Law student Artis “Jarrod” Jenkins is working for change. He led Students for Barack Obama, a UGA student organization committed to campaigning for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign. He also is part of the managing board of the Georgia Law Review and currently works as managing editor. Additionally, he works as president of Law Dems, and he is a member of the Black Law Students Association, the Christian Legal Society, and he is a BAR-BRI (a bar exam preparation program) representative. After graduation, he plans to practice law in Atlanta or to become a federal court clerk.
Hometown:
Lithonia, Georgia
High School:
Lithonia High School
Degree objective:
J.D./M.P.A.
Other degrees:
B.A. in political science (minor in public policy), University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Expected graduation:
Spring 2010
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I was selected for the editorial board of the Georgia Law Review in 2007. I was later selected as managing editor for the 2008-2009 school year. In addition to the Georgia Law Review, I have been involved in various campus organizations. I was president of UGA Students for Barack Obama during the 2007-2008 term. As president of SFBO, I led a group of dynamic undergraduate and graduate students that were committed to getting Barack Obama elected President of the United States. Like all SFBO chapters, we participated in phone banks and canvassed door to door both locally in Athens and in South Carolina. We also held a block party entitled Rock for Barack on October 19, 2007 at Myers Quad to spread awareness about both the candidate and our group. Attendees received free food and live music from numerous artists. Since I started at the law school this year, I no longer hold this position, but I am now president of Law Dems. I am also a member of the Black Law Students Association, Christian Legal Society, and I am a BAR-BRI (a bar exam preparation program) representative. Outside of Athens, I am the external communications lieutenant for the Fifth Circuit of the Student American Bar Association.
Current Employment:
I do not plan on working for the duration of my studies at UGA. However, during the spring 2008 semester, I was a graduate assistant at UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government located on Milledge Ave.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…I know that I want to practice law in Atlanta. I also missed home when I attended college in another state. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and know that I made the right decision.
When I have free time, I like…
…to hang out with my friends. One of the greatest assets at UGA is its people. My roommate, a law school classmate, has become my best friend. Also, one of my friends since third grade is also a law school classmate of mine. We love to do things together.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…to go whitewater rafting in Charlotte. It was a closed course and it was not that dangerous, but it was definitely unlike anything I have done before. I am not much of a risk-taker.
My favorite place to study is…
…in the law library. While most people find the silence and tension of the law library uncomfortable, I find solace there. It is amazing to see Saturdays disappear while making outlines in those study carrels. If I need a change of scenery, I head down to the Miller Learning Center. There are always people there, and I love the facility.
My favorite professor is…
…Anne Dupre. She was my professor for Contracts, and I now have a class with her called Children and the Law. She has a reputation for being stern, and she is definitely one tough cookie! Nevertheless, her teaching methods are effective because I learned contracts inside and out. I also had the opportunity to have dinner with her and her husband and got to see her lighter side.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Barack Obama. I have been an Obama supporter for a long time and had the opportunity to meet him in 2005. If I could share an afternoon with him, I would ask him about U.S. policy and life in general. I admire him because he had some disadvantages in his youth (he was raised by a single parent) and he has become very successful in U.S. government. Moreover, Mr. Obama seems very personable, and I know that he’d be entertaining.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…invest in entertainment centers (i.e., Dave & Busters or Jillian’s) in or near the Stonecrest Mall area. I grew up in this area and see the need for these facilities in that community. Stonecrest is the only mall for a nearly 100 mile stretch. While families can spend money at places like this, there really isn’t anywhere for children to have birthday parties or for young adults to hang out.
After graduation, I plan to…
…practice law in Atlanta. I have, however, given some thought to clerking for a federal judge after graduation.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…the UGA football game against Western Carolina last year. This is the only UGA football game that I have attended. The experience is electrifying, and it’s nearly impossible to go and not have a great time.
