INTRO FROM THE DEAN JD PROGRAMS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM STUDENT SUPPORT
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.
FACULTY COMMUNITY ADMISSIONS
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JD PROGRAMS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM STUDENT SUPPORT
Salutem et ave! Greetings and welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School!
FROM THE DEAN
non scholæ sed vitæ 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
our legacy of promise
INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | DEAN’S MESSAGE
FACULTY
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.
COMMUNITY
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.
A message from the Dean
Bridging the gap between faculty, administration, and students with our open door policy.
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ADMISSIONS
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. 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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FACULTY
part-time evening division are scheduled three evenings per week from 6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ACCELERATED SPRING ENTRY [2 ½ years] 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 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.
COMMUNITY ADMISSIONS
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PART-TIME, DAY OR EVENING [4 years] 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 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 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, while required classes in the
STUDENT SUPPORT
Offering the flexibility needed to succeed.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
FALL ENTRY [3 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, 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, which includes optional summer sessions.
JD PROGRAMS
The study of law is exciting, dynamic and richly rewarding. At Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, our academic programs provide the skills necessary for graduates to enter the profession well-equipped and ready to practice law.
FROM THE DEAN
a forum for collaborative discourse
“Atlanta’s John Marshall afforded me the opportunity to transition into the Criminal Justice Honors Program after my interest in Criminal Law was piqued during my first year classes.”
INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAMS
HONORS PROGRAM IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE [3 years] 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.
We offer
Five
versatile J.D. program options to meet your needs
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INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
FACULTY
CLINICS Students 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 supervision of law school faculty and Catholic Charities. The Fulton County Family Law Intensive Externship offers the opportunity for students to work with Atlanta Legal Aid, serving clients at the Fulton County Family Law Information Center (FLIC) under the direction and guidance of a licensed attorney. These opportunities offer practical experience with the added benefit of a professor focused on using his or her own experience to develop students into outstanding lawyers.
COMMUNITY ADMISSIONS
350
STUDENT SUPPORT
The law school offers over
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 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.
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.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING The Experiential Learning 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.
JD PROGRAMS
labor omnia vincit HARD WORK CONQUERS ALL
More than just work experience, experiential learning is an opportunity to develop your professional footprint.
FROM THE DEAN
a community of applied learning
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 participate in pro bono work are recognized and rewarded through special activities and graduation honors.
externship placements
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INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
Starting out on the right foot is critical for every first-year student. The Law School has a program that helps identify and strengthen weaknesses in areas such as issue spotting, analytical thinking, and writing skills — all areas closely related to achieving success in law school, on the bar exam, and in practice. BAR EXAM PREPARATION At Atlanta’s 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.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT 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 we provide for a successful job search. We also foster strong alumni relationships that support our students through a mentoring program.
ADMISSIONS
We offer a skills course 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 part-time students in preparation for the bar exam.
COMMUNITY
LEGAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONALISM PROGRAM The Legal Skills and Professionalism Program was created with two goals in mind: increase bar passage rates and produce graduates who are ready to practice law independently. It offers a cohesive approach to legal problem solving that is built upon systematically each year. The program includes both upper level writing and experiential classes which focus on analytical 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 in upper-level classes, preparing our students for life after law school. Ethical and professionalism issues are incorporated in all writing and experiential skills courses.
FACULTY
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 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 can receive personalized assistance in structuring a study program or may seek help in strengthening a particular study skill.
Examples of job fairs that the Law School has hosted on-campus are: Prosecutor’s Job Fair, Corporate Counsel Job Fair, Public Defender’s Job Fair, and Multilingual Job Fair. The Law School has also co-sponsored job fairs, such as: Public Sector Job Fair, Atlanta Minority Clerkship Program, Southeast Minority Job Fair (SEMJF), Judicial Clerkship Job Fair, and Spring/Fall Southeast Legal Hiring Conferences.
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 Professionalism Series is mandatory for all first-year students.
STUDENT SUPPORT
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.
STUDENT AFFAIRS Atlanta’s John Marshall makes a concerted effort to provide a learning environment collegial and supportive for its students. Specifically, the Office of Student Affairs and Pro Bono Projects 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.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
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.
JOB FAIRS The Career Development Office 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.
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 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 mentormentee relationships, the program strives to enhance the learning and holistic development of students both in and out of the classroom.
JD PROGRAMS
Student success is our priority in word and deed. The following programs prepare our students from their first day at the Law School through graduation and into their practice of law.
EXIT INTERVIEWS The Career Development Dean and 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.
FROM THE DEAN
a proactive approach
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.
carpe diem S E I Z E T H E D AY
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INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | THE FACULTY
Learn Business Organizations, Sales and Secured Transactions, or Bankruptcy from...
COMMUNITY
Learn to navigate the law library with its Director and namesake, or learn Contracts from…
FPO: EXTRA SPREAD
Jeffrey A. Van Detta, educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 16 years, The John E. Ryan Professor of International Business and Workplace Law
ADMISSIONS
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.
“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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FACULTY
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 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.
JV
STUDENT SUPPORT
Our faculty combines excellent academic credentials with years of practical experience.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
combined years at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
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 Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School from 1996-2000, and has participated in several U.S. Supreme Court amicus briefs dealing with bankruptcy issues.
JD PROGRAMS
a network 200 of scholars and achievers
Professor Robert D’Agostino – educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 21 years
FROM THE DEAN
Our full-time faculty have taught over
Professor Michael J. Lynch – educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 18 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 law school library in his name. Professor Lynch serves as the Director of the Michael J. Lynch Law Library.
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INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | COMMUNITY
STUDENT SUPPORT
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.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM FACULTY
The sense of community created and experienced by our students is one of the many factors that sets us apart from other law schools.
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.
Some of the many 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, Advocacy Board (Moot Court and Mock Trial), 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, and property law.
LAW JOURNAL The John Marshall Law Journal is a semiannual, legal periodical published at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. 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.
JD PROGRAMS
different undergraduate institutions represented on-campus from 2012-2015
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.
FROM THE DEAN
a case for 235 community
There is an intentional diversity to the Law School’s student body that we believe strengthens every aspect of our program. Each student — anywhere 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. While backgrounds are varied, students share a deep commitment to achieving their dream of becoming lawyers.
COMMUNITY
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concordia res parvae crescent
ADMISSIONS
“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.”
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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INTRO
ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | ADMISSIONS
FROM THE DEAN JD PROGRAMS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
an opportunity
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
STUDENT SUPPORT
undergraduate standing may be considered for admission, provided their degree will be conferred prior to law school matriculation.
1. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report: available for retrieval.
J.D. 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 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 selfdiscipline 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.* 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 degree from an accredited college or university. Students with senior year
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 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. 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 SCHEDULE Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants, however, should apply as early as possible to ensure consideration prior to a class becoming full. The Admissions 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 678-916-2620. *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 has granted acquiescence to the LL.M. degrees. LL.M. IN EMPLOYMENT LAW [24 credit hours, four semesters online] Delivered entirely asynchronous and exclusively online, the program uses technology to create a collaborative learning environment - for new or experienced attorneys - through use of group projects, discussion forums, and extensive interaction among faculty and students. The LL.M. in Employment Law will enhance your ability to meet the needs of clients in the always changing world of labor and employment law. LL.M. IN AMERICAN LEGAL STUDIES [24 credit hours, four semesters online] The LL.M. in American Legal Studies online program provides foreign-educated attorneys who seek knowledge of American law and legal institutions the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree in American Legal Studies while residing in their home countries, working in private practice or civil service in their own legal systems.
LL.M. FOR THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN THE UNITED STATES [26 credit hours, two semesters on-campus] The LL.M. for the Practice of Law in the United States focuses on preparing foreigntrained attorneys to sit for the bar exam in Georgia. The curriculum is tailored to meet the requirements of Georgia and other states that allow foreign-trained attorneys with a qualifying LL.M. degrees to sit for the bar exam. Students in the program take all of their courses with the J.D. students, allowing for immersion in the American law school experience.
ADMISSIONS
In addition, applicants must submit the following materials:
Application instructions for international students, transfer students, visiting students, reapplicants, and audit students can be found under the Admissions section at www.johnmarshall.edu.
COMMUNITY
DOCUMENTATION Prospective students can apply to the Law School directly on the internet at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply and www.lsac. org. An application can also be downloaded at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply.
FACULTY
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.
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
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In Atlanta Attend a Prospective Student Information Session. Upcoming event dates are located on our website. Schedule a visit to tour campus and/or visit a live lecture. Sign-up online through our Schedule a Visit form. Register for a free practice LSAT exam at the law school. We partner with study providers to oer free practice exams throughout the year. Register for our next practice exam on our website.
connect with admissions and the law school community