Ava Jane Teasley, a student at Mercer School of Law, found her calling in the legal profession after initially considering a different path. Originally from Covington, Teasley studied agriculture communication at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and was actively involved in the National FFA Organization. She realized her interest in law when she learned about the role of legal advocates and their emphasis on service.
“My parents are very intentional about ensuring my sister and I understand the value of serving others,” she said. “Because of that, finding a way to serve through my career is important. I think a lawyer has a unique opportunity to do that.”
Teasley's parents have careers in education; her father retired from agriculture education, and her mother teaches high school Spanish. Despite this background, it wasn't until an internship with Smith, Welch, Webb and White that Teasley discovered her interest in education law.
“The work at SWWW gave me purpose,” she said. “I was mentored by many of their partners and associates, and they assigned me projects such as drafting motions, researching case law, and attending jury and bench trials."
At Mercer Law, Teasley serves as 3L Concerns chair with the Student Bar Association. She also participates in various activities including the Association of Women Law Students and works at the Furman Smith Law Library.
“I communicate with members of my class... I hope that these relationships leave a positive impact on my peers,” she said.
Her favorite experience at Mercer has been participating in writing groups under Dean Karen Sneddon’s Legal Writing Certificate Program.
“I loved the group I was with... We worked together to better each other’s work," she noted.
Recently completing an internship with Bibb County Superior Court Chief Judge Philip T. Raymond III reinforced her aspirations.
“It’s humbling to think that at one time great judges... were in this library late studying for the same exams I am now,” she expressed.
Teasley aims to become the first lawyer in her family and is seeking employment post-graduation near Birmingham, Alabama where her fiancé resides. Their wedding is planned for March.