The Criminal Law Society at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has entered into a partnership with the Greater-Atlanta Black Prosecutors Association (GABPA) to offer trial advocacy workshops for students. The workshops are designed to give participants practical experience in key courtroom procedures such as jury selection, delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, and introducing exhibits. Students also receive mentorship and learn about case strategy and the everyday responsibilities of prosecutors.
GABPA, established in 2014 as a chapter of the National Black Prosecutors Association, works to promote fair prosecution practices, encourage legal education, support professional development, and help recruit and retain Black prosecutors. The organization runs programs on trial techniques and mentorship while maintaining membership categories for attorneys, associates, students, and law enforcement personnel.
The workshop series aims to prepare students for careers in prosecution or trial advocacy by allowing them to work closely with experienced practitioners. It also seeks to address challenges in the Metro Atlanta legal community, such as high turnover among assistant district attorneys and solicitors. By preparing graduates who are ready for practice and building a pipeline that supports students committed to public service, the initiative hopes to strengthen local prosecutorial offices.
Kyle Cobb, President of the Criminal Law Society at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, said: “The Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Criminal Law Society aims to balance the scales of justice by making sure that our student members are well-informed and prepared to advocate for either side of the criminal bar at every level. Through several conversations with individuals and representatives who are interested in criminal justice, we were able to birth the first iteration of our ‘Mechanics of Trial Advocacy’ lecture series.”
Attorney Jasmine Knight conceived the idea for this partnership during her tenure as president of the Criminal Law Society in 2024–2025 after recognizing the need for structured training while working at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. She worked with GABPA to launch a program focused on practical skills development under attorney mentorship.
Mychal Scates, Assistant Solicitor General for Fulton County and President of GABPA, stated: “This program aligns with GABPA’s theme for the year – Generational Wealth. In this context, generational wealth isn’t just financial . . . . It is about building a legacy of knowledge, opportunity, and access. By investing in law students through hands-on training and mentorship, we are helping to create a pipeline of future litigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who will carry forward excellence and equity in the profession.”
Through this collaboration with GABPA, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School continues its focus on preparing ethical legal professionals dedicated to service while contributing to efforts that support diversity within prosecutorial ranks.