Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Gideon’s Promise (GP) and The Barristers Society (TBS) to launch the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. This initiative establishes an unprecedented collaboration between legal education and frontline advocacy to prepare the next generation of legal advocates – developing compassionate lawyers for everyday people.
The CCJI will serve as a dynamic hub in Atlanta, dedicated to equipping law students and early-career attorneys with the practical skills, values, and mentorship needed to make an immediate impact on local communities. With a mission to advance justice for the underserved, the institute aims to raise the standard of representation in criminal and civil cases while providing invaluable hands-on training to AJMLS students and alumni.
Through this partnership, the CCJI will connect AJMLS students with accomplished legal professionals—referred to as Law Partners—to participate in externships, internships, and mentorship programs. These experiences will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, fostering a pipeline of legal talent committed to advocating for justice in Atlanta and beyond. Additionally, all administrative and physical operations for Gideon’s Promise and The Barristers Society will be moving onsite to the Law School this year.
Dean Jace C. Gatewood, the driving force behind the multi-year effort to bring the CCJI to life, has long recognized the need to expand mentorship and immersive learning opportunities for all students. Reflecting on this initiative, Gatewood stated, “This program is truly one of a kind, setting a new standard in legal education. We are proud to lead the way in preparing the next generation of highly skilled and ethical professionals.”
AJMLS, with its legacy of empowering both traditional and non-traditional law students, joins forces with GP, a trailblazer in transforming public defense to ensure equal justice for all, and TBS, an organization dedicated to educating and developing attorneys who are conscious of the various disparities facing their potential clients. Together, they form a partnership that not only addresses the urgent need for high-quality legal representation but also redefines the way future lawyers are trained.
Atlanta Attorney Sam Starks, the founder and President of TBS, will serve as the Executive Director of the CCJI, and will be primarily responsible for identifying and selecting the Law Partners who will volunteer to assist in managing and operating the CCJI. Starks notes, “Equal justice is an aspiration that has never been fulfilled. Through the CCJI, we have a unique opportunity to bring together lawyers who fight for the promise of equal justice everyday with law students who want to join this effort.”
The CCJI will also host workshops, seminars, and continuing legal education programs designed to benefit both students and practicing attorneys, particularly those working in solo or small-firm practices. Additionally, CCJI will provide mentorship and career counseling to AJMLS students and alumni, creating a sustainable support system for legal professionals.
Jonathan Rapping, the founder of Gideon’s Promise, as well as Professor of Law and Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program at AJMLS, will serve as the Faculty Director of the CCJI and will work in partnership with Sam Starks to operate the CCJI. Rapping concludes, “AJMLS has long enjoyed a reputation for preparing practice-ready lawyers to represent people who lack access to justice. Through the CCJI we can continue to develop future lawyers with exceptional legal skills, driven by justice-centered lawyering values, and connect them with a network of professionals to serve as mentors. Students will forge a professional identity aligned with their purpose for coming to law school.”
The Criminal and Civil Justice Institute at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School embodies a shared vision for a legal system that delivers just outcomes for all. This innovative partnership marks a transformative moment in legal education and advocacy, setting a new standard for collaboration and impact.
About Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS)
Founded in 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is dedicated to providing a high-quality legal education to traditional and non-traditional students. With a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, AJMLS prepares its students to become ethical and skilled advocates who make meaningful contributions to the legal profession. The Law School offers multiple programs: full-time J.D., part-time day J.D., part-time evening J.D., and a co-enrollment option for a Certificate in Criminal Justice. The Criminal and Civil Justice Institute at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and the Criminal Justice Certificate Program at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School are separate but complementary programs.
About Gideon’s Promise (GP)
Gideon’s Promise is a national non-profit organization revolutionizing public defense by building a movement of passionate and capable public defenders. GP empowers attorneys to provide zealous advocacy and drive systemic change within the criminal justice system.
About The Barristers Society (TBS)
The Barristers Society is committed to mentoring and training legal advocates who address the barriers to justice of their clients and various communities. Through innovative programming, TBS develops attorneys who champion justice and equality.