Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) recently expressed its gratitude to Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP for hosting a luncheon in honor of Dean Martin L. Ellin, the school’s Dean and CEO. The event was organized to recognize Dean Ellin’s leadership and introduce his vision for a more community-focused AJMLS to members of Atlanta’s legal and professional sectors.
During the gathering, Piaja Brooks, a third-year law student, introduced Dean Ellin by highlighting his lifelong commitment to increasing access to justice and serving others. In his remarks, Dean Ellin addressed both challenges and opportunities facing the law school. He discussed the implications of the recent termination of the GradPlus Program and emphasized the growing need for scholarship support for AJMLS students. He also spoke about AJMLS’s transition into a nonprofit institution with an increased focus on its mission and student achievement.
Notable attendees included Adam Malone, Chairman; Shilpa Jadwani, President of the Alumni Association Board; Judge Neera Bahl; Judge Ashley Drake; and Linda Klein, Advisor to the Board of Directors. Many colleagues, friends, and supporters of Dean Ellin were also present. Attendees learned about what was described as a “new” AJMLS—one that is defined by collaboration, engagement with the community, and a clear sense of purpose.
The event provided opportunities for mentorship among participants. For example, first-year student Shaquille Kokumo—an alumnus of the Atlanta Bar Association Summer Legal Internship Program (SLIP)—met with Wade Malone, Partner at Nelson Mullins and SLIP Co-Chair. This interaction demonstrated AJMLS’s ongoing efforts to support professional development and connect students with members of Atlanta’s legal community.
According to organizers, “This celebration reflected the deep respect and support shared across the legal profession for Dean Ellin’s leadership and for the future of AJMLS.” They added that AJMLS looks forward to continued collaboration with Nelson Mullins and other partners as it works toward educating future legal professionals.