FPD Students Earn Student Bar of Georgia Admission Through Macon Law Academy

Sophomore Laura Pritchard and senior Tullie Causey recently put their mock trial skills to the test at the 2026 Macon Law Academy Student Bar Examination. With limited time to prepare, both delivered closing arguments before two attorneys, applying what they have learned as members of FPD’s mock trial team, coached by Dr. Kristy Alvarez.

Their hard work paid off. Laura passed the exam and earned admission to the Student Bar of Georgia, while Tullie earned admission with honors.

The 112-point exam included both a written portion and a closing argument, with students required to score at least 80% for admission and 90% for honors. But for Laura and Tullie, the experience was about more than a score.

Laura was drawn to Macon Law Academy by the opportunity to learn about mock trial from attorneys and judges and to spend time learning at Mercer Law School. When exam day came, giving her closing argument was both the most intimidating and the most memorable part.

It was very scary because we did not have much time to work on it, but I loved getting the chance to do something like that and step outside my comfort zone!” Laura said.

Passing the exam affirmed the work Laura had put into a difficult challenge. She came away with a stronger understanding of mock trial, as well as lessons in perseverance, character, and friendship.

Tullie first heard about Macon Law Academy from older teammates who had attended. Hearing what they learned during practice made Tullie want to take part. Like Laura, Tullie remembers the closing argument most vividly, especially the challenge of preparing and delivering it in just three days.

It's great that I passed with honors, and it shows that the work and studying I did amount to something,” Tullie said.

Tullie learned how to apply mock trial rules and practice and offered one piece of advice from the experience: “never underestimate getting eight hours of sleep.”

At First Presbyterian Day School, we want students to grow through opportunities that challenge them to prepare well, speak with confidence, and keep learning. Laura and Tullie did just that at Macon Law Academy. We are proud of the work they put into this achievement and excited to see where their curiosity takes them next.

Laura and Tullie join a growing list of FPD students who have attended Macon Law Academy and earned admission to the Student Bar of Georgia:

• 2023: Ellie Jarrard — with honors

• 2024: Averi Jones

• 2025: Zoie Burnsed — with honors and a perfect score

• 2026: Laura Pritchard

• 2026: Tullie Causey — with honors