Georgetown University Law Center Profile

Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) stands as one of the most prestigious and influential law schools in the United States, renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its proximity to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Established by the Jesuit order, Georgetown Law holds a unique place in legal education, being the first law school in the U.S. founded by a Jesuit institution. Over the years, it has grown into a global powerhouse, offering a range of programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in law, government, business, public policy, and beyond.

Academic Programs and Specializations

Georgetown Law offers a diverse array of academic programs designed to cater to the needs of both full-time students and those seeking specialized or advanced degrees. The flagship program is the Juris Doctor (J.D.), which provides a comprehensive foundation in American law. The J.D. program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of the law, with opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through a range of clinics and externships.

Beyond the J.D., Georgetown Law offers several advanced programs for those looking to specialize or deepen their legal knowledge. The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is an innovative program designed for non-lawyers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of legal principles and how they intersect with other fields such as business, healthcare, or technology. For those with a legal background, Georgetown Law offers various LL.M. (Master of Laws) programs, including specialized degrees in Taxation, Securities & Financial Regulation, and Global Health Law, among others. These LL.M. programs provide advanced legal education tailored to specific practice areas and are designed to help professionals enhance their expertise and competitiveness in the legal marketplace.

For those looking to pursue a more scholarly path, Georgetown Law also offers the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) program, which is the highest degree offered by the school. The S.J.D. is designed for individuals who wish to undertake advanced, original research in law and is aimed at those seeking careers in academia or policy research.

In addition to these core programs, Georgetown Law offers a range of joint degree programs in collaboration with other schools and departments within Georgetown University. These programs allow students to combine their legal education with expertise in fields such as public policy, international relations, business, government, and philosophy. Notable joint degree programs include those with the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute (MPP), the School of Business (MBA), the School of Foreign Service (MSFS, MAAS, MAREES, MAGES, MALAS, and MASSP), the Department of Philosophy (MA or PhD), and the Department of Government (PhD with MA en passant). These interdisciplinary programs allow students to engage in cross-cutting education, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the complex intersection of law, policy, and business.

Clinical Programs and Practical Training

One of Georgetown Law’s standout features is its robust clinical program, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The law school offers more than 20 clinical programs, ranging from Criminal Defense and Prosecution Clinics to Immigration Law, Environmental Law, and International Human Rights Law clinics. These clinics provide students with the opportunity to represent real clients under the supervision of faculty members, giving them invaluable hands-on experience in the practice of law.

Georgetown Law’s commitment to practical training extends beyond its clinics. The school has an extensive externship program that places students in a variety of legal settings, from government agencies to public interest organizations and private law firms. This integration of practical experience into the curriculum ensures that students graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also the real-world skills necessary to succeed in the legal profession.

Rankings and Recognition

Georgetown Law consistently ranks among the top law schools in the United States, with its strong academic reputation and high-quality programs earning it a place among the Top 14 law schools in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2010. The school’s position within the Top 14 underscores its status as one of the leading institutions for legal education, placing it in the company of other prestigious schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

Georgetown Law’s reputation extends beyond its overall ranking to its specialty areas. In the 2009 rankings, Georgetown Law was recognized as having the #1 Clinical Program in the country, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing students with the most rigorous and comprehensive practical legal education. The school also ranked highly in several other specialties, including #4 in Environmental Law, #4 in Trial Advocacy, and #6 in Healthcare Law. Georgetown Law’s International Law program was ranked 4th in the nation, further cementing its position as a leader in global legal education. In Tax Law, Georgetown Law was ranked 2nd, continuing its tradition of excellence in specialized legal fields.

The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment was also reflected in its ranking of 9th for Best Classroom Experience in the Princeton Review: Best 170 Law Schools Rankings (2008). This ranking highlights Georgetown Law’s emphasis on providing students with a positive and engaging learning atmosphere, where faculty, staff, and students work together to create an inclusive academic community.

Georgetown Law’s excellence in legal education is further demonstrated in the Leiter Law School Rankings, where the school placed 10th for producing top legal educators. This recognition highlights Georgetown Law’s role in shaping the future of legal academia, with its faculty and alumni making significant contributions to legal scholarship.