The Georgia General Assembly House of Representatives adopted a resolution written by Georgia State Law students recognizing the history and legacy of Georgia State University College of Law and honoring excellence in clinical legal education.
State Representative Sam Park (J.D. ‘17) introduced House Resolution 356 to the floor for adoption on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. The resolution, drafted by students in the Legislative Drafting Seminar as part of their experiential learning, was co-sponsored by Representatives Carolyn Hugley, Trey Kelley (J.D. ‘14), Chuck Martin and Jan Jones.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside the students at Georgia State College of Law on HR 356. Their thoughtful approach to drafting this resolution reflects a clear understanding of the legislative process and the real-world impact of the College’s clinical programs. Their work speaks to a deep commitment to public service and a desire to make a meaningful difference. I’m inspired by their passion, their ideas, and their vision for the future of our profession,” said Representative Park.
State Representative Sam Park (J.D. ‘17) introduced House Resolution 356 to the floor for adoption on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
House Resolution 356 reads, “Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives that the members of this body celebrate, commend, and congratulate the clinical legal education program at the Georgia State University College of Law for its towering accomplishments, for its steadfast dedication to the ideals of access to justice, and for its unwavering commitment to experiential learning for its students.”
The resolution goes on to call out the exemplary qualities of each of the seven experiential learning clinics Georgia State Law offers its students, outlining the substantial impact they have made in the lives of everyday Georgians.
Professor Ted Afield, the associate dean for experiential education and director of clinical programs, expressed his pride in the students’ initiative. “Learning that Georgia State Law students had taken it upon themselves to draft [this] resolution has been an incredible high point for me during my tenure,” he said.
College of Law students working under the supervision of faculty and licensed attorneys have secured over $1 million in benefits for families through the Health Law Partnership Clinic and recovered more than $55,000 in refunds and relief through the Phillip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. The Immigration Clinic, the first of its kind in Georgia, has provided essential legal representation for low-income individuals in immigration court, while the newly founded Community Development and Entrepreneurship Clinic (CDELC) has been a vital resource for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta.
“We are honored to receive recognition for the CDELC’s work of providing transactional legal services to the community,” said Assistant Clinical Professor of Law Susan Chase, co-director of the CDELC. “The legal clinics at Georgia State University College of Law are committed to ensuring access to justice, particularly for marginalized and underserved groups. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, and to the power of legal advocacy in making a meaningful difference in the lives of Atlantans.”
The resolution states the clinics at Georgia State University College of Law are an “unmatched testament to the State of Georgia's commitment to a brighter and more just future for all its citizens.” This recognition from the legislative community points to the invaluable role of Georgia State Law’s clinics in not only shaping future legal professionals but also in providing accessible services for the local and state community.
“Our clinics work so hard every day to fulfill their dual mission of education and service,” said Professor Afield. “It is very gratifying to see not only our students, but our elected representatives express their appreciation and support for the impact that we have serving the economically vulnerable of Georgia and educating the next generation of practice-ready law graduates.”
-Written by Lauren Allred