AALS has launched a series that will highlight a different member school and focus on a recent program or accomplishment in order to showcase the rich variety of approaches to legal education that makes up the American legal academy. A list of past highlights is available below.

Member School Highlight – Mercer University School of Law

Location: Macon, Georgia
Founded: 1873
Joined AALS: 1923
Dean: Karen J. Sneddon

In 2023, Mercer University School of Law celebrated 150 years of equipping legal professionals to practice with purpose. Founded in 1873, Mercer Law is one of the oldest private law schools in the United States and the first in the state of Georgia accredited by the American Bar Association. Known for its small, tight-knit community with a long tradition of producing lawyers who are ready to practice and committed to serving, Mercer Law is forging new pathways for thinking about complex issues and preparing students both in and out of the classroom. With an enrollment of 417 students, Mercer Law continues to be recognized for preparing students for practice through its award-winning programs in legal writing, advocacy, experiential education, and emphasis on ethics and professionalism. Many students and alumni report that the caring, supportive faculty is the best thing about Mercer Law.

Mercer University School of Law’s Advocacy team

Mercer Law Advocacy teams have a long history of success in national competitions due to the hard work and diligence of students, coaches, and faculty members. With real lawyers teaching and coaching, Mercer Law Advocacy students are well-equipped to succeed in competitions and their future careers. Mercer Law has developed a nationally recognized and well-respected oral advocacy program. Mercer Law advocacy teams are a two-time recipient of the prestigious ABA Gambrell Professionalism Award for excellence and innovation in ethics and professionalism throughout the curriculum. Comprised of second and third-year students, the Mercer Advocacy Council sponsors teams that compete in numerous national competitions each year and organizes intra-school competitions for first- and second-year law students. Mercer Law’s Advocacy teams received accolades around the nation in Trial Advocacy, Moot Court, Client Counseling, Negotiations, and Arbitration competitions.

“Since our founding in 1873, Mercer University School of Law has been committed to preparing motivated students to become transformational advocates”, said Karen J. Sneddon, Dean and Professor of Law at Mercer University Law School. “Mercer has experienced a significant increase in the number of applicants over the past two years, which reflects interest in careers in the legal profession and recognizes the practical-based opportunities available at Mercer. Practice-ready experiences in our nationally recognized advocacy program, placements in our Corporate Counsel Externship Program, and opportunities in our Civics Field Placements promote the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and values that will support professional journeys decades after law school graduation.”