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News from 2025


Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School alumnus honored with 2025 Georgia Civic Excellence Award

Jason Shepherd, a 2010 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), has received the 2025 Georgia Civic Excellence Award.


Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School launches new justice institute for hands-on legal training

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has announced the launch of its first Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) cohort.


Two men receive lengthy sentences for sex trafficking teen in DeKalb County

Two men have been sentenced for sex trafficking a young teen in DeKalb County, according to District Attorney Sherry Boston.


Federal report on prenatal acetaminophen use may affect Tylenol-related lawsuits

Scientific studies have indicated a potential connection between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, including products like Tylenol, and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder...


House of Prayer Christian Church pastor indicted on federal child sexual abuse charges

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted Bernadel Semexant, a pastor associated with the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC), on multiple charges involving sex offenses against a minor.


Eight charged with bank fraud schemes linked to House Of Prayer Christian Churches

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted eight individuals associated with the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC) on charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and aiding and...


Court appoints Theodore S. Hertzberg as U.S. Attorney for Northern District of Georgia

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has appointed Theodore S. Hertzberg as the U.S. Attorney for the district, effective September 10, 2025.


Court appoints Theodore S. Hertzberg as U.S. attorney for Northern District of Georgia

Theodore S. Hertzberg will continue to serve as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia following a vote by the judges of the United States District Court.


Hiram man sentenced to fifteen years for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine

Darrlin Vernard Warner has been sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, while possessing firearms and over $175,000 in drug proceeds.


Former Army soldier receives life sentences for child sexual abuse at Fort Stewart

A former Army soldier, Austin Michael Burak, 32, of Oak Harbor, Washington, has been sentenced to concurrent life sentences after being convicted of sexually abusing two children at Fort Stewart Military Reservation in Georgia.


Sam Starks leads Criminal and Civil Justice Institute at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School

Sam Starks, a veteran attorney with over 30 years of experience in civil and criminal law, is now serving as the Executive Director of the Criminal and Civil Justice Institute (CCJI) at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.


Beasley Allen represents victims after Air India Flight 171 crash; airline launches fleet upgrade

Air India has initiated a $400 million program to update its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, focusing on cabin upgrades, refreshed interiors, and improved inflight entertainment.


Oglethorpe Mall shooting suspect indicted on federal machinegun charge

A federal grand jury has indicted Aujawan Hymon, 20, of Savannah, Georgia, on charges of illegal possession of a machinegun.


Georgia Magazine highlights Elizabeth Chamblee Burch’s expertise in mass torts

Elizabeth Chamblee Burch, who holds the Callaway Chair at the University of Georgia School of Law, was featured in Georgia Magazine for her work in mass torts and multidistrict litigation.


Amy Taylor discusses legal research textbook creation at AALL 2025 Annual Meeting

Amy Taylor, Clinical Services and Research Librarian, participated as a panelist at the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 2025 Annual Meeting.


Stone Mountain man receives life sentence for fatal shooting during argument

A Stone Mountain resident, Lafeme Pruitt, has been sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty in the fatal shooting of Dominique Grant.


Federal authorities charge Kennesaw resident with arson at Atlanta ICE facility

Federal authorities have announced charges against Ronald Watson, also known as Sarah Watson, Miranda Kyle, and Emily Smith, 28, of Kennesaw, Georgia.


DeKalb County man indicted in double homicide following domestic violence incidents

A DeKalb County man has been indicted on more than 30 charges in connection with a series of domestic violence incidents that led to the deaths of his estranged wife and a 6-year-old girl.


Beasley Allen files lawsuit over alleged video game addiction in minors

Beasley Allen has filed a lawsuit in California alleging that a video game developer is responsible for fostering addictive gaming habits in children.


Pamela Foohey presents new book on consumer bankruptcy at UC Berkeley

Pamela Foohey, a professor, introduced her new co-authored book, "Debt’s Grip: Risk and Consumer Bankruptcy," at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in August.