In a world where challenges often dictate the limits of one’s potential, Lucilla Harrell’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Lucilla “Luci” Harrell, who recently graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), is no ordinary graduate. Her quest to become a lawyer is as extraordinary as it is inspiring, marked by perseverance, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Luci Harrell made history at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School as the first ever law student to apply, be admitted, and begin her legal studies at an ABA-accredited law school while incarcerated. At a time when most people would have found it difficult to see beyond the walls of confinement, Luci saw an opportunity to change not only her life but also the lives of others who have been similarly impacted by the criminal justice system. Initially applying and being accepted in 2019, it wasn’t until the unprecedented shift to virtual classes in the fall of 2020 that Luci was able to begin her studies. This was uncharted territory for both Luci and the Law School, but their shared teamwork and grit ensured that this groundbreaking trial would succeed.
Her academic achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Luci completed a year and a half of law school while still incarcerated, balancing the rigors of legal education with the challenges of incarceration. This accomplishment alone speaks volumes about her courage and intellectual prowess. Upon her release, Luci continued her studies with an unyielding focus, eventually earning her Juris Doctor degree in May 2024.
Jace C. Gatewood, Dean and CEO, proudly remarked, “Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has a long-standing history of welcoming qualified individuals who may face unjust barriers to legal education. The admission of Ms. Harrell in 2019 reflects our ongoing commitment to offering access to those deserving candidates whose unique circumstances might prevent them from pursuing a legal career elsewhere.”
But Luci’s story is not just about academic success. It is also about her unwavering pledge to advocacy and social justice. As the Founding Director of Atlanta Community Support Project, she has used her combination of academic, professional, and lived experiences to lead policy and narrative campaigns aimed at addressing race- and class-based oppression in the Deep South. Her work at the intersection of poverty and incarceration has provided invaluable resources to directly impacted individuals and their families, empowering them to self-advocate and engage civically.
Professor Jonathan Rapping, Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program, observed, “We are at a time in our nation’s history where there is widespread acknowledgment about the harm that mass incarceration has caused. So many lives, families, and communities have been destroyed. Based on our mission, it is no surprise that Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has led the charge to address these harms. I am proud to have taught several students who were formerly incarcerated and even prouder that we are a leader in giving a chance to a student who was incarcerated when admitted.”
In addition to her leadership roles, Luci’s work experience includes significant contributions to various organizations dedicated to criminal justice reform. As a Program Development Fellow at Mourning Our Losses, Luci conducted research, managed data, and developed partnerships with prestigious institutions like Yale Undergrad Prison Project and UCLA Law’s COVID-19 Behind Bars Data Project. Her role as a Media Consultant at Harvard Law School’s Institute to End Mass Incarceration further highlights her dedication to the cause, as she crafted strategies to increase the reach and impact of their publication, Inquest.
Luci’s research also reflects her fervent duty to addressing systemic injustices. Her study on disparities in conviction, sentencing, and parole outcomes, as well as her research on post-incarceration syndrome, the latter of which was mostly conducted while earning graduate degrees from South Dakota State University and then SUNY Empire State University while incarcerated, are shedding light on critical issues within the criminal justice system, offering insights that could lead to meaningful change. Atlanta Community Support Project’s first research endeavor on criminalized homelessness in Atlanta stemmed directly from her experience providing legal advocacy for unhoused people at the Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative.
Despite the obstacles she has faced, Luci has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including the Pro Bono Distinction Award from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, the Soros Justice Fellowship from the Open Society Foundations, and invitations to speak at prestigious conferences hosted by the American Society of Criminology.
When asked about her favorite memory at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Luci shared, “The moment in our first semester when my cohort peers realized I was Zooming in from a prison facility stands out. And nothing beats the overwhelmingly loving applause they gave me at graduation. This is such a supportive, brilliant group of people, and I’ve been fortunate to get to know them better. That first memory is laughable now, but the truth is that they helped make some of my hardest days bearable.”
Luci Harrell’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Her journey from incarceration to law school graduate and advocate serves as an inspiration to all who face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through her work, Luci continues to break down barriers and create pathways for others to follow, proving anything is possible.
What’s next for the new graduate? Luci is building a team of directly impacted legal advocates at Atlanta Community Support Project and, while awaiting her chance to sit for the bar, hopes to create alternatives to the bar exam in the future. “My plan is to keep advocating for my People full force until and after I’m given the green light to take the test.”
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School advises applicants that a file cannot be completed and a decision cannot be rendered if they have any open or pending criminal charges. Exceptions such as Luci’s are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed a similar outcome.