The Emory Law Professionalism Program prepares students for a legal career from the very beginning of their law school experience. Conducted under the auspices of the Georgia Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism, the mandatory program orients first-year and transfer juris doctor (JD) students and master of laws (LLM) students to the higher values to which the profession holds itself.
Emory Law guides students in identifying and making sound judgments about issues they will encounter during law school and in practice, discerning when something falls outside the bounds of acceptable professional conduct, how these situations can be handled professionally, and the practical consequences of failing to do so. Practicing attorneys, judges, and Emory Law's esteemed faculty engage in the Professionalism Program as facilitators.
Participate in Emory's Professionalism Program »
1L Sessions
Every August and January at Emory, students meet in small groups with facilitators (a faculty member, a practitioner, and a judge) to discuss two sets of hypothetical situations. The focus in August is on law school, while the January session focuses on internships or practice.
Upper Level Class
Through special professionalism sessions, upper-level students have the thrilling opportunity to delve deeper into the core values introduced in their first-year group discussions: excellence, integrity, respect, and service. These sessions, enriched with workshops and conferences, allow students to draw on their summer work experiences, field placements, or volunteer legal work to see how Emory Law's core values come to life.
For students without practical legal experience, there's still plenty to explore. Reflecting on experiences within the law school community can be just as impactful. These reflections can highlight positive moments when someone made the right decision or negative ones where someone didn't, providing valuable learning experiences.
In these sessions, upper-level students tackle challenging questions, such as identifying actions or decisions that align with one of Emory Law's Core Professional Values, considering the costs of maintaining these values and contemplating how decisions that don't align with these values might be justified. This advanced exploration of professionalism is a vital aspect that distinguishes Emory Law's Professionalism Program from all other law schools in Georgia.
Participate in these enriching sessions to deepen your understanding of what it truly means to embody Emory Law's commitment to excellence, integrity, respect, and service.
Professor Derrick Howard, Director of Professionalism and Externship Programs
Professionalism Group Leaders including leading attorneys and judges from Georgia preparing to train students for semi-annual event.
2023 Emory Law Professionalism Program training session
2023 Emory Law Professionalism Program training session
Judge Glenda Hatchett 77L addressing Emory Law students at the annual swearing in ceremony in Tull Auditorium.
Judge Glenda Hatchett addressing Emory Law students at the annual swearing in ceremony in Tull Auditorium
Judge Glenda Hatchett addressing students outside Emory Law on the Bacardi Plaza
Professor Jim Thompson of the Emory Law Externship Program mingling with 1Ls at the Professionalism Training Day reception
Judge Glenda Hatchett and Dean Mary Anne Bobinski mingling with Emory Law 1Ls at the Professionalism Day reception
Judge Glenda Hatchett mingling with Emory Law 1Ls at the Professionalism Training Day reception
Judge Glenda Hatchett connecting with Emory Law Woodruff Fellow Greear Webb 25L
Judge Glenda Hatchett and Professionalism Director Derrick Howard mingling with Emory Law 1Ls at the Professionalism Day reception
Judge Glenda Hatchett and Professionalism Director Derrick Howard mingling with Emory Law 1Ls at the Professionalism Day reception
Judge Glenda Hatchett, Dean Mary Anne Bobinski, and Professionalism Director Derrick Howard mingling with Emory Law 1Ls at the Professionalism Day reception
Externship Program Office Staff
Derrick Howard
Professor of Practice and Director, Externship Program and Professionalism Program