Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) announces that after completion 5 ½ years of dedicated service, Dean Jace C. Gatewood will step down from his role as Dean and CEO at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year. Dean Gatewood’s leadership has been characterized by a resolute commitment to the growth and success of the institution, despite significant challenges, and by numerous accomplishments that have profoundly shaped the Law School’s trajectory.
Dean Gatewood, who took the helm in January 2020, navigated AJMLS through some of the most strenuous periods in its history. His tenure began with the heartbreaking loss of a student, a tragedy that required compassionate leadership and brought the community together. Soon after, amidst broader economic pressures, Dean Gatewood made tough but necessary strategic decisions and budget adjustments that reinforced the school’s fiscal stability, ensuring its continued strength and sustainability.
One of the critical milestones under Dean Gatewood’s leadership was the finalization of the teach-out and closure of Savannah Law School, which was managed with careful planning to minimize the impact on students and faculty. Additionally, the global pandemic demanded an agile and forward-thinking response to the unprecedented landscape. Dean Gatewood oversaw the rapid pivot to remote learning, upgrading the school’s infrastructure and implementing new technologies such as Zoom and a new Learning Management System to ensure continuity in education.
During this time, the Law School also faced the national reckoning on racial justice sparked by the murder of George Floyd. Dean Gatewood guided AJMLS through this period by fostering an inclusive environment of understanding and respect, initiating dialogues on racial justice, and supporting peaceful activism within the community.
Dean Gatewood’s vision extended beyond crisis management. He successfully transitioned AJMLS to a non-profit entity, established the John Marshall Law School Foundation to enhance fundraising efforts and increase scholarships, and led the construction of a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Under his guidance, AJMLS also expanded its offerings, including the development of a new student lounge and study center, and began the process of adopting a part-time online J.D. program and incorporating artificial intelligence into the learning platform.
These efforts have yielded remarkable results, with AJMLS experiencing an increase in both bar exam pass rates and enrollment, all while maintaining strong admissions credentials. The institution’s alumni are eager to pour back into their community, its financial health is robust, and the school is well-positioned for continued success.
The Board of Directors and faculty will soon begin the search for the next Dean of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, with plans to involve the entire AJMLS community in this important process. The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Dean Gatewood for his unwavering dedication and leadership.
Following a much-deserved sabbatical, Dean Gatewood will return to the faculty in 2026, where he will continue to contribute to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s mission through teaching and scholarly work.
“We are deeply appreciative of Dean Gatewood’s leadership and the lasting impact he has made on our institution. His tenure has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our community’s well-being. We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established as we embark on the search for our next Dean,” said Adam Malone, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
For more information, please contact: Hilary Waldo, Director of Marketing and Communications, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, hwaldo@johnmarshall.edu.