Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in Georgia Law Schools
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School: Overview
Background and History
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) was a private law school located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Founded in 1933, AJMLS served as an independent law school primarily focused on providing practical legal education to working professionals.
It was well known for its flexible evening and part-time programs, catering to non-traditional students such as working adults.
In 2016, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School was acquired by Georgia State University and merged into what is now the Georgia State University College of Law.
Academic Programs
Before the merger, AJMLS offered:
Juris Doctor (JD) degrees with full-time and part-time enrollment options.
A curriculum designed to balance theory with practical skills training.
Courses emphasized trial advocacy, negotiation, and legal writing to prepare students for practice.
Clinics and externships provided hands-on experience in various fields of law, including criminal law, family law, and business law.
Accreditation and Status
AJMLS was fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The school had a reputation for being student-friendly and accessible, with particular focus on supporting non-traditional students.
Following the acquisition, its resources and programs were integrated into Georgia State University College of Law, enhancing the law school’s offerings in Atlanta.
Role Among Georgia Law Schools
Georgia hosts several law schools, including:
University of Georgia School of Law (Athens) – flagship public law school.
Emory University School of Law (Atlanta) – private, highly ranked.
Georgia State University College of Law (Atlanta) – public.
Mercer University School of Law (Macon) – private.
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School fit into this ecosystem as:
A smaller, more affordable law school with flexible scheduling.
A practical skills-oriented institution serving primarily working adults.
Its merger with Georgia State University College of Law in 2016 was part of an effort to consolidate legal education resources in Georgia’s capital.
Bar Passage and Employment
AJMLS graduates were eligible to sit for the Georgia Bar Exam and other state bar exams where accredited.
The school provided bar exam support tailored to part-time students.
Many graduates went on to practice in local Atlanta law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations.
Relationship with Georgia Legal System
AJMLS trained students specifically for the Georgia legal environment, with courses on Georgia state law, procedure, and ethics.
The school’s clinics and externships connected students with the Atlanta legal community, courts, and public defenders.
Post-merger, Georgia State University College of Law continues this tradition with expanded opportunities.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Established | 1933 |
| Status | Merged into Georgia State University College of Law (2016) |
| Degrees Offered | Juris Doctor (JD) |
| Accreditation | ABA-accredited |
| Focus Areas | Practical skills, trial advocacy, flexible scheduling |
| Role in Georgia Legal Ed | Accessible law education for working adults |
| Bar Exam | Prepares students for Georgia Bar and others |
Conclusion
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School was a vital institution in Georgia’s legal education landscape, known for its flexible, practice-focused programs geared toward working students. Its acquisition by Georgia State University strengthened legal education in Atlanta by integrating AJMLS’s strengths into a larger public law school with broader resources.
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