Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Gideon’s Promise (GP) and The Barristers Society (TBS) to launch the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. This initiative establishes an unprecedented collaboration between legal education and frontline advocacy to prepare the next generation of legal advocates – developing compassionate lawyers for everyday people.
The CCJI will serve as a dynamic hub in Atlanta, dedicated to equipping law students and early-career attorneys with the practical skills, values, and mentorship needed to make an immediate impact on local communities. With a mission to advance justice for the underserved, the institute aims to raise the standard of representation in criminal and civil cases while providing invaluable hands-on training to AJMLS students and alumni.
Through this partnership, the CCJI will connect AJMLS students with accomplished legal professionals—referred to as Law Partners—to participate in externships, internships, and mentorship programs. These experiences will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, fostering a pipeline of legal talent committed to advocating for justice in Atlanta and beyond. Additionally, all administrative and physical operations for Gideon’s Promise and The Barristers Society will be moving onsite to the Law School this year.
Dean Jace C. Gatewood, the driving force behind the multi-year effort to bring the CCJI to life, has long recognized the need to expand mentorship and immersive learning opportunities for all students. Reflecting on this initiative, Gatewood stated, “This program is truly one of a kind, setting a new standard in legal education. We are proud to lead the way in preparing the next generation of highly skilled and ethical professionals.”
Read the full press release on Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School website!