The five story building, which was remodeled in the spring of 1997, is the Law Center’s main classroom building. It was named in honor of Bernard P. McDonough (L’25), a very successful industrial entrepreneur with a large empire which he ran from his home in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

The Philip A. Hart Moot Courtroom occupies the heart of the complex, and serves as the primary location for debates, lectures, and oral argument competitions.  McDonough Hall is also the home to many administrative offices including the Admissions Office, Office of Financial Aid, the Office of Transnational Programs, Clinical Programs, and the Office of the Dean.  The Law Center’s main cafeteria and coffee bar serve as McDonough Hall’s primary social area. Lecture halls, small classrooms, and seminar rooms are located throughout the building.

Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is located on the 3rd floor.

The Office of Financial Aid provides students with lists of work study jobs — both on and off campus. They also offer programs to help students maximize their financial resources both during law school and after. The staff does much more than just process loans, manage the Loan Repayment Assistance Program and other need-based aid — they are available to help answer almost any financial-related question you have. Please reach out to them at lawfinaid@georgetown.edu.

Office of Public Interest and Community Service (OPICS)

OPICS is located on the 3rd floor.

Georgetown Law is one out of a handful of schools in the country to have a dedicated Office of Public Interest and Community Service. Created in 1996, OPICS is the hub of the public interest community at Georgetown, and seeks to foster in all law students a commitment to service that will continue through their legal careers. OPICS coordinates the Law Center’s Pro Bono Program and Pledge along with three major job fairs annually. Students can also take advantage of the Public Interest career services offered through OPICS, and find various community service opportunities and organized 1L Pro Bono Projects.

St. Thomas More Chapel

St. Thomas More Chapel can be located on the ground level.

Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is the oldest Catholic university in the United States. Georgetown’s Jesuit principles are still central to our core values today. Cura personalis, or “care for the whole person”, continues to inspire the mission of educating exceptional lawyers. Our wealth of supportive services, extracurricular opportunities and exceptional academic offerings help students forge a path to leadership that balances personal success and career achievement.

Students interested in connecting with the Jesuit background of Georgetown Law can visit the St. Thomas More Chapel, located on the ground level in McDonough. Mass is offered daily at 12:15 p.m., and twice on Sundays. Down the hall students can visit the Campus Ministry Office, where they can meet the Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Jewish Chaplains on campus. Students can also take part in a variety of different religious student organizations on campus, and visit the various sacred spaces available. Although no in-person services are offered at this time due to COVID-19, you can learn more about the virtual services available on the Georgetown Law website.

Clinical Programs

The Clinical Programs office can be located on the 3rd floor.

Georgetown Law has the nation’s largest clinical program, with 18 different clinics and over 300 student participants annually. In a clinical course, students represent real clients facing real legal challenges. They are responsible for all facets of their case and project work, collaborating closely with clinical faculty to ensure proper and complete representation. Some clinics offered include Family Advocacy Criminal, Juvenile, Harrison Institute Health Policy, Federal Legislation, Street Law, and more. Students interested in clinics can apply at the end of their 1L and 2L year. Visit the Georgetown Law website for more clinic offerings.