The Atlanta Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section has sponsored the Edward J. Henning Memorial Award for many years. This is a cash award given to an outstanding ADR student at each of the state’s five ABA-accredited law schools: Emory, Georgia, Mercer, Georgia State, and John Marshall. These awards are given in memory of Ed Henning, one of the “founding fathers” of mediation in Georgia. Ms. Jasmine Reaves received the Henning Award for Mercer University School of Law.
Jasmine Reaves is a graduate of Mercer University School of Law, class of 2025. From a young age she knew she wanted to be an attorney. She was raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia and graduated from the Legal Studies Academy, run by her high school, in 2009. She then attended Howard University where she earned her B.A. in English and commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserve in 2013. She proudly served for over ten years.
After graduating from Howard University, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion for the law grew when, in 2017, she began working as a legal secretary/assistant at a family law firm in Buckhead. During this time, she earned an Executive MBA from University of Maryland, University College in 2018. In 2019, she deployed to Iraq shortly after promoting to the rank of Captain. She enrolled in law school in 2022. During her 1L year she married her husband, Kalle Reaves.
Her involvement in law school includes holding multiple executive positions in school organizations: Mercer Law Student Veterans Association as the Community Outreach Liaison and the Social Media Chair; Mercer Black law Student Association as Empowerment Chair and 3L Representative; Mercer Student Bar Association as a 3L Representative; and the Mercer Advocacy Council as a Client Counseling Chair. While a member of the Mercer Advocacy Council, she competed on Mock Trial, Client Counseling, and Mediation teams. She volunteered at Middle Georgia Justice and is also on the planning committee as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism – Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service.
Although her passion is in Family Law, she currently works remotely as a Contract Analyst for an amazing Virginia based company, Maximus. She has worked there as an intern since May 2023. She plans on continuing working for Maximus after sitting for the Georgia Bar. She eventually wants to become a mediator and a CPA. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys powerlifting, volunteering, and traveling.
When asked for her thoughts around the value of mediation, Ms. Reaves shared, stating that she believes “the mediation process is extremely important.” Drawing from her experience in family law, she noted that “mediations resolve many disputes” and offer a unique environment where “each party is allowed to be candid and heard without worrying about objections and the formality of a courtroom.” While acknowledging that mediation can be costly, she pointed out that it is “much cheaper than fully litigating a case.” Most importantly, Jasmine highlighted mediation’s role in emotionally charged situations, saying, “when emotions are high and facts are delicate, it is important parties have a safe space to express those emotions and wants. Mediation affords them this opportunity.”
Henning Mediation congratulates Ms. Reaves on this special accomplishment. Henning Mediation & Arbitration Service is a family-owned and operated dispute resolution group that has served Atlanta and the state of Georgia for the past 25+ years. A third-generation organization, clients count on Henning for a smooth, inviting, and reliable mediation process that fosters successful resolutions. Click here to schedule your next mediation with Henning.