From Silver Springs, Maryland to Atlanta, Adam Mullins (J.D. '27) has always been rooted in communities striving to overcome systemic barriers like housing inequity, poverty and, drug abuse. Now a second-year law student at Georgia State University College of Law, Mullins is channeling those early experiences into action, working to become an advocate, a leader and a gateway for others navigating similar paths.
“My father made it a point that I grew up around people who faced real systematic challenges, like poverty, unemployment, and limited access to financial resources,” Mullins said. “Watching him push back against oppressive economic and housing conditions sparked something in me.
The first time Mullins truly became aware of what his father did for his community was when he fought against homes and churches being taken through eminent domain to build Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He worked hard to ensure that the owners, many of whom were Black families, were fairly compensated, recognizing that in many cases, those properties were the only assets those families had. “I realized then that law and business—my two passions—could be powerful tools for justice,” said Mullins.
His father, a business development consultant by trade, has served in roles ranging from an advisor to the White House with the FDA to serving on community economic development teams and several nonprofit organizations.
“He found being in these communities important because he never wanted any of his children to lose sight of the bigger picture,” Mullins said. “He was fighting not only for our family but for people who faced these socioeconomic issues every day. And because of that, I’ll never stop fighting to become the kind of person who can help others do the same. It’s bigger than me.”
That sense of purpose, instilled from a young age, continued to guide Mullins as he pursued his education and professional goals.
Mullins moved to Georgia around 2009, as his family sought better opportunities and a safer environment. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law and public policy from Mercer University. He chose Georgia State University College of Law because of its reputation as a community-centered institution: a school committed not only to academic excellence but to meaningful impact in Atlanta and beyond.
“Georgia State wasn’t just about prestige for me, it was about purpose,” he said. “I wanted to be somewhere that values public service and gives students real-world opportunities to make a change.”
Mullins in Historic Vine City, Atlanta.
As vice president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Mullins will work to ensure the organization serves as a support system and cultural anchor for students of color. “My goal is to be a listening ear and an advocate,” he said. “To create solutions for our community just like others did for me. BLSA has become more than a student organization, it’s a family.”
His role with BLSA includes assisting the president in the overall administration of the organization, helping to guide the chapter’s strategic direction, plan impactful programming, and foster a sense of belonging among members. Mullins is intentional about programming that feeds both the mind and the spirit. Which means he organizes programs that address not only academic success but also wellness, networking, and professional development. “I’m most proud of how we’ve fostered a sense of resilience,” he said. “We’ve created space for students to be seen and celebrated, not just for their achievements, but for who they are.”
This deep concern in community building and identity naturally informs Mullins’ perspective on representation in the legal field, especially the importance of Black men in the profession. For him, the legal profession is more than a career path, it’s a calling. He believes the presence of Black men in legal spaces is essential for creating a more just system.
“Our lived experiences bring a perspective that’s often missing,” he said. “We can speak truth to power because we’ve lived it. In the classroom, our voices challenge assumptions. In the courtroom, we carry our clients’ stories and our community’s history.”
That commitment to advocacy doesn’t stop at theory; it shows up in practice. He is committed to bringing his perspective into his work to become the most effective advocate for his future clients. He sharpens those skills as a member of Georgia State’s Student Trial Lawyers Association (STLA) Mock Trial team. “Mock Trial has helped me think on my feet, connect with a jury and tell compelling stories,” he said. “It’s taught me that being an advocate is just as much about empathy as it is about argument.”
Mullins also works as a law clerk at Gorby Peters Law, where he assists with complex litigation, legal research and case strategy. The mentorship and hands-on experience have been crucial to his development. “This firm has truly taken me in,” he said. “I’ve learned how to build trust with clients, manage real-world legal problems and work under pressure. I’ve been blessed to be mentored by attorneys who are not just brilliant, but deeply passionate.”
"Adam is luminously bright, hardworking and a gifted researcher and writer. In the Time he's been with our firm, he's helped us with updates for two legal treatises for the world's largest legal publisher, drafted superb research memos on complicated legal topics, drafted and revised pleadings and contracts. Adam is so engaging and personable, we're very comfortable bringing him to client meetings, hearings and even trials. To use a boxer analogy, Adam is punching way above his weight class." Mary Donne Peters, Gorby Peters Law
Mullins credits his success at Georgia State to a strong network of peers and mentors, including alumni and previous BLSA leaders like Michael Strickland (J.D. '25) and Jalah Falcher (J.D. '26).
Their guidance is not just helping him navigate law school, it inspired a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a legacy.
That sense of support and opportunity has shaped how Mullins views the role Georgia State Law plays in the broader legal landscape. He wholeheartedly embraces Dean Anderson’s vision of Georgia State as a “gateway” law school in Atlanta, describing the college as a place that has opened doors to clerkships, internships, and leadership roles, opportunities he once only dreamed of, while also allowing him to remain grounded in his deeper sense of purpose.
Looking ahead, Mullins plans to practice in areas that merge social justice with economic development, whether in business law, policy or beyond. “I want to help underserved communities protect their rights and build futures,” he said. “The law is a tool to dismantle barriers and build bridges, and I’m committed to using it that way.”
As Mullins continues his journey through Georgia State Law, he hopes to leave behind more than a résumé. He wants to leave a legacy of service, representation and hope. “I want others to look back and say, ‘He helped make this space better for those who came after him.’”
Written by Ifunanya Ejimofor (J.D. '25)
and Lauren Allred