Following the call: a path to justice at Mercer Law for Peter Alexander
Peter Alexander, ’27, came to Mercer Law guided by a deep sense of calling shaped by family legacy, personal reflection, and a commitment to justice. The son of a Mercer Law alumnus and the younger brother of a prosecutor, Peter grew up seeing law not simply as a profession, but as a means of service—one rooted in integrity, advocacy, and responsibility to others. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Peter took a deliberate gap year that provided clarity and confidence, allowing him to enter law school with purpose. His early legal experiences, including an internship with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office working on cold-case investigations, affirmed his desire to serve real people through the justice system. At Mercer, Peter has thrived as a member of the Mercer Advocacy Council, where mentorship, teamwork, and competition sharpened his courtroom skills and solidified his goal of becoming a zealous advocate for those without a voice.
What made you decide to pursue law—and Mercer?
My father, Mark Alexander, a 1990 Mercer Law graduate, was my first example of what it meant to be a lawyer. As a kid, when I asked what he did at work, he always answered: “I fight for justice.” That phrase stuck, shaping my view of law as a calling rooted in service and integrity.
His career—from prosecutor to plaintiff’s attorney to public defender—showed me the many ways law can protect people and pursue justice. During college, I wrestled with whether to follow in his footsteps or forge my own path. Eventually, I realized turning away from something I truly cared about would lead to regret. His connection to Mercer made my choice to enroll feel both personal and reassuring. The work ethic Mercer fostered in him continues to serve as my benchmark for what a good lawyer should be.
Your older brother is also an attorney, right?
Yes. My older brother, Boone Alexander, is an attorney and serves as an assistant district attorney in Massachusetts. When he first went to law school, I worried about living in his shadow. Over time, I realized comparison shouldn’t dictate my choices—what mattered was whether I felt drawn to the work.
Seeing both my father and brother build careers grounded in justice clarified my own purpose. There was a steady pull toward law that became impossible to ignore.
You had an experience during my undergraduate studies interning with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office?
Yes!, I had the opportunity to intern for Mike Rising, a retired FBI special agent who was working with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office as a Cold Case homicide investigator. Over the course of six months, I assisted him in completing my Criminal Justice internship requirement; an experience that was both challenging and extremely helpful.
What did your gap year after UGA look like?
After graduating from UGA, I stayed an extra year on campus taking classes because I wasn’t sure of my next steps. That time proved transformative. I began studying for the LSAT with renewed focus. That year gave me clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose, helping me enter Mercer intentionally rather than uncertainly.
How has Mercer Advocacy Council helped develop you as an advocate?
Being selected for Mercer’s MAC National Trial Competition team was transformative. My father has always reminded me, “It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior’s life.” Today I understand the wisdom of his words. They mean that studying the law and learning the rules is one thing but stepping into the courtroom and truly advocating is another. That lesson came to life through my experience in the MAC program on both the Mock Trial and Moot Court Teams.
During the summer, Assistant Dean of Advocacy Katie Powers assigned me, along with Mattie Winburn, Sean Tieskotter, and Rose Baker, to represent Mercer at the National Trial Advocacy Competition in Detroit. Over the next four months, we trained under the guidance of Assistant Dean Lauren James and supported by 3Ls and alumni. I began with no trial experience, but mentorship and teamwork helped me grow quickly. After defeating Harvard in the semifinals and Barry in the finals, hearing Mercer announced as champion was unforgettable.
MAC has become a family that teaches discipline, preparation, and responsibility, solidifying my goal to be a zealous advocate for those without a voice.
What leadership or service roles do you hold at Mercer?
I’m a member of Phi Delta Phi, an honor society emphasizing professionalism and ethics, and the Criminal Defense Association. I believe engaging with both prosecution and defense is key to becoming a well-rounded advocate.
What’s the best part of being a Mercer Law student?
Without question, it’s the people. Mercer is defined by fellowship and community. Classmates push me to grow, mentors like Talia Levine and Jordan Bell have guided me, and friends such as Colby Belland, Crayton Posey, and Ben Barwick have supported me through long study nights. Even brief hallway conversations are encouraging. The people at Mercer shape both the advocate and the person I’m becoming.
What kind of law do you hope to pursue?
I hope to serve as an assistant United States attorney in the Northern District of Georgia. I’m also drawn to plaintiff’s work. Both paths can change lives. Ultimately, I want to be in the courtroom advocating for justice, helping people, and strengthening communities.
Do you hope to stay involved with Mercer after graduation?
Absolutely—especially with MAC. Alumni play an incredible role in shaping students and giving back to a program that meant so much to me would be a privilege.
How did cheerleading at UGA help shape you?
Cheerleading at UGA was one of my most meaningful experiences. I trained for six months and made the team in 2021. It taught discipline, mental toughness, and the importance of giving your best effort—lessons that continue to guide me today.
How do you stay grounded outside of law school?
I enjoy working out, spending time with friends, and being with my girlfriend, Hana Gleason. Her support has been invaluable, and these moments outside the classroom help me maintain balance and perspective.
