Historically, RISE has been of particular interest to incoming JD students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in law school and the legal profession, including but not limited to underrepresented racial, ethnic, geographic, socioeconomic, and first generation college backgrounds.

RISE welcomes and considers applications from any and all interested students without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran, or other protected status.

RISE is intended to help students form community with other entering students before classes begin; obtain the essential academic and professional skills that law school and the legal profession demand; and build relationships with peer mentors, teaching fellows, faculty, staff, and alumni across the Georgetown Law community.

RISE students in the 2023 entering class on the steps of McDonough Hall during Pre-Orientation

RISE includes two central components: First, a rigorous week-long pre-orientation program, with opportunities to participate in simulated classes, homework and exams; enhance your leadership and professional success skills; and meet faculty, senior staff, and upper-class students in an informal setting before classes begin. And, second, opportunities throughout the first year to hone your critical thinking and legal writing skills and explore the profession under the guidance of senior staff and alumni mentors.

To learn more about the program,  View Frequently Asked Questions about RISE.