In 2025, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) recognized the achievements of its alumni in a series of monthly highlights. The law school, which has educated legal professionals for over 90 years, celebrated milestones reached by graduates across various sectors.
Among the notable recognitions, Sonya F. Allen (’99) was sworn in as District Attorney for Cobb County, becoming the first African-American woman elected to that position. Shalamar J. Parham (’08) joined the Gate City Bar Association Executive Board as Member-at-Large, and M. Scott Gazlay (’10) contributed to opening a new office for GSH Attorneys focusing on residential real estate.
Sarah A. Steele (’10), after twelve years running her own firm, joined Douglas County Juvenile Public Defender’s Office as Assistant Juvenile Public Defender. Lauren L. Wallace (’11) was sworn in as judge for Douglasville Superior Court following service in DeKalb and Douglas Counties.
Janie P. Varnell (’12) was nominated by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp to serve as County Attorney in Tennessee and was later confirmed by the County Commission: "Congratulations to Janie on becoming the first woman to serve as Hamilton County Attorney, where she works alongside her classmate Timothy Clark (’12), who serves as Deputy County Attorney."
Mariette L. Clardy-Davis (’13) joined the Association of Corporate Counsel-Georgia Chapters Board of Directors.
Other alumni achieved leadership roles in legal organizations or received professional honors throughout the year. For example, Ron Bingham (’96) became Financial Services Practice Group Leader at Adams and Reese; Brianna T. Smith (’22) was selected as a founding board member for a new public charter school; and Ashley L. Starnes (’23) advanced to Corporate Counsel at Featurespace.
Several AJMLS graduates took up judicial positions or expanded their influence within bar associations: Inez Grant (’91) was appointed Solicitor General of Hall County by Governor Brian P. Kemp; Judge Sonja N. Brown (’04) received the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service and was elected Vice Chair of Atlanta Bar Association’s Judicial Section; Jennifer Gore (’12) earned the Visionary Award from Georgia Association for Women Lawyers; Kareemah L. Lewis (’12) became President of that association.
Alumni also contributed to education and community initiatives—Glenda Mitchell (’16) launched a paralegal certificate program at Georgia Highlands College; Dr. Megan T. Hodgkiss (‘12), after joining Emory University School of Law as Associate Director of Communication, also became Vice President of Atlanta Preservation Center’s Board.
The list included several appointments to government positions: Terri R. Casey (‘07), Chief Human Resources Officer at American Oncology Network; Judge Elizabeth A Higgins-Brooks (‘09), Secretary of Atlanta Bar Association’s Judicial Section; Bill J Black (‘18), Senior Attorney for State of Georgia before becoming Assistant District Attorney in Enotah Judicial Circuit.
New firms were launched by Bryan D Dayton (‘19) and Tom B Kirkbride (‘18); Nicholas R Schnyder (‘11)’s firm won multiple awards from Cobb Life Magazine.
Retirements were also honored: Judge Aubrey Duffey (‘62)’s more than six decades on the bench were recognized with Carroll County declaring June 30 “Judge Aubrey Duffey Day.”
Alumni continued to make contributions through publications such as JJ Poole ('18)'s book on business formation or participation in professional summits like those attended by Judge Ashley G Drake ('11).
In December 2025, Carl S Cansino ('95) was appointed Solicitor General of Washington County by Governor Brian P Kemp: "He is the founder of Cansino Law Firm, LLC and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers." Randy E Fry ('98), along with Gulliana L Goehring ('21), opened a new office in Athens, Georgia.
Throughout 2025, AJMLS alumni assumed key roles across legal practice areas including criminal defense, public service, corporate counsel positions focused on privacy and technology transactions, leadership within bar associations, education initiatives aimed at future legal professionals, judiciary appointments at municipal and county levels—and received recognition for their work advancing justice and supporting communities.