Georgetown University Law Center is a private division of Georgetown University, a Roman Catholic institution with the second-largest student population of all law schools in the US. According to US News & World Reports, Georgetown Law was ranked the 14th best law school.
Located in the heart of Washington DC, Georgetown University students study law in the city where the nation’s laws are constructed. This proximity allows for numerous growth opportunities post-graduation. The university’s curriculum boasts a wide range of subject matter for students to consume during their years at the university.
Georgetown also provides an unmatched experience to students looking to become real-world legal professionals. A strong academic performance can lead to endless options upon graduating, which is great news for those who want to be a partner at a top law firm or work for a judicial branch of government. Being located blocks away from the Supreme Court also opens opportunities for those seeking to eventually work there.
If you’re interested in attending this prestigious university, our guide below provides everything you need to know.
Georgetown University Law School Overview
Georgetown University Law School attracts a diverse population of determined, hard-working students. While attending, you’ll have the chance to network with other students and professors and build relationships that will last a lifetime. Not only do students have access to a solid and prestigious legal education, but they also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the university’s mock trial sessions.
While many law schools in the US only offer full-time day classes, one notable feature of Georgetown Law is they offer part-time and evening classes. So, if students are working a full-time job, they still have the opportunity to attend this respected institution.
Its evening classes are also unique among top-notch law schools in the US. This flexible feature helps students finance their education, allowing them to graduate with less student loan debt.
In terms of length of study, full-time students must complete their coursework within three academic years, while part-time students must finish within six academic years.
Curriculum
Georgetown has the second largest student body and the largest number of full-time faculty compared to any other law school in the US. They offer one of the best Master of Laws (LLM) programs and accept students from over 70 countries worldwide. For international students wanting to study law in the US, Georgetown is in the epicenter of the country’s legal system. The LLM program also allows lawyers who have passed the bar to specialize in a specific legal topic.
Georgetown Law provides over 300 programs for students to choose from. This scope makes it easier for students to select a field of study based on their aspirations and desired career path. The broad composition and qualifications of the professors make this possible.
One unique feature of Georgetown’s program is that is offers two first-year curriculum options for full-time students (Curriculum A and B). Students undertaking either A or B are given the same number of credits and the same grading curve; however, there is a difference in terms of the approach.
For example, Curriculum A students learn four standard courses, such as Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Torts, and Property, while students in Curriculum B receive a more integrated approach that examines the evolving legal system and shifting focus on public policy. Therefore, Curriculum B students receive a more interdisciplinary approach, while Curriculum A receives a more traditional approach.
Other standout features of Georgetown’s curriculum include its transnational law program — one of the largest in the world — that consists of a Global Law Scholars program designed for students who plan to practice international law. Georgetown’s Technology Law & Policy Scholars, Public Interest Fellows, and Business Law Scholars programs also provide specialized opportunities for students.
Students at Georgetown also have access to numerous clinics (around 15) where they can pass on knowledge to local schools and community members. These clinics cover a range of topics like the DC Street Law Program that allows students to get hands-on experience while becoming established members of the DC community. Students also have opportunities to take externships, practicum courses, and simulation courses that provide experience of real-world scenarios such as strategic planning.
Finally, the university has multiple research centers where students can learn about common law topics such as national security and federal crime. This includes the 300-student capacity Gewirz Center with a mock courtroom and multiple facilities and student centers.
Georgetown University Law School Rankings
It’s important to know the rankings of a law school and what they mean before applying. In short, a degree from a university with higher rankings will look better to future employers. Rankings also give you an inside look at the quality of education, the student life, and your chances of being accepted.
If you plan on becoming a partner at a high-level law firm, graduating from a well-ranked university will increase your chances of landing your dream job. Law school rankings are published annually and come from a wide variety of sources.
Below is an overview of Georgetown University Law School Rankings:
- US News ranks Georgetown #14 overall and #1 for part-time education
- com ranks Georgetown as the 17th best law school worldwide
- Georgetown is ranked #1 in clinical training (US News)
- Georgetown is ranked #2 in tax law (US News)
Georgetown University Law School Admissions
Acceptance Rates
Getting into Georgetown University Law School isn’t easy, especially as it’s a prestigious school with an influx of highly qualified applicants. However, rankings aren’t the only factor that goes into a university’s acceptance rate. Other factors include the programs offered, the quality of education, and the faculty’s prominence. The basic determination of an acceptance rate is the number of accepted applications divided by the total number received.
So, what makes Georgetown University Law School’s acceptance so exclusive?
For starters, the competition is high. Only the best students apply to top-ranking law schools. So, if your track record isn’t perfect, your chances of being accepted are much lower. Georgetown University is looking for students who want to grow into the nation’s leading legal professionals. If this defines you, you’ll need to stand out.
Another reason Georgetown is difficult to get into is its reputation. When people speak of the top schools in the US, Georgetown is seldom left off the list. Therefore, they attract a large number of applicants every year, which increases competition.
The acceptance rate for Georgetown has hovered around 20% to 24% over the last few years, making it one of the few institutions with a relatively high acceptance rate compared to other top law schools, such as Yale (9.7%) and Harvard (13%). However, Georgetown is still quite competitive compared to the national average for US law schools, which is around 45%.
It’s important to keep in mind that the acceptance rate doesn’t determine the university’s overall quality. When applying to law school, you should scrutinize the programs and whether the school aligns with your career goals. The acceptance rate only provides a reference number for how competitive the school is and your chances of getting in.
Some students perform well and go on to get their dream job even if they attend a university with a higher acceptance rate.
Georgetown University Law School Application Statistics
Applications Class of 2024 14,052 Increase from previous year 41% Average GPA 3.85 Average LSAT 171Georgetown University Law School LSAT Percentiles
75th Percentile 169 50th Percentile 168 25th Percentile 1642024 Entering Class Profile
Number of Students 561 LSAT Scores 171 Undergraduate GPA 3.85 % Women 54% % Students of Color 40% % Enrolled Directly After College N/ATuition Fees for Georgetown University Law School (Class of 2024)
JD LM / MLT / MSL Full-Time $69,280 per semester $71,536 per semester Part-Time $2,474/per credit hour $2,980/per credit hour Room and Board $22,865 $22,865 Total (Living Expenses + Tuition) $99,600 $101,656Housing Options at Georgetown University Law School
On-Campus Yes Off-Campus YesBar Passage Rates at Georgetown University Law School (2022/23)
Total Graduates 674 First Time Takers 679 First-time Bar Exam Passers and Pass Rate 633/93.23% Pass Rate at District of Columbia 94.85% National Average 71%Application Deadline FAQs
When will Georgetown University Law School application materials be available?
You can find all the application materials on the university’s website. They are always open to potential applicants.
When does Georgetown University Law School begin accepting applications?
The regular application deadline for students wishing to enroll for the fall semester at Georgetown Law is March 1st.
How are Georgetown University Law School applications submitted?
Applications are submitted via an LSAC application. Students can also receive a paper application for direct submission to the admissions office.
Does Georgetown University Law School have an “early admission” or “early decision” process?
Yes, Georgetown Law accepts early admission applications.
Application Fees and Deadlines
Application Fee $85 Early Decision Deadline September 7th Regular Deadline March 1stDoes Georgetown University Law School grant interviews?
Georgetown receives more applications than other law schools in the US. So, to add a personal touch to the process, the university does interview some applicants.
Employment After Georgetown University Law School
Median Salary Private Sector $180,000 Median Salary Public Sector $55,0084.5% percent of students who graduated from Georgetown Law in 2021 found employment within their first year of graduation. About 50% of those went on to work for law firms in Washington, DC, and New York City.
Most students who graduate from Georgetown Law end up working in the private sector, where the median salary is around $180,000. For those looking to get involved in the public interest, the university offers multiple hands-on programs that place you directly among community figures. About 13% of the graduates end up working in the public interest sector.
Final Thoughts
Attendance at Georgetown University Law School is sought after because of its renowned reputation for high-quality education, the vast number of programs offered to students, and the post-graduation opportunities.
Georgetown Law also has a strong network of alumni, which is another desirable aspect of this school and is especially useful for those who want to become a successful lawyer in DC. You won’t find another university that has closer connections to the US judicial system than Georgetown. The community is tight, allowing students to share ideas and learn from others inside the centralized hub.
There’s no doubt that a degree from Georgetown University Law School opens doors to many outstanding opportunities. Georgetown Law students don’t just get an exceptional law education; they build solid relationships with faculty, alumni, and other students. Most students who attended Georgetown Law have stated that their experience provided them with the resources they needed throughout their entire legal career.
Georgetown Law students get a first-rate legal education and learn how to maximize their performance and advance their legal career. Therefore, Georgetown belongs on the application list of those looking to become leading legal professionals. Not only is it a prestigious high-ranking school, but it offers some of the best legal education programs in the country.