Purpose, Impact, & The Stories That Define Us

Catie Kelley

Alumna

Class of 2021

I began my journey at Mercer Law just three days after my wedding, and only a few months after graduating from Mercer Undergrad. Initially filled with excitement about starting law school, that emotion quickly transformed into overwhelming anxiety. During the first week of orientation, I came to the realization that I had absolutely no clue what I was doing when it came to law school.

However, on the last day of that week, our Class of 2021 had the privilege to visit the Bibb County Superior Court. It was there that the now Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin addressed us. She shared her personal journey and how her faith has been the guiding force in her life. Justice Colvin emphasized the importance of maintaining an unwavering work ethic throughout law school. She told us that ultimately, what mattered most—more than the grades, more than the internships, more than the job opportunities—is to be as excellent as we could during law school. And that meant giving our best effort in all things and being confident that we truly gave our best effort. It meant developing a heart and character for justice and mercy.

I had the immense fortune of interning under Justice Colvin during her tenure at Bibb County Superior Court after my 1L year. She mentored me as an adjunct professor in an advanced writing class during my 2L year. Her unwavering support and encouragement were invaluable as I navigated the complexities of law school and evaluated post-graduate opportunities.

Mercer Law also gave me the freedom to hone my strengths and pursue my interests. With a flexible class schedule and a comprehensive semester externship program, I had the chance to undertake nearly full-time externships, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

I had encouraging and intelligent professors who challenged me and took the time to guide me. Cathy Cox, our dean at the time, was a phenomenal leader with an unparalleled love for Mercer.

I’m so grateful for my time at Mercer. Mercer Undergrad’s President, Bill Underwood, Mercer Law graduate Chris Clark, and Dean Marilyn Sutton were encouraging and helped lead me to Mercer Law.

Through the generosity of Mercer Law, I, along with several peers, was awarded the Woodruff Scholarship—a gesture that has been a significant blessing. Following my graduation, I worked at a nonprofit civil rights law firm for a year. Currently, I serve as an Assistant Attorney General, where my role involves prosecuting healthcare fraud and abuse.

I’m genuinely grateful for Mercer Law. Go bears!