highly competent and professional lawyers under the guidance of an outstanding group of teachers/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. The diverse faculty at John Marshall 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.
We put the success of our students before everything else.
life at AJMLS
A Law School with an Unequaled Sense of Community. The sense of community created and experienced by our students is one of the many things that sets us apart from other law schools.
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here is an intentional diversity to the AJMLS student body that we believe strengthens every aspect of our program. Each John Marshall student — whether a recent college graduate to the career professional — brings a unique point of view to the classroom. Ethnic minorities constitute more than 51 percent* of our student body; males and females are represented in close numbers. This diverse and talented group not only enhances the learning experience, but also provides a deeper understanding of how the law impacts all persons. 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 and groups 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. AJMLS organizations include: American Trial Lawyers Association, Black Law Students Association, Federalist Society, Caribbean Law Students Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Lamda Law Society, Latin American Law Student Association, Law Journal, Moot Court Board, Phi Alpha Delta, Prosecutors Club, Public Defenders Club, Sports and Entertainment Law Club, Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Student Bar Association. There also are organizations for those interested in corporate, criminal, health, environmental, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment, property law. * AJMLS & SLS 2014 Class Enrollment
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Alex McArthur, AJMLS ’12 Graduate
People in all stages and walks of life can find a way to reach their goals.
admissions To enroll a qualified and diverse class each year, Admissions takes into 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 law study.
For detailed information about applying to John Marshall, contact: The Office of Admissions 1422 West Peachtree St., NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3593, x261 admissions@johnmarshall.edu www.johnmarshall.edu
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. Because precise measurement of these factors is impossible, Admissions exercises reasonable discretion in applying them to each candidate. The goal of the admissions process is to achieve ethnic, racial, cultural, gender and experiential diversity.*
Requirements Admission to the Juris Doctor program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 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. Documentation Prospective students can apply to AJMLS directly on the internet 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 of law study. The statement should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than three pages. 3. Two letters of recommendation from persons who know you well and can attest to your capacity to succeed in the study of law. 4. U pon 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 year-round so there are no application deadlines. However, applicants should apply as early as possible to ensure consideration prior to a class becoming full. The Committee will not undertake a review of any application until all required documentation is received. 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 404-872-3593, x261.
* AJMLS does not use admisson 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 equality opportunity for students, faculty, and staff, without discrimination or segregation.
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Success begins in the classroom, but is brought to life through action and experience. We provide both.
board of directors richard b. herzog, jr., esquire
We proudly lend our experience and expertise to educate the next generation of fine lawyers.
Chairman of the Board Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Atlanta, GA Dean frank T. Read
Vice Chairman of the Board President and Dean of Emeritus South Texas College of Law Ocala, FL dr. michaeL c. mArkovitz, ph.d.
Treasurer of the Board Sarasota, FL
HONORABLE CAROL W. HUNSTEIN
Justice, Supreme Court of Georgia Atlanta, GA Adam malone, esquire
Partner, Malone Law Atlanta, GA Kevin ross, esquire
President, Kevin Ross Public Affairs Group LLC Atlanta, GA 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.
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Dean James P. white
Consultant Emeritus Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar Indianapolis, IN