Courtroom to Campus: Sherrie Hines’s Franklin Journey: Mock Trial to UGA Law School Lecturer  

Dual-University of Georgia grad and now UGA law professor Sherrie Hines attributes her time in the Franklin College   to her current successes. While at the UGA, Hines studied criminal justice and speech communications, and still uses tools from her courses such as a law school textbook from Professor Stephanie Lindquist's criminal law class. A 2006 summa cum laude, Hines went on to pursue a law degree from UGA, graduating in 2009. “I was so lucky to be a part of the Criminal Justice Studies Program during my time at UGA because I was surrounded by inspiring professors who were obviously passionate about their areas of expertise and who helped me build a solid foundation that made my transition to law school much easier than it would have otherwise been,” said Hines.   

Hines notes that being a founder of mock trial really sharpened her skills. As a charter member of UGA’s Undergraduate Mock Trial Team, Hines learned to craft clear arguments, present evidence and think on her feet under pressure. Competing against other schools taught her resilience and polished her public-speaking skills. By the time she entered law school, she already understood how to structure a case and respond to objections. These early victories built the strategic mind she uses in every courtroom.   

“I knew I wanted to be a public defender and that I would need to be a skilled litigator,” said Hines. “Mock trial helped me develop those skills prior to law school. Not only did it help me become very comfortable with public speaking, but it gave me a level of comfort with basic civil and criminal law principles.”    

From 2009 to 2015, Hines served as an assistant public defender in Georgia’s Western Judicial Circuit. She met clients facing tough charges and fought tirelessly for fair outcomes. This role deepened her empathy as she learned each person’s story and sought positive solutions. It also showed her firsthand how the law can protect rights and balance competing interests.  

Hines then joined the Athens-Clarke County Attorney’s Office, where she rose to deputy chief attorney over seven years. She revamped the county’s animal services ordinances—adopted in 2022—and partnered with UGA Law to teach animal welfare classes that reduced repeat violations. Her leadership combined legal know-how with community outreach, proving that thoughtful policy changes can create lasting impact.  

In spring 2025, Hines became a lecturer at the University of Georgia School of Law, specializing in Animal Welfare Law. She brings two decades of courtroom experience and policy work into her classroom, blending statute expertise, real cases, and ethical debates. Her goal is to inspire students to pursue law in areas they’re passionate about, showing them how advocacy can change lives.   

“I could not be more thrilled to be teaching at UGA Law and particularly to have the opportunity to focus on Animal Law,” said Hines. “I have been involved with animals – wildlife, livestock, and companion animals since I was little. Although I realized early that I wasn’t interested in being a veterinarian, I still wanted that work to be a big part of my life.”  

Hines encourages students to stay curious and volunteer early—whether with local law offices, animal shelters, or government agencies. She says a simple offer to help research a case can teach you more than any textbook. Being proactive and enthusiastic not only lightens your colleagues’ load but also signals that you’re ready to learn and lead. Those qualities will distinguish you long after exam grades fade.   

“My advice for students is to get active in your community. I got my first job as a public defender here in Athens because I began volunteering with them my sophomore year of undergrad for just 10 hours a week and continued to work with them throughout law school,” said Hines. “I have learned countless skills from my years in volunteer service, including conflict management and interpersonal skills, business/administrative skills and organizational financial management, website editing, newsletter drafting, e-commerce, donor management, volunteer engagement and management, client engagement, and much more.”   

For Hines, success isn’t just awards and promotions—it’s knowing you made a real difference and feeling content with who you’ve become. She believes true achievement comes from overcoming challenges, growing through each experience, and leaving things better than you found them. That mindset guides her work, her teaching, and her advice to every student stepping onto campus.