John M. Turner, Jr. is a native Atlantan and a 1972 Honors graduate of the National Law Center, George Washington University School of Law. He has worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia for two years, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for sixteen years, and the private practice of law, as a criminal defense attorney, for twenty-five years. John also served as a Judge Advocate General Corps (JAGC) attorney in the Georgia National Guard for twenty-two years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. John has also taught at the following schools: Emory Law School; John Marshall Law School; Saint Leo University; Morris Brown College; Clark Atlanta University; and Morehouse College. John’s last private practice was with the boutique law firm of Scott & Turner, which specialized in criminal defense and family law.

John M. Turner’s additional educational background includes an LL. M. in Litigation from Emory University Law School and an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration with a Concentration in Executive Decision Making from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). John graduated Cum Laude from Morris Brown College and is also a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College and Military Judge’s School. Currently, John is a doctoral student at Saint Leo University, pursuing a Doctor of Criminal Justice Degree. His dissertation topic will explore issues concerning serial killers in general, and black serial killers in particular. In addition to teaching, John has published numerous professional articles including one that was printed in the prestigious FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin.

John has received numerous awards for his community service and professionalism. He previously served as the elected General Counsel for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for twenty years and was elected by the Fraternity membership and General Board to the Distinguished Service Chapter, the highest honor awarded to a member of the Fraternity. John has been rated by Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent for 2021 as possessing the “Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards.”