See Yourself at GSU is a special Honors College series that uses real student stories to understand common student experiences — for example, how to get a law degree through the Accelerated Bachelor's & J.D. Degree Program.
ATLANTA — When Emily Witt (B.A. ’23, J.D. ’25) decided to go to law school, she didn’t waste any time. Before graduating high school, Witt had already received an associate degree through dual enrollment, but more importantly, through her diligence and hard work. By the time most students were declaring a major, Witt had already planned — and started — her path to a law degree.
This year, at just 22 years old, Witt graduated from Georgia State University as a J.D. candidate through the GSU Honors Accelerated 3+3 Program. But her story isn’t just about speed. It’s about intention, service and choosing people over prestige.
“I’m a planner,” Witt said. “Georgia State was the only school that had a program like this, where I could use my dual enrollment credits and graduate early without debt. I knew I wanted to be an attorney, so why not start now?”
Witt started law school at 19. While many of her classmates were several years older, she was juggling torts, contracts and evidence alongside a graduate research assistantship and a legal internship. “I felt like the baby of the group,” she admitted. “But I also knew I belonged there. I didn’t let my age define my ability.”
Her work includes helping underserved clients in juvenile courts through a small law firm in Hall County where she has worked since before her first semester of law school. In fact, she was the firm’s first-ever employee. She now drafts motions, speaks with clients and plays a hands-on role in child advocacy and immigration cases.
One of her most meaningful experiences came from helping her friend, Evelyn, obtain legal status through a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status process. The casework involved her boss, her family’s church friend and even the firm’s pro bono contributions. “It wasn’t just legal work, it was a community effort,” Witt said. “That case changed all of our lives.”
Life After Law School
Despite being qualified for "big law" and its lucrative offers, Witt turned those jobs down.
“I could’ve gone into big law and made $200k right out of school,” Witt said. “But I wouldn’t have seen a client for years. I didn’t want that. I wanted to make a difference now.”
That’s why, after graduation and passing the bar this past July, Emily has officially been sworn in as an associate attorney at Amedu Law Firm — the same firm she’s worked with since May 2022 as an intern. And she’s staying in Hall County, the place she calls home.
“Atlanta has plenty of lawyers. Hall and Jackson counties don’t. That’s where I’m needed. That’s my purpose,” she said.
As a Presidential Scholar and member of the Honors College, Witt credits GSU with laying much of the foundation for her success. She specifically points to the support of Dean Sarah Cook, who not only mentored her but helped her secure the GRA position that paid for her second and third years of law school.
“I couldn’t have accomplished half of what I’ve done without the scholarship and support system,” she said. “It set me up to do the work I truly care about.”
Behind Witt's achievements is a strong support system — her husband, her family, her mentors and her faith. “I didn’t do a single load of laundry during my first year of law school,” she said, laughing. “My husband did it all. My mom still brings me food. I couldn’t have done this without them.”
That support gave her room to focus not just on studying but on showing up for others.
“Everyone wants to feel seen,” she said. “Sometimes the biggest impact is just listening. Clients don’t always need legal advice. They just want to be heard.”
To manage her time, Witt blocks her calendar meticulously and works early in the morning so her evenings can be devoted to loved ones. “If I block off four hours to study, I study. That way, when I’m with family, I’m really there.”
Her advice to students is simple but powerful: “Don’t wait for permission. If someone tells you no, do the research, come back with a new plan and don’t give up.”
Echoing the words her mother instilled in her growing up, she always tells herself:
“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, for as long as you ever can.”
She’s already changing lives in courtrooms across North Georgia, and she’s just getting started.
Another standout memory? Reuniting a mother and daughter after Department of Family and Children Services involvement. “It was one of those days when you knew the system worked the way it should,” Witt recalled. “You don’t get those days often. But when you do, they remind you why you’re here.”
Steps for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/J.D. Program:
- To be considered for the B.A./J.D. program, students must:
- Be in the Honors College with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
- Have brought in a minimum of 15 credit hours of college credit coming out of high school.
If you are still a high school student, make sure you are earning enough college credit while still in high school, whether that is through A.P., I.B., or dual-enrollment classes. A minimum of 15 credit hours is required to be considered, but the more college credits you earn, the better.- Ensure you apply to the Honors College as part of your GSU Admissions Applications and complete your Intent to Enroll in the Honors College form, a form that is separate from the general GSU Intent to Enroll form.
- Once at GSU, meet with the Honors College B.A./J.D. program coordinator in your first semester to discuss steps for applying to program and the GSU College of Law.
- Look out on PIN and iCollege for an information session and law school tour every fall and spring semester for interested students.
Check out our other See Yourself at GSU articles:
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.
Story By:
Armida Yee-Muñoz
Armida is a senior in the GSU Honors College and a student reporter for Honors College Communications. She writes, edits and publishes news articles for the News Hub. She enjoys spotlighting student achievements, connecting with alumni and is always looking for her next book to read.