Georgia State University College of Law

In memory of Professor of Law Emerita Charity Scott (May 21, 1951 – March 18, 2023), a pioneering scholar who profoundly impacted health law. She was the founding director of the Center for Law, Health, and Society at Georgia State University College of Law. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, she brought innovation to the classroom with her unique integration of improv comedy and mindfulness techniques. Her contributions to health law education, including the Health Law Partnership (HeLP), continue to shape the future of healthcare law. Her legacy lives on through the students she mentored and the transformative programs she created.

Our lockers are a lifesaver for storing those heavy textbooks between classes. Convenience meets practicality at the College of Law.

Dawn Smith, a trailblazer in family and education law, continues to inspire as an advocate for children. After founding Cool Girls Inc., she saw firsthand the impact of mentorship and leadership development. Her work empowers young women, teaching them life skills, academic success, and leadership. In addition to her legal career, she has served as the Deputy Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and was named Atlanta Legal Aid Volunteer of the Year in 2016. Dawn’s unwavering commitment to helping others exemplifies the core of public service.

Evolve Family Law, LLC

College of Law’s Professor Timothy Lytton joined Bloomberg’s Cases and Controversies podcast to discuss Mexico v. Smith & Wesson, a major Supreme Court case on gun industry liability.

Mexico argues that gunmakers knowingly supply cartels and should face lawsuits under an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). Professor Lytton, a leading expert on gun industry litigation, filed an amicus brief supporting a broader interpretation of this exception.



🔗 Listen now to hear his take! https://t.gsu.edu/3Xrld9u

Did you know our College of Law lockers have a special story? Some are named after donors, alumni and other supporters of the COL community. Most recently, a locker was named in honor of York “Pep” Singleton, who dedicated 38 years to GSU and the College of Law. His contributions as a director of facilities, mentor, and friend have made an indelible mark on our community. 💙 Look out for more stories behind our named lockers around the building.

Georgia State Law Professor Monica Iyer recently published a compelling analysis of the legal and humanitarian implications of the U.S. State Department’s decision to cancel refugee resettlement flights for over 10,000 individuals—including 1,600 vetted Afghan refugees.

Read more about Professor Iyer’s insights and the broader legal ramifications of these decisions.

“Prefoulement” is still refoulement The US State Department has canceled scheduled travel to the United States for thousands of refugees in violation of US and international law.

Georgia State Law’s Timothy Lytton was quoted in WSAV about a Savannah woman’s lawsuit after an IVF clinic implanted the wrong embryo. Lytton noted the lack of consistent regulations leaves such cases to civil courts. He emphasized the emotional and physical harm suffered and believes the plaintiff has a strong case.

🔗 Read more: https://t.gsu.edu/41i1Lxi

IVF embryo mix-ups are more common than you think, lawyer says We’re taking a closer look at the legal battle ahead for a Savannah woman who unknowingly gave birth to someone else’s child.

Georgia State Law’s Professor Anthony Michael Kreis was recently quoted in an NPR segment analyzing the challenges facing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in the Georgia election interference case.

Listen to the full discussion and read more here: https://t.gsu.edu/4bd0vQF

Atlanta DA Willis begins her second term expressing no regrets over Trump case Donald Trump and Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis began their second terms in office a few weeks apart. Their fates have diverged over the last year, since Willis charged Trump in Georgia.

Elaine R. Jones (b. 1944) was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law and later became the first Black woman President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Over three decades, she fought for racial justice, dismantled segregation, and defended death row inmates. Jones inspired countless lawyers to use the law as a tool for equity and change.

Congratulations to Kevin Daniels (J.D. '25), Grace Singletary (J.D. '26), and Aury Naylor (J.D. '26) for their outstanding performance at the 2025 National Environmental Moot Court Competition at Pace University. Their brief ranked among the top in the competition, and their oral advocacy was exemplary, reflecting their dedication, professionalism, and skill.

Please join us in recognizing Kevin, Grace, and Aury for their achievements!

William Henry Hastie (1904–1976) was the first Black federal judge, appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands in 1937. A Harvard Law graduate, Hastie also served as Dean of Howard University School of Law, where he mentored future legal giants. As a civil rights advocate, he fought tirelessly for racial equality in the military and the judiciary.

Our professors bring real-world experience into the classroom.

This , we are proud to spotlight faculty and alumni of Georgia State University College of Law who embody excellence in education, advocacy, and leadership.
Lisamarie Bristol (J.D. '09) has built a career dedicated to justice and community service. Currently an adjunct professor at the College of Law, she teaches Lawyering Advocacy to second-year students while serving as the Gwinnett County Solicitor General—the first African-American woman to hold the position.

After earning her J.D. in 2009, Professor Bristol began her career as a public defender, representing individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. She transitioned to prosecution in 2014, specializing in cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, stalking, and animal cruelty in the Special Victims Unit of the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office.

Our Third Thursday Networking Happy Hour on January 16 was a fantastic evening of networking, great conversations, and reconnecting with fellow Georgia State Law alumni and friends! 🎉

We take pride in our strong alumni network—whether it’s a casual conversation or making meaningful professional connections, Third Thursday is all about bringing our Panther community together. From local eateries to corporate rooftops, these gatherings keep our network thriving.

Professor Leslie Wolf joined GPB’s Closer Look with Rose Scott to break down Governor Kemp’s proposed tort reform package alongside UGA Law Professor Elizabeth Chamblee Burch.

With Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 69 now under consideration, they discussed what these reforms could mean for taxpayers, business owners, and those involved in civil litigation.

🔗https://t.gsu.edu/4k6sYf1

Law professors analyze Georgia Gov. Kemp’s tort reform legislative proposals Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says big payouts from civil litigation is a major issue facing the state. On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” GSU Law Professor Leslie Wolf and Elizabeth Chamblee Burch with the UGA School of Law discussed what these proposed reforms could mean for taxpayers, business...

The Ben F. Johnson Jr. Public Service Award is the highest honor at Georgia State Law, recognizing individuals who have made a profound impact through their dedication to public service. This year, we are proud to honor Douglas B. Ammar, Executive Director of the Georgia Justice Project.

Join Interim Dean Courtney Anderson and the College of Law for a special reception and award ceremony as we celebrate his incredible contributions to justice and the community.

Thursday, March 20, 2025
College of Law, 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta, GA
6 p.m. Reception | Catherine C. Henson Atrium
7 p.m. Award Ceremony | Ceremonial Courtroom

🔗https://t.gsu.edu/4k4IrvM (RSVP by March 7)

In the spirit of this award, we invite you to support Georgia State Law students pursuing public interest careers by donating to the Public Interest Law Association (PILA). Your contribution will help fund summer stipends for students dedicated to serving the public.

🔗https://t.gsu.edu/41lpEVL (Donate Here)

This , we are proud to spotlight trailblazing members of the Georgia State University College of Law community who embody excellence in education, advocacy, and leadership.

Ronald J. Freeman, Sr. is one of the first Black graduates of Georgia State Law (J.D. ’85) and the founding president of our Black Law Students Association (BLSA) chapter, Freeman’s legacy is etched in our institution’s history. His dedication to giving back is reflected in his mentorship, scholarships, and leadership in the legal profession.

Freeman’s milestones:
🔵 Recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for his service and commitment to the GSU student community.
🔵 A pioneer in municipal law as Chief Judge for multiple Georgia cities and an advocate for diversity within the legal field.
🔵 Namesake of the Ronald J. Freeman BLSA Chapter, inspiring future generations of Black law students.
🔵 Champion of the College of Law’s mission, having chosen Georgia State Law over a Stanford Law scholarship to take a chance on the then-unaccredited law school, shaping its future alongside his own.