Just like the city, Atlanta’s John Marshall buzzes with energy. The social, cultural, and economic hub of the South, Georgia’s capital and Atlanta’s John Marshall are right where you want to be.

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ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | DEAN’S MESSAGE

Salutem et ave! Greetings and welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School!

Your interest in Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School marks the beginning of one of the most exciting adventures of your life — a journey that will lead you to a lifetime of learning and bettering the lives of those you represent. Our central mission is your success. � e focus is on teaching you the law and training on how to practice it. At Atlanta’s John Marshall, preparing you to become a successful lawyer is our top priority.

� e following pages will give you a sense of our school, our students, our faculty and how the law school serves as the pathway into the profession for successful lawyers.

Our faculty is a group of highly-regarded, accomplished professors. � ey are a coterie of impressive scholar-practitioners, each of whom has a commitment to their students and sharing both their knowledge and lawyer “know-how” in a way that enables you to be practice-ready upon graduation.

Their teaching philosophy is simple — do what is necessary for you to succeed. � is includes utilizing their o� ces as satellite classrooms where professors provide one-on-one instruction designed to address your individual educational needs.

Our students are a diverse group of individuals from throughout the country and di� erent walks of life. � ose di� erences bring richness to the classroom that allows students to gain a new perspective on the law and how it impacts others. It is a place where all can thrive and learn from one another.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is an “enterprise of opportunity.” Our doors are open to those who want to become lawyers, even if they thought that was beyond their grasp. We can help you achieve that goal. I encourage you to consider what the school can o� er you and how that will advance your professional aspirations. You are welcome to contact us with any questions you have.

If you are ready for the challenge of entering the legal profession, we will lead you to that goal. When you reach it, I proudly will shake your hand as you walk across the stage to receive your Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School diploma.

Sincerely,Malcolm L. MorrisDean

our legacy of promiseour legacy of promiseour legacy

A message from the Dean

Bridging the gap between faculty, administration, and students with our open door policy.

non scholæ sed vitæ discimusL E A R N N OT F O R S C H O O L, B U T F O R L I F E

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ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAMS

� e study of law is exciting, dynamic and richly rewarding. At Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, our academic programs provide the skills necessary for graduates to enter the profession well-equipped and ready to practice law.

FALL ENTRY [3 years]� e full-time J.D. program is designed for the acquisition and development of intellectual, analytical and lawyering skills. From the � rst-year curriculum with its required set of core courses, through the third year with courses that emphasize practical skills development, this degree program promotes analytical reasoning, precision in both oral and written communication and problem solving. With these fundamental skills, students learn the rules of law and how to apply them in an ever-changing society. � is program requires study in residence for six semesters over three academic years, which includes optional summer sessions.

PART-TIME, DAY OR EVENING [4 years]� e part-time J.D. program is designed to provide a means to achieve a legal education to those who, for personal and/or professional reasons, are unable to devote full time to the study of law. � e part-time program requires study in residence for eight semesters over four academic years, which includes summer sessions. Part-time day students take their required classes during the day with the full-time students. Classes in the day division normally are scheduled during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, while required classes in the

part-time evening division are scheduled three evenings per week from 6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

ACCELERATED SPRING ENTRY [2 ½ years]� e accelerated J.D. program is designed so that students acquire and develop the same set of skills in less time than the standard three – year program. All coursework and class requirements are identical to the three – year program. � e curriculum and its instruction begin in the spring and summer semesters, allowing the students to complete the program in two and one half years. � e program requires study in residence for six semesters over two and one half academic years, plus one required summer session.

HONORS PROGRAM IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE [3 years]New law school graduates often take jobs in the American criminal justice system without any real preparation. � ey learn on the job in o� ces largely driven by caseload and resource pressures.

“Atlanta’s John Marshall aff orded me the opportunity to transition into the Criminal Justice Honors Program after my interest in Criminal Law was piqued during my fi rst year classes.”

We o� er

Fiveversatile J.D. program options to meet your needs

a forum for collaborative discourse

Off ering the fl exibility needed to succeed.

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ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING� e Experiential Learning Program is a bridge between law school and the practice of law. Externships, or � eld placements, provide the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical experience of on-the-job training.

Students can further their individual educational goals by selecting a � eld placement that o� ers the skills and knowledge they need to enhance their educational and professional development. Unlike an internship, an externship allows you to receive academic credit for the enhanced education you gain outside the classroom. � e Law School website lists over 350 approved local, state, and national placements, and � e O� ce of Experiential Learning will work with you to � nd and/or approve placements that meet your individual needs and interests.

PRO BONO PROGRAM� e Pro Bono Program furthers the school’s commitment to developing lawyers with a strong social conscience. Students bene� t from the practical experience gained through volunteering, while experiencing the rewards and joys of giving back to the community. Students who participate in pro bono work are recognized and rewarded through special activities and graduation honors.

CLINICSStudents may enhance their legal education with a more intensive combination of both theory and practice through our clinics. � e Immigration Law Clinic allows students to work directly with the immigrant community under the supervision of law school faculty and Catholic Charities. � e Fulton County Family Law Intensive Externship o� ers the opportunity for students to work with Atlanta Legal Aid, serving clients at the Fulton County Family Law Information Center (FLIC) under the direction and guidance of a licensed attorney. � ese opportunities o� er practical experience with the added bene� t of a professor focused on using his or her own experience to develop students into outstanding lawyers.

More than just work experience, experiential learning is an opportunity to develop your professional footprint.

a community of applied a community of applied a community

learning of applied learning of applied

In the classroom, you will learn how to think like a lawyer. Your experiences outside the classroom will teach you how to BE a lawyer.

labor omnia vincitH A R D WO R K C O N Q U E R S A L L

350externship placements

� e law school o� ers over

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ADVISING� e Law School provides individual counseling for students and alumni to discuss all aspects of their career searches. Each student is assigned a counselor and is encouraged to meet with the counselor throughout his or her tenure at Atlanta’s John Marshall.

JOB FAIRS� e Career Development O� ce participates in numerous job fairs with other schools across the country, including ones designed to place graduates in specialty practice, minority, public interest positions, and government jobs.

Examples of job fairs that the Law School has hosted on-campus are: Prosecutor’s Job Fair, Corporate Counsel Job Fair, Public Defender’s Job Fair, and Multilingual Job Fair. � e Law School has also co-sponsored job fairs, such as: Public Sector Job Fair, Atlanta Minority Clerkship Program, Southeast Minority Job Fair (SEMJF), Judicial Clerkship Job Fair, and Spring/Fall Southeast Legal Hiring Conferences.

EXIT INTERVIEWS� e Career Development Dean and Directors meet with each third (or part-time fourth) year student prior to graduation in order to assess his or her job search status and strategy. Recent graduates will continue to receive job search assistance in an e� ort to secure employment promptly.

STUDENT AFFAIRS Atlanta’s John Marshall makes a concerted e� ort to provide a learning environment collegial and supportive for its students. Speci� cally, the O� ce of Student A� airs and Pro Bono Projects strives to create opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. � is is accomplished by promoting communication, the free exchange of ideas, and interaction between and among groups. In addition, the O� ce makes every e� ort to instill a sense of professionalism and community, while fostering academic and social integration.

PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM� e Peer Mentorship Program helps improve the quality of life for new students by providing social and personal support. By making mentors available to all � rst-year students, we hope to increase student retention, improve overall academic performance, provide an ongoing orientation to all aspects of law school, and foster academic and social integration. � rough sustained, supportive and nurturing mentor-mentee relationships, the program strives to enhance the learning and holistic development of students both in and out of the classroom.

PROFESSIONALISM SERIES PROGRAM� e Professionalism Series establishes good practices and high ethical standards early in our students’ legal training. It is also an opportunity for students to develop their professional identity by engaging with judges, practicing lawyers, and legal experts who exude the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Participation in the Professionalism Series is mandatory for all � rst-year students.

From study skills to passing the bar, from externships and job interviews to career development, Atlanta’s John Marshall is there — teaching, mentoring and guiding you along your path to success.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTTo help our students achieve the high standards we have set for them, we have put in place an extensive support system, including the O� ce of Academic Achievement. Students can receive personalized assistance in structuring a study program or may seek help in strengthening a particular study skill.

We o� er a skills course for � rst-year students, an Advanced Analytical Methods course for second-year students, and a variety of tools and support services for third-year and fourth-year part-time students in preparation for the bar exam.

Starting out on the right foot is critical for every � rst-year student. � e Law School has a program that helps identify and strengthen weaknesses in areas such as issue spotting, analytical thinking, and writing skills — all areas closely related to achieving success in law school, on the bar exam, and in practice.

BAR EXAM PREPARATIONAt Atlanta’s John Marshall, preparation for the bar exam does not begin after graduation. Students attend workshops and complete practice exams starting in their � rst year to build the skills that will be necessary to achieve success in exam preparation after graduation.

Putting academics into action, these student success programs prepare our students for the opportunities and challenges of practice in the real world. Whatever comes their way, they will be ready.

LEGAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONALISM PROGRAM� e Legal Skills and Professionalism Program was created with two goals in mind: increase bar passage rates and produce graduates who are ready to practice law independently. It o� ers a cohesive approach to legal problem solving that is built upon systematically each year. � e program includes both upper level writing and experiential classes which focus on analytical and writing skills needed to succeed on the bar exam and successfully practice law. Skills mastered in the � rst year are applied to simulated real-world situations in upper-level classes, preparing our students for life after law school. Ethical and professionalism issues are incorporated in all writing and experiential skills courses.

CAREER DEVELOPMENTWe believe early career assessment and skills training are essential to a successful job search and satisfying career.

Our Career Development Program is extensive, o� ering a wide range of resources and opportunities to help our students identify and secure desired positions. With everything from individual career advising and job-speci� c seminars to mock interviews and exit interviews, our graduates are thoroughly prepared for their job search. Job fairs, advanced Internet programs and job postings are just a few of the readily-accessible resources we provide for a successful job search. We also foster strong alumni relationships that support our students through a mentoring program.

Student success is our priority in word and deed. The following programs prepare our students from their fi rst day at the Law School through graduation and into their practice of law.

a proactive approacha proactive approacha proactive

ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

carpe diemS E I Z E T H E DAY

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a network of scholars and achievers

Atlanta’s John Marshall is dedicated to helping students succeed in law school, in law practice and in life. Faculty members are mentors and role models who balance high expectations with genuine care and compassion.

� e Law School is dedicated to preparing highly competent and professional lawyers under the guidance of an outstanding group of scholars. � e law school faculty is dedicated to ensuring all students have the opportunity to develop and grow as they master both the law and the professional skills required to provide representation to all clients at every level of society.

� e diverse faculty brings a wealth of practical knowledge and scholarship to the school. � e classroom environment allows for substantial interaction with the professors and the best conditions for learning. � e classroom environment also promotes close friendships with fellow students and with faculty. Professors treat students as individuals, and are committed to helping them succeed. You will � nd a supportive learning environment where professors are readily available to help foster mastery and success.

Our faculty combines excellent academic credentials with years of practical experience.

“My object is to facilitate each student’s development into a lawyer by practicing in a pressurized setting the skills of thinking on one’s feet, synthesizing ideas you’ve read about into new arguments and perspectives, considering the client and other audiences for a lawyer’s work, and making connections between Contracts and the other courses that are part of your law studies.”

Je� rey A. Van Detta, educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 16 years, � e John E. Ryan Professor of International Business and Workplace Law

ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | THE FACULTY

JV

Our full-time faculty have taught over

200combined years at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Learn to navigate the law library with its Director and namesake, or learn Contracts from…

Professor Michael J. Lynch– educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 18 years

An industry pioneer in transitioning law schools across the nation from catalogue to computer based libraries, Professor Lynch’s unprecedented service and expansion of library services was honored in 2013 with the dedication of the law school library in his name. Professor Lynch serves as the Director of the Michael J. Lynch Law Library.

Learn Business Organizations, Sales and Secured Transactions, or Bankruptcy from...

Professor Robert D’Agostino – educator at Atlanta’s John Marshall for over 21 years

An avid bicyclist and political activist, “Dag” practiced bankruptcy and commercial law for 20 years, served as a presidential appointee to the U.S. Department of Justice under President Ronald Reagan as Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights, served as Dean at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School from 1996-2000, and has participated in several U.S. Supreme Court amicus briefs dealing with bankruptcy issues.

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FPO: EXTRA

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ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | COMMUNITY

� ere is an intentional diversity to the Law School’s student body that we believe strengthens every aspect of our program. Each student — anywhere from a recent college graduate to a career professional — brings a unique perspective to the classroom. � is diverse and talented group not only enhances the learning experience, but also provides a deeper understanding of how the law impacts all persons. While backgrounds are varied, students share a deep commitment to achieving their dream of becoming lawyers.

� e range of professional backgrounds is vast, particularly in the part-time evening division, which has included medical doctors, teachers, police o� cers, mental health workers, accountants, engineers, homemakers, and more.

Student organizations sponsor numerous activities that enrich the law school experience — from lectures by community leaders and panel discussions on current legal issues, to the annual Barristers’ Ball.

Some of the many organizations include: American Trial Lawyers Association, Black Law Students Association, Federalist Society, Caribbean Law Students Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Lamda Law Society, Latin American Law Student Association, Law Journal, Advocacy Board (Moot Court and Mock Trial), Phi Alpha Delta, Prosecutors Club, Public Defenders Club, Sports and Entertainment Law Club, Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Student Bar Association. � ere also are organizations for those interested in corporate, criminal, health, environmental, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment, and property law.

LAW JOURNAL� e John Marshall Law Journal is a semi-annual, legal periodical published at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. Second and third year full-time students and third and fourth year part-time students sta� the Journal. Students receive invitations to join based on their academic success and writing skills.

ADVOCACY BOARD� e Advocacy Board is an intensive program of advocacy training in a competitive environment. � e program provides students the opportunity to develop written, oral, and team-based advocacy skills in the Moot Court Track and/or the Mock Trial Track. � e Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School competition teams have won awards at the local, regional, and national levels.

The sense of community created and experienced by our students is one of the many factors that sets us apart from other law schools.

a case for community

“I had always heard stories of extreme competitiveness in law school. Luckily, here at Atlanta’s John Marshall, students are collaborative and supportive of each other. I have found life-long friends and future colleagues during my time at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.”

235di� erent undergraduate institutions represented on-campus from 2012-2015

concordia res parvae crescentWO R K TO G E T H E R TO AC C O M P L I S H M O R E

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J.D.To enroll a quali� ed and diverse class each year, Admissions takes into account the whole individual. In addition to the candidate’s academic record and standardized test results, Admissions will carefully examine factors that indicate a high probability for success in the study of law.

Such factors include: life experience; personal and professional achievements; ability to overcome life’s obstacles, including personal or family hardships; the capacity for rigorous intellectual study; the self-discipline demanded by the profession; and a commitment to be of service to the profession and society. Because precise measurement of these factors is impossible, Admissions exercises

reasonable discretion in applying them to each candidate. � e goal of the admissions process is to achieve ethnic, racial, cultural, gender and experiential diversity.*

For detailed information about applying to Atlanta’s John Marshall, contact:� e O� ce of Admissions1422 West Peachtree St., NWAtlanta, GA 30309678-916-2620admissions@johnmarshall.eduwww.johnmarshall.edu

REQUIREMENTSAdmission to the Juris Doctor program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Students with senior year

undergraduate standing may be considered for admission, provided their degree will be conferred prior to law school matriculation.

All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and to have their test scores, along with all academic transcripts, reported through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). � e LSAT score must be no more than � ve years old at the time an application is considered. Applicants may register for the LSAT exam and CAS by calling 215-968-1001 or online at www.lsac.org. DOCUMENTATIONProspective students can apply to the Law School directly on the internet at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply and www.lsac.org. An application can also be downloaded at www.johnmarshall.edu/apply.

In addition, applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report: available for retrieval.

2. A personal statement detailing life experiences which have contributed to your personal development and prepared you to successfully undertake a rigorous program in the study of law. � e statement should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than three pages.

3. Two letters of recommendation from persons who know you well and can attest to your capacity to succeed in the study of law.

4. Upon acceptance and prior to registration, an o� cial transcript for all undergraduate, graduate, or professional study undertaken must be forwarded directly from the degree-granting institution to the O� ce of Admissions.

an opportunity

ATLANTA’S JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL | ADMISSIONS

Application instructions for international students, transfer students, visiting students, reapplicants, and audit students can be found under the Admissions section at www.johnmarshall.edu.

APPLICATION SCHEDULEApplications are accepted year-round. Applicants, however, should apply as early as possible to ensure consideration prior to a class becoming full. � e Admissions Committee will not undertake a review of any application until all required documentation is received.

ADMISSIONS EVENTS� e O� ce of Admissions holds Open Houses and attends numerous recruiting events throughout the year. Classroom visits and tours are also available year-round. For a schedule of events, visit www.johnmarshall.edu or call the O� ce of Admissions at 678-916-2620.

*Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School does not use admission policies or take other action to preclude admission of applicants or retention of students on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. � e law school fosters and maintains equal opportunity for students, faculty, and sta� , without discrimination or segregation.

� e purpose of this viewbook is to provide prospective students with an overview of the curriculum, faculty, location, programs, and services at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

� e information provided does not constitute a contract and is subject to change without notice. All programs are subject to meeting minimum enrollment.

LL.M.LL.M. is the abbreviation of the Latin phrase, Legum Magister, which means Master of Laws.Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, which has granted acquiescence to the LL.M. degrees.

LL.M. IN EMPLOYMENT LAW [24 credit hours, four semesters online]Delivered entirely asynchronous and exclusively online, the program uses technology to create a collaborative learning environment - for new or experienced attorneys - through use of group projects, discussion forums, and extensive interaction among faculty and students. � e LL.M. in Employment Law will enhance your ability to meet the needs of clients in the always changing world of labor and employment law.

LL.M. IN AMERICAN LEGAL STUDIES [24 credit hours, four semesters online]� e LL.M. in American Legal Studies online program provides foreign-educated attorneys who seek knowledge of American law and legal institutions the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree in American Legal Studies while residing in their home countries, working in private practice or civil service in their own legal systems.

LL.M. FOR THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN THE UNITED STATES [26 credit hours, two semesters on-campus]� e LL.M. for the Practice of Law in the United States focuses on preparing foreign-trained attorneys to sit for the bar exam in Georgia. � e curriculum is tailored to meet the requirements of Georgia and other states that allow foreign-trained attorneys with a qualifying LL.M. degrees to sit for the bar exam. Students in the program take all of their courses with the J.D. students, allowing for immersion in the American law school experience.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has been fully approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association since 2009. The Section of Legal Education may be contacted at:

321 North Clark St.Chicago, IL 60610(312) 9088-6738

a posse ad esseF R O M P O S S I B I L I T Y TO ACT UA L I T Y

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connect with admissions and the law school community

In AtlantaAttend a Prospective Student Information Session. Upcoming event dates are located on our website.

Schedule a visit to tour campus and/or visit a live lecture. Sign-up online through our Schedule a Visit form.

Register for a free practice LSAT exam at the law school. We partner with study providers to off er free practice exams throughout the year. Register for our next practice exam on our website.