Appointment Marks New Era of Growth, Engagement, and Community Leadership for the Non-Profit, ABA Accredited Law School
The Board of Directors of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) has named Martin “Marty” Ellin as the institution’s 11th Dean and Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new day for the law school as it reintroduces itself with fresh vision and renewed energy.
A respected figure in Atlanta’s legal and nonprofit sectors, Ellin brings decades of experience in law, leadership, and strategic fundraising. His appointment signals AJMLS’s continued evolution as a forward-facing, mission-driven law school, proudly ABA-accredited since 2005 and rooted in access, service, and excellence.
“For the past six months, five Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School directors, their board adviser, the head of the school’s alumni association, and four distinguished faculty members have conducted a rigorous nationwide search for the next Dean to succeed Dean Jace C. Gatewood,” said Kevin Ross, Chair of the Dean Search Committee. “The committee, expertly assisted by Boardwalk Consulting, a national firm based in Atlanta (that does executive searches for nonprofits and foundations), contacted over 300 sources, identified dozens of potential candidates, interviewed eight, and invited four finalists to the school for full-day sessions. In so doing, board, alumni, and faculty representation were thoroughly integrated and engaged in the process, which resulted in the selection of Martin L. Ellin as the next Dean of John Marshall.”
“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Marty Ellin as the next dean of our law school,” said Board Chair Adam Malone. “Marty brings a deep well of experience, vision, and integrity to this role, and we are confident he is the right leader for this exciting chapter in our school’s history. As a builder and a collaborator, he will lead with purpose—expanding our reach, strengthening our community, and serving as a passionate advocate for our students, faculty, and mission. We look forward to the growth and excellence he will help us achieve.”
A proud graduate of Duke University and the University of Maryland School of Law, Ellin is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Maryland. In addition to experience in private practice, he has held senior and development roles with several service-focused organizations, including the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Justice Center of Atlanta, the Georgia Innocence Project, and, most recently, the Zaban Paradies Center. Most notably, he served for 20 years as Executive Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), one of Georgia’s largest and most impactful pro bono legal service organizations.
When asked for a remark on the announcement, Marty shared, “Dear Members of the Atlanta Community: just eight years shy of its centennial, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is—by many measures—a new school. It is nonprofit, it has strengthened its alumni network, achieved strong graduate employment outcomes, and launched the new Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI). These milestones are not isolated—they reflect a dramatic upswing and the energy, commitment, and momentum propelling the law school into its next chapter.”
Faculty members welcomed Ellin’s appointment with unanimous enthusiasm and optimism. “Marty’s demonstrated leadership in mission-driven nonprofit organizations, combined with his enduring commitment to justice and equity, makes him an inspiring choice for this pivotal moment in our law school’s history,” said Associate Dean Judith M. Barger. “The faculty are excited to welcome a leader—and former colleague—who deeply understands the unique culture of Atlanta’s John Marshall and is prepared to build on our strengths while forging bold, new connections within the legal community.”
That sentiment is shared well beyond the faculty. As AJMLS deepens its commitment to access and public service, Ellin’s appointment is widely seen as a natural and strategic next step in reintroducing the school to Atlanta—and to the broader legal community beyond.
“Marty is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between the law school and the broader Atlanta legal community—deepening relationships, sparking new partnerships, and expanding our presence in meaningful ways,” said outgoing Dean Jace C. Gatewood. “His appointment comes at a critical juncture, as we build on the momentum of becoming a nonprofit institution, opening our new Downtown Atlanta campus, achieving historic highs in bar passage and admissions, and strengthening both our faculty and financial position.”
Confidential references from the search process described Ellin as an effective communicator with a rare ability to turn ideas into action. “His greatest strength is his ability to marry vision and reality and make things happen,” said one. Another shared, “Marty really sees people.” He was also described as “inspiring and collaborative.” Collectively, references emphasized his inclusive style, deep roots in the legal community, and strong track record of relationship-building.
As the school looks ahead, Ellin is already focused on strengthening community ties and amplifying the school’s visibility and voice in the city it proudly calls home.
“I am deeply honored to be the next Dean of the law school at which I taught and that I love,” said Ellin. “And for those who think they know John Marshall, I look forward to inviting you to take another look.”