Student Life

First Year Orientation — A Year-Long Journey

Georgetown is committed to helping students make the most of their law school experience. Starting the week before classes, First Year Orientation introduces the students to the Law Center and includes faculty talks, tours of D.C., public service projects, and other student social activities. Unlike most schools, Georgetown's orientation continues during the first year with a series of programs focusing on the law school classroom, studying for exams, selection of courses and more.

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students oversees student life at Georgetown Law. ODOS focuses on issues affecting the student community and acts as the primary liaison between students, faculty and the administration. It offers students a broad range of opportunities and services including academic and personal advising, academic support and tutorial services, leadership training, student organization advising, and wellness programs.

Spiritual Life

Georgetown's Catholic and Jesuit heritage is part of its distinctive quality. In keeping with its respect for all faiths, Georgetown welcomes students of all religious beliefs.  Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant chaplains have offices at the Law Center.

Publications and Scholarship

Georgetown Law publishes 11 legal journals annually. The central mission in publication is to provide timely and relevant scholarly articles, student notes, and comments pertaining to areas of professional legal interest.  Ten journals address specific areas: criminal law, international environmental law, immigration, international law, legal ethics, poverty, gender and the law, tax law, conservative, libertarian and natural law scholarship, and critical race theory. The Georgetown Law Journal addresses issues of general legal concern.  Please click here for information about the Write On Competition for Georgetown 1st years and transfer students.

Moot Court, Mock Trial and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Georgetown has a long and rich tradition in appellate and trial advocacy. Georgetown's advocacy teams have long enjoyed an outstanding national and international reputation. In 2012, the appellate advocacy division was ranked 5th and the mock trial division was ranked 11th in the country. ADR competitions round out the numerous Georgetown-sponsored regional and national moot court and mock trial competitions. ADR competitions involve negotiations, mediation and client counseling.

The student-run Barristers' Council administers both inter-school and intramural competitions and activities.  Students who participate in these competitions improve their legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills.

Student Organizations

Georgetown Law has more than 80 student organizations that represent a wide range of academic, political, cultural, religious, community service, artistic and recreational interests.