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. Starks brings significant legal expertise and a personal commitment to mentoring future lawyers.
Starks founded The Barristers Society, which partners with CCJI to provide mentorship and training for practicing lawyers. His involvement with AJMLS began after encouragement from Professor Jonathan Rapping, who suggested that law students would benefit more directly from his guidance.
“For years, we were teaching, training, and working with practicing lawyers in the community through The Barristers Society, but often felt frustrated that they weren’t leaning into everything we wanted to give,” Starks reflected. “Professor Rapping convinced me that [Atlanta’s] John Marshall students would be more open and invested, and that as practicing lawyers, we should focus our efforts on training and developing you all. I am here because of you. This is personal for me. I’m not a professor, I’m not on the faculty, and I’m not being paid to do this. This is a volunteer effort where I’m investing my own time and resources, and encouraging other lawyers to do the same, because I believe in you.”
In addition to his work with students, Starks has contributed his art collection to CCJI’s space. The pieces are intended to prompt reflection on themes related to justice and the rule of law. Images displayed include Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, George Floyd—highlighting lives lost due to police violence—as well as prominent legal figures such as Constance Baker Motley and Thurgood Marshall.
“This art is meant to make students and visitors think, feel, and reflect,” said Starks. “It’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and criminal justice, and of the responsibility we carry as lawyers.”
Starks’ career includes founding The Starks Law Firm; serving as Senior Attorney at The Cochran Firm Atlanta; partner at Martin & Jones; associate at Garland, Samuel & Loeb; clerking for Judge Damon J. Keith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; staff attorney roles at The Washington Post; service with the Public Defender Service for D.C.; and editing for Duke Law Journal during his time at Duke University School of Law.
As Executive Director of CCJI at AJMLS since relocating to Atlanta in 1999, Starks aims to combine his professional background with his dedication to student development in criminal and civil law.