Kenny Tatum, Director of Career Development
Kenny Tatum, the new director of Career Development at Georgia State University College of Law, brings a wealth of experience across legal recruiting, private practice and corporate talent acquisition. A graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Illinois College of Law, Tatum has led career services at several institutions, including the University of Georgia School of Law, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and Penn State Dickinson School of Law. His background also includes executive roles in lateral recruiting, DEI strategy and talent acquisition at Womble Bond Dickinson and Novant Health.
Tatum’s arrival coincides with a fresh direction for the office he leads, formerly known as the Center for Professional Development & Career Strategies. Now simply called “Career Development,” the rebrand is more than just a name change; it marks a strategic transformation. “The change reflects a strategy focused on more effectively engaging students, faculty, alumni and employers,” he said. “We want students and graduates to easily recognize us and feel supported by our services.”
Tatum defines career development as “the intentional process of exploring, preparing for and pursuing meaningful legal and law-related careers.” His approach emphasizes self-assessment, relationship-building and personalized support. From one-on-one counseling to employer connections, Tatum’s office aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue both traditional and emerging career paths.
“We are excited about the future of Career Development and looking forward to this new chapter — with new programming and opportunities for students, employers, faculty and alumni. Career Development at Georgia State Law has a successful track record with 90 percent of the class of 2024 landing employment 10 months after graduation. Now, we want to take it a step further by expanding our reach to provide even more resources and support for the next generation of legal professionals,” said Tameka Lester, associate dean for Student Success.
A key part of that strategy includes fostering community and increasing access to professional relationships. Tatum developed several programs including a new alumni speaker series and an upcoming Career Day that will allow students to interact with attorneys in informal, approachable settings. “Law is a relationship-driven field,” he said. “Many students come in knowing few, if any, lawyers. We’re creating pathways to change that.”
Career Development provides students and graduates with professional development, education, counseling and employment assistance.
Tatum also views alumni and employer engagement as central to the office’s mission. “We’re here to support and strengthen the professional ecosystem Georgia State Law alumni have already built,” he said. “Our goal is to be a valuable partner to the legal community.”
Through collaboration with student organizations, faculty and employers, Tatum is helping to position Career Development as the most direct path for Atlanta attorneys to engage with future lawyers.
“We want every student, regardless of background, to leave here with a strong sense of identity, confidence and community,” he said. “If we can help them graduate not just with a job, but with purpose, then we’ve done something meaningful.”
-Written by Ifunanya Ejimofor (LL.M. ’25).