Georgia State University College of Law welcomes 220 first-year students to campus—one of the largest incoming classes in recent years. Students got their first taste of doing things “The State Way” at last week’s orientation when they took the Oath & Honor Code pledge with Presiding Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia David Nahmias, who is a member of the Georgia State Law Board of Visitors.
“Once students are admitted to the law school, it is important for them to be fully immersed in all of the wonderful opportunities that lay ahead,” says Monique McCarthy, senior director of admissions. “Beyond registering for classes and getting their Panther Cards, we want them to understand that their careers start the moment they commit to Georgia State Law.”
Our student mentors worked tirelessly to welcome first-year students.
Throughout the week, students met members of the State Bar Association in conjunction with the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, who guided them through problem-solving activities on ethics, plagiarism, professionalism and conduct. They also participated in book discussions with faculty members, started analyzing cases, met their assigned librarians and attended a session on preparing for class with Kim D’Haene, director of the Office of Academic Success.
“Our goal with orientation is to take a holistic approach to welcoming students to law school,” says Alexis Martinez, associate dean of students. “This is one of the most significant decisions they will make in their lives, which is why they are networking, learning about self-care and starting to develop their legal skills in the same week.”
One of the most unique aspects of Georgia State Law orientation is the opportunity to participate in a service project. Students and faculty chose between five sites where they spent an afternoon reading to Atlanta Public Schools students, sorting food at Atlanta Community Food Bank, shipping donations for Books for Africa, pulling weeds at Piedmont Park or packing medical supplies for MedShare.
“Part of what distinguishes Georgia State Law is that we are lawyers who pride ourselves on giving back to the community,” says Leslie Wolf, interim dean of the College of Law. “Our students come from all walks of life, and many of them have come to law school to make a positive impact on the world. We are here to help them do just that.”
Georgia State College of Law received over 1,700 applications this year. J.D. applications for the Class of 2023 are open Sept. 1 to June 1.
First-year law students taking the Oath & Honor Code Pledge.
CLASS PROFILE
The J.D. and LL.M. classes come to Georgia State Law from around the world. Members of the incoming class come from 13 states within the U.S. and 26 countries, with every inhabited continent represented.
J.D.
220 Total
26 Average age
78 Undergraduate institutions represented
53 Majors represented
Gender
51 percent female
49 percent male
Residency
88 percent Georgia residents
12 percent non-residents
LL.M.
21 Total
43 Average age
16 Bar Preparation Track
5 U.S. Lawyer