Firm Celebrates Life of Colleague John Marshall

Partner Eric Schroeder authored a letter to the editor in the Daily Report’s online publication Sept. 17 celebrating the life of firm Partner John Marshall, who passed away July 22.

John joined the firm in 1962 as the first summer associate at Powell Goldstein Frazer & Murphy (PoGo), made partner in 1967, and went on to a storied career of nearly 60 years in which he headed PoGo’s litigation department, served as PoGo’s general counsel for decades, and on the Board of Partners for years – along the way, receiving accolades from the ABA, Georgia Bar and other organizations for his trial work, bar service and community activities. PoGo merged with BCLP in 2009.

Throughout his career, John was a fervent supporter of Atlanta Legal Aid. He chaired Legal Aid’s annual campaign, helping raise more than $1 million to provide lawyers to people living in poverty. He mentored young lawyers, and helped train Legal Aid’s staff on evidence and professionalism. He helped advocate for Legal Aid’s fundraising grant with the Legal Services Corp.

In his honor, Atlanta Legal Aid has established the John Marshall Summer Associate Fellowship, a program with two fellowships allowing law students to work and learn at Legal Aid.

“For those who worked with John at PoGo and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, we cannot think of a better way to honor his legacy of mentoring, teaching and leadership,” Eric said.

The goal is to raise $50,000 to endow the program for five years. A website accepting donations can be found here.