Shirley Franklin to Launch Leadership Lecture Series at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School will kick off its 77th academic year with former Mayor Shirley Franklin addressing members of Atlanta’s legal community and the largest incoming class in the school’s history. On Monday, August 23rd at noon, Franklin will discuss the role of public service in Atlanta, and the need for ethical professionals to provide structure and security for our communities. The Leadership Lecture Series is presented by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, whose mission is to prepare highly competent professionals who possess a strong social conscience, demonstrate high ethical standards, and are committed to the improvement of the legal system and society. “This program was developed by our students to explore the fundamental values of the legal profession and engage civic leaders at the highest levels and to inspire ethical public service upon graduation,” according to Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison. “What we do, as lawyers, is greater than ourselves; we serve our fellow man. John Marshall Law School strives to instill a high level of responsibility in our students to uphold the values of our profession, beginning the first day of their legal education.” Known for her commitment to improving diversity, infrastructure, and security, Franklin will share her experiences as a public servant and professional leader in Atlanta. She will discuss the changes she initiated while Mayor, her interactions with Atlanta’s legal community and her vision of how attorneys can help the public at large. “Atlanta has a rich and diverse civic and human rights history of people working together across lines and aisles to make this community better and brighter,” noted Franklin. “I commend John Marshall for encouraging a student body who is also working for the betterment of our communities through leadership with a social conscience.” Within the last academic year, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School obtained full accreditation from the American Bar Association, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Commencement speaker, and launched Atlanta’s first online LLM degree program for Employment Law. The Leadership Lecture Series will continue on Thursday, September 16th, featuring Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. Since 1933, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been committed to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. The school continues on its historic path, remaining faithful to its mission, while looking to the future with innovation, new programs, and unmatched faculty from across the country. For more information on the Leadership Lecture Series or to attend Shirley Franklin’s Lecture on August 23 at noon, please contact Dean of Students Sheryl Harrison at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu or Carlos Vilela at crvilela@johnmarshall.edu.