JD Program

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) has been educating lawyers and leaders in Georgia since 1933 and attracts students from around the world to its full-time and part-time J.D. programs, as well as the Criminal Justice Certificate Program. AJMLS provides rigorous, high-quality programs that produce competent and ethical lawyers who are dedicated to helping people, especially in underserved communities. The Law School intentionally instills in its students a sense of obligation to the community and the legal profession—an obligation to pursue justice rather than mere personal gain, and to improve society rather than to solely advance personal ambition. Whether AJMLS graduates remain in law practice, become judges, enter politics, or succeed in business, these core values remain with them.

The Mission

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School provides the opportunity for legal education to both traditional and nontraditional students who show promise of making positive contributions to the profession, legal system, or society. We are dedicated to preparing highly skilled, ethical, and professional lawyers who possess a strong social conscience.

The Juris Doctor (JD) Program

The rigorous program of legal study at Atlanta’s John Marshall is designed for the development of intellectual, analytical, and lawyering skills. From the first-year curriculum of core courses through the third-year courses that emphasize practical skill development, the JD program is designed to promote critical reasoning, precision in both oral and written communication, and problem-solving skills. Upper-level students can pursue their areas of interest through a broad variety of elective courses.

Full-Time and Part-Time Law Study

The Law School remains dedicated to providing access to legal education to both traditional and nontraditional students by offering both full-time and part-time law programs. Individuals who are unable to devote themselves to the study of law full-time may attend either the part-time day or part-time evening program.

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. All students will take Criminal Procedure in the spring of their 2L year. Students may decide to pursue the Criminal Justice Certificate upon completion of their second year (after having the benefit of taking Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure).

Students working towards the Criminal Justice Certificate would take the remainder of the required coursework during their 3L year along with a mandatory Criminal Justice Workshop. Interested students could also begin fulfilling their 300 hours of approved field work requirement during the summer between their 2L and 3L year.

Commitment to Diversity

Because the Law School’s educational setting focuses on an interactive learning environment, a diverse student body is essential to providing a broad range of perspectives in the classroom and the law school community. The Fall 2021 entering students represent 23 states, 77 undergraduate institutions, and 35+ different majors. The class is 67 percent minority, 62 percent female, eight percent military, and has an average age of 28. The student body is not only diverse in gender and ethnicity, but also varied in life experience and professional background.

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Student Life

Student Organizations

Black Law Students Association

The AJMLS chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) was founded in 1971. BLSA’s primary purpose is to deal with the special concerns of black law students and lawyers. The association acquaints students with the professional opportunities, problems, and responsibilities they will have as practicing members of the Bar. BLSA encourages full participation of all students in the activities of the law school. It also attempts to foster closer contact with present members of the legal profession. BLSA has involved itself in numerous activities in the past, including group sessions with visiting high school students, a school sponsored CLE honoring civil rights pioneers, and a pipeline project to increase the presence of minorities in law school and law practice.

Charlotte E. Ray Law Society

The purpose of the Charlotte E. Ray Law Society (CERLS) is to increase the graduation rate of black female law students, increase the bar passage rate of black female law students, cultivate and foster sisterhood among black female students, bridge the transitional gap between the legal profession and black female students, and service and support the Black community through community outreach projects. This organization is open to all students.

Christian Legal Society

The Christian Legal Society is a student organization on Atlanta’s John Marshall Campus. We are a faith-based organization which encourages its members, and the legal community, to love the Lord. We also encourage students to seek to employ practices throughout their legal careers consistent with their Christian values.

Corporate And Business Law Society

The AJMLS Corporate Law Society (CBLS) is a collaborative student union dedicated to providing its members with the opportunity to gain insight in the field of corporate law. We strive to add value towards our members’ future legal careers by coordinating programs and networking opportunities that will familiarize them with the daily legal issues encountered by transactional attorneys and expose them to different types of complex transactional work. By providing a forum for students to learn about business law issues and practical guidance from experienced professionals, we can facilitate the expansion of our network in the corporate law community.

Criminal Law Society

The mission of the Criminal Law Society (CLS) is to provide a forum in which to address the unique legal issues facing the criminal justice system, create opportunities for students interested in criminal law to interact with faculty, practitioners, judges, and community organizations that work in the field, and to empower law graduates to pursue their career goals in criminal law. CLS is also dedicated to providing a forum for its members and the law school at large to explore current discourse, issues, and interests in different areas of criminal law, including careers and internship opportunities.

Georgia Association of Women Lawyers

The Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) is a statewide organization that works to enhance the welfare and development of women lawyers and support their interests. Formed in 2004, the AJMLS chapter works closely with the parent organization to enhance the experience of students and foster a networking relationship with practitioners in the area. While providing these links, the chapter also strives to provide the school’s community with programs and assistance that meets the needs and interests of our very diverse membership. Our events attempt to educate about the law, the practice of law, and the business of law before becoming practicing attorneys to ensure the continued support of women lawyers as they take their rightful place as leaders in the state of Georgia.

Law Journal

The Law Journal is managed entirely by a student board of editors, who solicit, edit, and publish articles and book reviews written by scholars, judges, and practicing attorneys. Almost half of the content of the Journal is written by students. Membership on the Journal provides many opportunities and benefits. Students work together to achieve a high level of analytical and writing skill. The Journal also provides students with an opportunity to contribute to the professional literature and to influence the development of the law. Election to the Journal’s board of editors is one of the highest honors a law student can achieve.

Mothers in Legal Education

Mothers in Legal Education (MILES) was established at AJMLS in 2022. Supporting mothers in legal education is vital to ensuring the success of each and every one of us. The weight of the world is on our shoulders and coming together to support one another creates a space for us to thrive; not just survive. If you are looking for a place in law school where others can understand the struggles you face balancing motherhood and higher education, look no further. Whether it is advice on how to juggle a busy schedule, or tips for healthy, quick dinners which will actually be eaten, we’re here to help. Join us for discussions and support being a mom in legal education!

Moot Court

Moot Court is a selective, academic organization that fosters and promotes students’ oratory and legal writing skills through participation in local and national competitions. Moot court competitions allow law students the opportunity to write appellate briefs based upon mock problems and to present oral arguments to a panel of real-life attorneys and judges. Competitions also afford Moot Court members the ability to network with attorneys in the legal community and to gain practical experience in effective written and oral advocacy.

OUTLaws and Allies

OUTLaws and Allies is a law school chapter of the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia. The organization strives to promote a more decent national community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and allied persons. OUTLaws and Allies is also dedicated to harnessing the values of compassion and respect for all individuals in American society, and recognizing civil liberties and legal protections for all within our community.

Phi Alpha Delta

Paying homage to esteemed, Atlanta-based civil rights attorney, Donald Lee Hollowell, the Hollowell Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta is the AJMLS chapter of the largest professional law fraternity in the United States. Founded in 1902, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International (P.A.D.) is composed of pre-law and law students, legal educators, attorneys, judges, and government officials. P.A.D. was the first law fraternity to admit both male and female members of all races, creeds, colors, religions, and national origins. Phi Alpha Delta is the world’s preeminent law fraternity because of our dedication to service: service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community. Continuing that legacy, the Hollowell Chapter of P.A.D. seeks to unite AJMLS students with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship promulgating the ideals of leadership and professionalism.

Public Interest Law Society

The Public Interest Law Society (PILS) is dedicated to maximizing the school’s ability to serve public interests. PILS aims to expose students to the wide breadth of public interest law by engaging in the following: a) working with fellow student organizations to help students explore public interest activities while in law school, b) educating on the ways students can serve the public interest by hosting numerous networking and informational events throughout the year, and c) connecting students to public interest career opportunities that they can utilize beyond graduation. As a student organization, PILS engages in some of the most impactful and enjoyable fundraising efforts on campus – most notably, the AJMLS PILS Auction. Every year, the proceeds raised by the auction go to the Renata Turner Scholarship which is given to a deserving student who has demonstrated a commitment to public service.

Sports and Entertainment Law Society

The AJMLS Sports and Entertainment Law Association is a student-run organization that sponsors various sports and entertainment law related events for educational and networking purposes. This organization brings in guest lecturers from major sports and entertainment firms to give lunch talks, collaborates with the Atlanta Association of Young Lawyers and the Atlanta Bar Association to organize workshops and outings, and brings in speakers from major sports law institutes. Its primary goal is to assist aspiring sports and entertainment attorneys in making the necessary connections to secure employment in sports and entertainment law. Its secondary goal is to educate law students about current trends in the sports and entertainment legal market.

Student Bar Association

All enrolled students at AJMLS are automatically members of the Student Bar Association, the School’s student government organization. Each year, an executive board is created by the student body. The primary objective of the SBA officers is to bring student viewpoints into the educational process at AJMLS. The SBA works to represent all student points of view to the administration and faculty. The SBA’s functions are many and varied, but can be divided into three general categories, academic, service, and social. The SBA sponsors speakers and forums to enhance the learning experience, community service projects to increase social consciousness and responsibility and social events to help students unwind from the pressures of law school.

Student Trial Lawyers Association

The Student Trial Lawyers Association (STLA) provides a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at promoting the various aspects of trial advocacy. The student organization also provides information and resources for students interested in trial practice. The Student Trial Lawyers Association will host speakers, participate in Mock Trial competitions and plan events centered on pertinent issues related to trial practice.

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Peer Mentor Program

The overall objective of the Peer Mentoring Program is to 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 on-going 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 our students.

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Atlanta Living

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) opened its new and upgraded campus in Downtown Atlanta’s Peachtree Center in the Marquis One Tower, August 2021. The facility is located at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. AJMLS occupies the 18th, 19th, and 20th floors, with the mailing address defined as Suite 1900. The Peachtree Center Hub boasts 50 restaurant and retail options including a pharmacy. Students may access the Peachtree Center amenities by an indoor aerial walkway from the Law School elevator lobby. Also interconnected to the Hub and AJMLS are three world-class hotels and a dedicated MARTA (rail) station. From the seasonal Green Market and on‑site concerts to holiday happenings, the new AJMLS home at Peachtree Center offers students an array of opportunity, amenities, and entertainment. In addition to its own campus, as residents of the Peachtree Center community, AJMLS has access to additional meeting and event space throughout the 2.3 million square feet of office space in six buildings. Students may request use of the facilities to host events such as the annual Law Journal Symposium.

The new campus is located in the heart of Atlanta—the social, cultural, and economic hub of the South. It is in close proximity to Atlanta’s largest law firms, government offices, state and federal courts, and nonprofit legal organizations. Atlanta also offers an extensive array of arts, music, sports, and recreational events, making it an exciting place to live.

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Career Placement and Bar Passage

The Office of Career Services and Professional Development

The Office of Career Services and Professional Development at AJMLS has a number of services and programs available to assist students with Career Advising and Professional Development. Our robust internship, externship, and career development programs allow students to experience diverse professional options available upon graduation. Not only do these programs provide an excellent opportunity to help students develop their skills, they also provide important networking opportunities. Many alumni use these programs as a mentoring opportunity, or as a way to give back to their law school.

Externships

The Externship 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 must earn six (6) credit hours in one or more experiential courses. Experiential courses include simulation courses, law clinics, and externships. 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.

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. 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. Students who participate in pro bono work are recognized and rewarded through special activities and graduation honors.

Career Services

We believe early career assessment and skills training are essential to a successful job search and satisfying career. The Law School’s Career Services Office (CSO) offers extensive programming 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, On Campus Interviews and job postings are just a few of the readily accessible resources we provide for a successful job search. Strong alumni relationships support our students through a mentoring program.

Academic Support

The Office of Academic Achievement and Bar Success (AABS) focuses on enhancing and strengthening the academic skills that ensure law school and bar exam success. AABS 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, AABS assists students in developing academic action plans and helping students and alumni meet their academic goals. In addition to individualized academic counseling, AABS offers specific courses while at AJMLS. Additionally, in an effort to increase success on the bar exam, specialized course offerings have been implemented to assist in preparing students to sit for the bar exam.

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Tuition and Aid

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) seeks to make legal education attainable to both traditional and non-traditional students. At the time of an admissions decision, each successful applicant will automatically be reviewed for generous merit based scholarships. After a successful decision is received, incoming students may also apply for non-merit based scholarships. We welcome you to explore the available scholarships, funds, and tuition credits below to help finance your legal education. A list of outside scholarships that are unaffiliated with the Law School are also located on this page.

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Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

All applications are available for fall admission. The only applications available each spring and summer are for transfer and visiting students. The Admissions Committee is dedicated to creating a well-rounded and diverse student body. In addition to the candidate’s academic record and standardized test results, the Admissions Committee will examine with particular care other factors that indicate a high probability for success in the study of law. These factors include extracurricular activities, work experience, level of quality and difficulty of undergraduate courses, performance in graduate school, the self-discipline demanded by the profession, and a commitment of service to the profession and society as a whole.

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