The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics was founded in 1987 by Father Robert Drinan. Before joining the faculty of Georgetown Law, Father Drinan served in the U.S. House of Representatives for ten years on behalf of the 4th District of Massachusetts. He dedicated his career to many human rights interests and legal causes, including the elevation of the stature of legal ethics as a discipline and in practice. Father Drinan passed away in January 2007.

Now, in our twenty-fourth year, The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics continues to honor Father Drinan’s vision for the legal profession. The Journal, through its four annual issues and featured symposia, aspires to serve as the main forum for the discussion and development of the most compelling and pertinent issues currently affecting both the Bench and the Bar. As a law journal, we seek to exemplify the mission and mandate of the legal profession articulated in Canon 32 of the Canons of Professional Ethics which was approved by the American Bar Association in 1908. Canon 32 states that the lawyer “advances the honor of his profession and the best interest of his client when he renders service or gives advice tending to impress upon the client and his undertaking exact compliance with the strictest principles of moral law….” The Journal strives to serve this mandate through its cutting edge articles on ethical issues, presentation of speakers who bring the discussion of legal ethics into the law school community, and steadfast commitment to community service by the Journal Staff. Our mission is intended to honor and perpetuate Father Drinan’s legacy of a call to practice a higher code of conduct.