tend to go up, and indeed we have had a jump in applications this year. But the downturn may make it even harder for accepted students to sustain their living situations. We are sensitive to the need to be aware, and supportive, of those who are part of our AJMLS family.
TAL: Does the law school currently engage in fundraising?
ME: We are just beginning to raise funds. Previously, as a for-profit institution there was less need to secure donations. Now, we are making plans to raise charitable donations from a variety of resources, including individual lawyers throughout the state, to support our students and the noteworthy scholarship of our faculty members.
TAL: What would you consider the most important factors a prospective applicant should examine when making a decision to attend JMLS?
ME: Community, ability, and opportunity. Choosing to attend a particular law school is a big decision. AJMLS provides a collegial community. Our students tend to have a strong collaborative work ethic, yet they aren ' t overly competitive. Relationships are built that typically last long after their law school journey. Being open to new opportunities, both off-campus and on-campus, can greatly enhance the law school experience. Whether that is being involved in an externship, an internship, a student organization, or a clinical program, it ' s important to embrace these opportunities to ultimately be more of a well-rounded law student and future attorney.
TAL: Have you seen any attributes that set AJMLS apart from other law schools in the state?
ME: Georgia has five outstanding law schools, and each has personnel, approaches, and attributes that distinguish them from the others.
At AJMLS, we remain proud that we present an excellent chance for those who are committed to becoming lawyers despite obstacles that might prevent them from attending another school to find a path to realizing their dream. We have a focus on accessibility and opportunity. AJMLS is known for providing access to legal education to traditional and non-traditional students, including older students, career changers, and those from underrepresented backgrounds. AJMLS also offers both evening and part-time day programs that are especially helpful for working professionals.
AJMLS has recognized an increased student interest in the field of criminal law. The School launched the Criminal Justice Certificate Program( CJCP) in 201. This nationally recognized program equips students with strategies to allow them to shape the criminal justice arena rather than simply being shaped by it. And as mentioned earlier, the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute, just launched, continues strong work in both the criminal and civil education arenas.
We also offer:- Clinics and externships in areas such as criminal justice, civil rights, and immigration, allow students to gain hands-on experience.
- A strong focus on Accessibility and Opportunity- AJMLS is known for providing access to legal education to traditional and non-traditional students, including older students, career changers, and to those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- The Law School offers both evening and part-time day programs that are especially helpful for working professionals.
- The Law School offers the Criminal Justice Honors Program recognizing an increased student interest in the field of criminal law, Atlanta’ s John Marshall Law School launched the Criminal Justice Certificate Program( CJCP) in 2018. From 2011-2018.
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Our nationally recognized Criminal Justice Certificate Program( CJCP) equips students with strategies to allow them to shape the criminal justice arena rather than simply being shaped by it.
- An emphasis on practical, skillsbased legal training- the school emphasizes real-world legal skills, with strong offerings in trial advocacy, legal writing, and experiential learning, offering a great deal of hands-on experience.
- Strategic Location in Atlanta- Being in Atlanta, AJMLS provides access to a vibrant legal market, with many internship, externship, and networking opportunities in government, corporate, public interest, and private law.
- Personalized Attention and Smaller Class Sizes- With intentional smaller entering classes, students can receive more individualized instruction and mentorship from faculty. Our environment is described as supportive and community-oriented, which can be a big plus for students who don’ t thrive in high-pressure, hypercompetitive settings.
TAL: I have to admit, the bar passage rate for the past few exams has been off the chart for the school. [ DON’ T HATE IT- CELEBRATE IT!!] What are your thoughts on the recent increase in bar exam performance?
ME: It is exciting! The numbers are revealing: AJMLS is the 3rd ranked law school in Ultimate Bar Passage Rate for 2022( the most recent two-year data available). We had the largest two-year bar passage increase in the last five years of any school in the nation( based on the most recent two-year data), 2017- 2022.
AJMLS has initiated exciting new programming for bar takers, including Score More Saturdays( 68 individuals attended this workshop this past weekend!) and Work-on-it- Wednesday. All of this is indicative
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