Jarvarus Gresham (J.D. ‘19) has experienced the College of Law from many different angles: as a student, an alumnus recently appointed as executive committee secretary for the Law Alumni Council, and now a generous donor and adjunct faculty member. Gresham has dedicated years of leadership and service to the college that will benefit students long into the future.
With a recent gift of $30,000, Gresham has endowed a scholarship for first-generation law students who are members of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
“As a first-generation college and law student, I understand some of the unforeseen financial challenges that may occur when pursuing your dreams,” Gresham said.
His experience in law school included being welcomed into the community by BLSA students, who supported him through academic experiences like the annual Mock Exam for first-year students and giving him a place to showcase his leadership skills as the chapter’s vice president.
“I benefited tremendously from being involved with BLSA, and I included the BLSA criteria because of how much the Ronald J. Freeman Chapter at Georgia State Law did for me,” he said.
Gresham’s commitment to giving back and staying connected to his alma mater is exemplified by his deep admiration for mentors like Harold Franklin (J.D. '99), who have shown remarkable generosity through the years.
“It has been an honor to be a part of his journey and to witness him soar,” said Franklin, who met Gresham as a high school student intern through the Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program at King & Spalding in Atlanta. “His formidable work ethic, winning personality, determination and optimism are truly inspiring.”
Inspired by Franklin and other influential figures, Gresham has made it his mission to pass on the support he received during his legal education journey.
Gresham is building his legacy at Georgia State Law in more ways than one. In addition to endowing a scholarship, he gives his time and expertise to students as a faculty member.
As one of the College of Law’s newest adjunct professors, he teaches Lawyering Advocacy, a course focused on practical litigation skills.
"Many of my instructors were adjunct professors who practiced law by day and taught at the law school by night. Those adjunct professors gave real-life examples to help us understand legal concepts," Gresham explained.
Jarvarus Gresham (J.D. '19), photo courtesy of Cullen A. Johnson
As an associate attorney at BakerHostetler, Gresham is bridging the gap between theory and practice, and his alumni status allows him to relate to current students and provide guidance on navigating the transition from law school to a legal career.
By incorporating real-world experiences into his teaching, Gresham underscores the importance of professionalism, preparation, accountability and clear communication in legal practice. By sharing examples from his career, such as the importance of seeking expertise when needed and managing deadlines responsibly, he helps students understand what it's really like to work in litigation and advises them to prepare.
His experience mentoring junior associates and interns inside and outside of BakerHostetler further informs his approach, reminding him of the challenges new lawyers face and the importance of supportive mentorship.
Tanya Washington, Georgia State University College of Law professor of Children’s Constitutional Rights was one of Gresham’s professors and advisors, who has been instrumental in his success.
"Jarvarus was an outstanding student and graduate research assistant, and he was a brilliant Black Law Students Association leader. He was thoughtful, diligent and focused on getting the most out of his time at Georgia State. He was also very invested in the success and growth of his law school classmates. I am so excited to have Jarvarus as a colleague. Our law students will benefit from his legal and lived experiences,” Washington shared.
Drawing from his experiences as a scholarship recipient at the College of Law, Gresham sees this initiative as an opportunity to empower future generations of aspiring lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“I was honored to receive scholarship dollars while at Georgia State Law and this endowed scholarship is one way to pay it forward to other first-generation law students,” he said.
For Gresham, contributing to the community isn't just about repaying debts; it's about inspiring and empowering others to make a positive impact within their law schools and communities. By following their passions and dedicating themselves to mentorship and service, Gresham believes aspiring attorneys can create lasting change and pave the way for future generations of legal professionals.
“The road to law school was challenging and it was only with the assistance of others that I was able to attend Georgia State Law. That is also true for many aspiring lawyers, so I wanted to play at least a small part in assisting others on their journey to the practice of law.”
He plans to expand his philanthropic efforts and serve as a positive role model for aspiring lawyers, particularly young Black men.
“The number of Black men being accepted into law schools has declined over the last decade. I would like to play a part in increasing those numbers.”