At Mercer Law School, judges play a significant role in legal education by bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. Alumni and sitting judges regularly participate as guest lecturers, mentors, and adjunct professors, sharing their professional experiences with students.
Judge Eric Dunaway, a 1996 graduate of Mercer Law, emphasized his sense of duty to give back: "I am very grateful for the opportunity, education and experiences Mercer provided. I feel a sense of duty to the law school to volunteer and give where I can. I am a Mercer lawyer and proudly hang my diploma on my wall."
Judge Lamar W. Sizemore Jr., who has taught at Mercer for 37 years, spoke about his family's connection to the university: "Mercer University, and especially the law school, is a part of my family heritage," he said. He added that five generations of his family have earned 15 degrees from Mercer. "I viewed my time as a Superior Court judge as a service to my profession and to our community."
Chief Superior Court Judge Philip T. Raymond III described how mentorship shaped his career: "As a law student I was advised to seek out an older, experienced lawyer who would be willing to mentor me and advise me when faced with unfamiliar or difficult issues," he said. "Throughout my career I had many who were willing to fill that role, and their advice was invaluable. Having been the beneficiary of this advice and guidance, I feel an obligation to make myself available to be a source of advice for law students and young lawyers, be it in the classroom setting or on an individual basis."
Senior Judge John Carbo explained why he returns to teach: "I feel it is my contribution to make the profession be the best it can be," he said.
Judges also address topics beyond legal procedure or rulings. Chief Judge Shondeana Crews Morris believes that engagement with students helps set expectations for professionalism: "It’s important for judges to engage law students directly to share our wisdom through mentorship opportunities and to give them an honest view of the kinds of ethics, civility and professionalism they will be expected to adhere to as future lawyers." She often reads students the Lawyer’s Creed during her visits.
Judge David L. Mincey III encourages students by reminding them about their responsibilities: "Understand the nature of what lawyers do and that your job/your file is someone else’s life," he tells them. "Be honest. Be truthful. Be helpful. Be courteous and respectful."
Raymond adds that responsibility comes with rewards: "I want students to understand that the practice of law can be extremely rewarding but that it comes with great responsibility. The outcome of every case they handle will have an impact on their client, either good or bad... They have an obligation to put the preparation and effort necessary to properly present every case they handle." He also notes students’ duty toward pro bono work: "As a member of the legal profession, they have an obligation to give a certain amount of their time back in the form of pro bono representation..."
Mentorships formed through these classroom engagements often influence students' careers long after graduation. Mincey recounted how encouragement from friends led him toward becoming a judge: "I was minding my own business one day, and my friend called and said I should submit an application for the upcoming vacancy," he said.
Morris assures students she remains available as a mentor beyond her lectures: "Judges are not living in a tower somewhere; I can be reached out to and am available to them..."
Dunaway tries to reassure uncertain students about their choice in pursuing law: “There’s a possibility that one of them is of the belief that they’ve made the wrong decision by going to law school... So I want to reassure them that if I and my classmates made it, so can they.”
Raymond emphasizes practical lessons from experience: “Many of the students I speak with... will be lawyers practicing in my courtroom... Interacting with them at this stage... provides an opportunity... so they hopefully can learn from my mistakes as well as my successes.”
Carbo highlights how mock trial coaching builds courtroom instincts among students: “The students can observe my thought processes in the trial setting... It helps law students think and react in the same manner as they will as attorneys.”
Sizemore stresses exposure before formal practice begins: “Students do not have many opportunities to participate in courtroom activities...” He also works on correcting misconceptions about courtrooms.
Raymond recognizes varied backgrounds among law students: “Some come from families with a history of lawyers... Others are first-generation law students who may not even be aware...” He says only direct conversation allows tailored advice.
Judges say engaging with future lawyers revitalizes their own passion for law. Mincey noted: “I am reinvigorated by the opportunity...” Morris added: “Being in the classroom with future lawyers fills me with hope...” Dunaway shared similar feelings about student enthusiasm.
Sizemore concludes his talks encouraging three principles for all new lawyers: “Remember that first you were a lawyer... when in doubt err on the side of mercy; and just rule!”
The involvement of judges at Mercer Law fosters lasting connections between faculty, alumni judges, current jurists, and aspiring lawyers—strengthening both education standards at Mercer Law School itself as well as broader professional culture within Georgia’s legal community.