Integrity, Morality, Dedication: A Shared Path for Brothers in Law
Brothers Caine, ’27, and Caleb “Bo” Bagley, ’28, of Alma, Georgia, did not set out to attend law school together. Caine had been considering law school since high school, while Bo was pursuing a master’s degree in public administration before he considered law school. Their paths only aligned after Caine began at Mercer Law.
“Bo and I had not really had a conversation about him going to law school until he was already in his master’s program at UGA, and I had already started at Mercer Law,” said Caine. “We sat down and talked about his main career motivations: serving his community and always learning new skills. I then told him that he could not beat Mercer Law in terms of those aspirations. This school has always had a focus on public service that is reflected in its classes, externship opportunities, and alumni network.” Bo later applied and was accepted, and Caine says it has been “fantastic” to have his brother beside him on campus.
Bo agrees. “Caine spoke highly of Mercer Law, and we have strong Mercer ties. However, I wanted to keep my options open, and I applied to other schools. But after touring the campus and getting a ‘feel’ of the school, I knew it was the right place for me. The community, the warmth, and the hospitality spoke volumes. It is the people that make Mercer Law the great place it is, and I am happy my brother is one of those people.” (Their uncle, Charles Edward Bagley, Jr., is a Mercer Law alumnus Class of 1988, deceased.)
Caine earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in 2023, majoring in history and religion. Bo earned his bachelor’s degree in rural community development from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2023, with minors in history/government, and writing and communication, and a master of public administration from the University of Georgia in 2025.
Bo credits his brother as a constant source of support. “He truly cares for me and pushes me to reach my full potential. Any question I had about law school specifically or Mercer at large, Caine was there to assist me. Having that support means more than words can describe. It is nice to have family support for law school. I don’t think anyone plans it the way it has worked out for us.”
Caine, a Civics Field Placement student, has served as an SBA representative, chairman of the Student Affairs Committee, a Moot Court member of the Mercer Advocacy Council, and a member of Mercer Law Review. As a 3L, he will serve as editor-in-chief of Law Review, Vol. 78. Bo has served as a representative for SBA and OUTLaw, and will serve as SBA Honor Court Justice his 2L year. Recently, he was selected to join the national ABA Police Practices Consortium Fellowship Program – an honor given to only 20 students nationwide. This summer, Caine will intern with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, and Bo with the Macon-Bibb County Attorney’s Office.
For the Bagley brothers, law school has been shaped not only by academic rigor, but by the support system they share. Their experience reflects how mentorship, encouragement, and community can help students navigate the challenges of legal education while building lasting connections along the way.
What advice did Caine give Bo before his first semester of law school?
Bo: “It’s tough.” I remember him saying that in his jovial laugh. He told me it isn’t easy, but knowing me, it is doable.
How would you characterize your Mercer Law experience?
Caine: For me, it is like an on-going cocktail party. So much of the law is a conversation that has already begun, and you are taking your first steps into it. That first year feels like the awkward introductions at a big gathering. After you move past those early conversations, you begin contributing your own thoughts and building meaningful connections. By the second year, you know who is who and you start seeking out the people who offer the most insight into the profession.
Bo: It’s like a chess game to me. There are a lot of rules and procedures. When you first start, it seems overwhelming, but you keep moving piece by piece. As you learn the moves, you begin to understand how the ‘game’ works. Over time, it becomes less of a game and more of a profession.
How do you support each other?
Caine: By being reliable. If anything comes up, I know I can call Bo or we can talk between classes. Since I’m a year ahead, I can help him avoid mistakes and prepare for what’s ahead. He helps me by being a point of contact with the 1L class in initiatives I’m working on.
Bo: Being present. It is hard to find the words to describe the feeling of being nervous about an exam, then seeing your brother in the hallway, and running to get a hug. Being able to talk about our classes, experiences, and different social circles is awesome. We check in to make sure the other is doing well. It is extremely rewarding.
Do you share housing?
Both: NOOOOOOOOO. (We love each other, but 18 years of living together was enough.)
What kind of law are you interested in practicing?
Caine: Criminal prosecution either on the state or federal level.
Bo: City/county law with interest in criminal law.
Do you think you’ll ever work together?
Bo: We have joked about it, but I think after a few years or some decades, it would be nice to compound our experiences at a firm together. I think it would just depend on our location and places in life.
What’s one thing about your brother classmates might not know?
Caine: He is a massive nerd! We’ve always loved talking about sci-fi, fantasy, and history. Those ‘geek-out’ sessions are meaningful to me, and his passion really shows.
Bo: He’s engaged! Most people know him professionally, but not his personal life. His fiancée, Eden, brings out the best in him.
What do you do to stay grounded outside the classroom?
Caine: My fiancée, Eden, keeps me grounded. I also stay connected with friends and remain active in my church, Highland Hills Baptist.
Bo: I spend time in the gym. It’s not just physical—it gives me space to reflect. I also value time with friends. Community has always been central to who I am.”
What three words describe your brother?
Caine: Charismatic, energetic, curious.
Bo: Diligent, astute, principled.
Though their journeys to Mercer Law began separately, the Bagley brothers have found an unexpected rhythm in sharing the experience—supporting one another in the classroom, in leadership, and in life. What started as two independent paths has become a shared commitment to service, growth, and the profession they are preparing to enter together.
