I’m a recent law school graduate with a longtime love of research, writing, and learning how things work. My path to law has taken me from studying history and French at Agnes Scott College, to working in Georgia state government, to earning my J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law. Along the way, I’ve found that I’m most drawn to work that lets me ask difficult questions, dig into complicated issues, and communicate what I find in a way that makes sense.
EDUCATION
Georgia State University College of Law
Juris Doctor | 2026
My time in law school allowed me to explore several areas of interest through coursework, clinics, externships, and advocacy. I was especially drawn to opportunities involving legal research and writing, disability rights, professional responsibility, and public service.
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Agnes Scott College
Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in French | 2020
At Agnes Scott, I had the freedom to explore a wide range of interests. I studied history and French, conducted historical research, studied abroad, and took courses outside of my majors in subjects ranging from education to studio art. That experience helped shape the curiosity and willingness to try something new that I still carry with me today.
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EXPERIENCE
Before law school, I spent several years with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), where I worked with Georgia educator certification and progressed through several roles within the agency. I began in a clerical position and was given increasing responsibility as I gained experience, eventually moving into certification evaluation and later a liaison role. My promotions reflected the work ethic, tenacity, and customer service skills I brought to my work, particularly my ability to navigate complicated certification requirements, solve problems, and explain those requirements to educators and other stakeholders in a way that made sense.
One of the things I valued most about my time at GaPSC was finding ways to make processes easier for both the people I worked with and the people we served. Early in my time with the agency, I independently created a reference guide for my position so that coworkers could navigate my responsibilities while I was away. What began as something I made to help my immediate team was ultimately expanded for use throughout the division.
During law school, I looked for opportunities to apply those same skills in different areas of the legal profession. I worked with clients through the Olmstead Disability Rights Clinic, gained prosecutorial experience through an externship with the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office, and worked in professional regulation and legal ethics through the State Bar of Georgia Office of General Counsel. I also served as a Media Coordinator for the Black Law Students Association, where I helped communicate the organization’s work and promote programming for the law school community.
Together, these experiences allowed me to explore different sides of legal practice while continuing to build the skills that have followed me throughout my professional life: research, writing, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to learn quickly when I am given something new.
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WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
Legal Research & Writing
Legal & Policy Analysis
Appellate Advocacy
Public Speaking & Oral Advocacy
Public Service
French
BEYOND THE RÉSUMÉ
On an average day, I can be found reading fantasy or sci-fi novels, listening to comedy podcasts, practicing yoga, or knitting an oblong scarf. Maybe even all of the above at once!
From learning Python when I hadn’t taken a math class in four years to floundering and huffing my way through running three miles as an inexperienced athlete, I push myself to get comfortable with “failure” (they should be called teachable moments)! I’ve always enjoyed trying new things I’m not immediately good at and figuring them out as I go.
DREAM BIG. TALK FAST. THINK CRITICALLY.
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Leandra Colley 