2005 Honors Program Class

Excerpts from 2005 Honors Program Participant Surveys

Members of the 2005 Inaugural Honors Program class were asked to complete an evaluation of their initial three-week training experience. Here’s what they said:

On building a community…

"Just meeting and getting to know these young attorneys around the state who are also committed to indigent defense helped me to renew my commitment to this work. The community that was born in Vidalia will be what sustains me through this difficult job. In just three days back at work, a member of my group has already helped me with a client of mine – I know I will also be there to help them if they need it. I look forward to December.”

"Having limited the size is a great strength. It allowed us time to get to know each other, to find someone who wants to practice law like we do—to make a difference and to matter to someone.”

"The 3 weeks with the group is an incredible experience. It helps establish a sense of community and bonds that I am sure I will draw on for inspiration and to maintain drive.”

On the program…

"I came to Georgia knowing I wanted to be a public defender. When I learned about the Honors Program, and the opportunity to be intensively trained to do the job with excellence, I was ecstatic. I still am. I am a better, more committed attorney since going to the Honors Program, and I look forward to honing my skills over the next 3 years. I was ready to quit my job in rural Georgia when I arrived – but being in Vidalia with Jon, the faculty, and 23 other young committed attorneys renewed my spirit and helped me keep my commitment to Georgia’s poor.”

"The training was better and more valuable to me than the semester I spent in trial practice in law school.”

"I really benefited from the focus on learning to tell “our story” in ways that challenged our personal boundaries. It gave me greater courage to break out of the box when communicating with a jury. But even more than that, it forced me to look into myself and really tap into what makes me want to do this work – and therefore hopefully to be able to convey that passion both to future clients who need a reason to trust me and future juries whom I will need to persuade. I know I will be a better lawyer because of this.”

"The program was intense and exhausting, but it was one of the most worthwhile experiences I’ve had in quite a while. Law school teaches you nothing about being a real attorney, and unfortunately too many people learn how to practice law through trial by fire. I’m much more confidant in my ability to defend my clients now than I was a month ago.”

"The greatest strength of the Honor’s Program is its ability to allow people to expose their fears, display their passions, and struggle with ethical and legal issues in a safe setting while simultaneously creating highly skilled attorneys. The end result of the program will be a group of highly dedicated and skilled lawyers who will not burn-out because of the community support the program creates.”

"My expectations were low, my hopes were high. This program has surpassed all of my expectations and hopes. It’s the best training I have ever received.”

On the faculty…

"We had some of the smartest and most talented people in the country come and train us. It has been invaluable. Thank you.”

"One of the greatest strength of the Honors Program is the faculty that Jon has recruited to lead the small group sessions. He has recruited not only excellent lawyers, but lawyers that seem genuinely interested in mentoring a new generation of public defenders.”

"It was helpful to have native Georgia attorneys who are passionate about the work and highly skilled because of their familiarity with the culture and legal landscape. It is also helpful however, to have outside attorneys who are unfamiliar with the Georgia legal system shed new light on old problems.”

"The faculty was fantastic – and I think that the diversity of personalities present made it easier for each trainee to find faculty members that they could relate to. I benefited greatly from feedback and demonstrations by [faculty members]. And then, [other faculty members] not only taught me a ton, but really inspired me to be a better lawyer and citizen in general.”

"All [the faculty members] were great, passionate teachers, clear, and brought an incredible wealth of backgrounds and skills. Definitely maintain a mix of Georgia and non-Georgia folks. The mix of folks is crucial because each of them provide something unique that we can take away with us.”

"I liked having different facilitators because it showed us that there is more than one way to do something and do it well. Making us get up and “perform” is something you must keep doing. I don’t think anyone wants the first time to be when someone’s liberty or life is at risk.”

"It was inspiring to see so many people who are so committed to indigent defense—it’s nice to know there are people in this world who aren’t afraid to be idealistic, who will always choose to make personal sacrifices to make the world a better place, who are truly devoted to their careers and not just bringing home a paycheck. Every single faculty member left a positive impression.”

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