Law School

About the school

The George Washington University Law School was established in 1865 and produced some of the finest minds across the spectrum of legal scholarship. George Washington University - Law School imparts students the right theoretical and practical knowledge and helps them view the law in an increasingly global context. The school has an extensive curriculum, a strong professionalism and career development programme, a faculty of well-respected scholars and practitioners, robust mentorship programmes, and high-quality externship opportunities. It equips students with the legal knowledge that drives professional success, especially in DC. The George Washington University Law School guides its students through its engaged faculty, renowned scholarship programs, incredible classroom teaching, a broad curriculum, and exceptional experiential opportunities

Location of the school

The George Washington University Law School campus is in the downtown neighborhood popularly called the Foggy Bottom. Founded in 1865, GW Law was the first law school in Washington, DC. Here are some of its campus details:

Life at the Law School

The George Washington Law School comprises its popular Student Bar Association (SBA), which gives students the best experiences in the Law School and University Administrations, supporting their academic and professional goals. All students of the Law School are members of the SBA, the Law School’s student government. The association organises networking events and services to help students grow academically and professionally in a vibrant social environment. Students are active and involved members of over 60 organisations and academic communities that reflect their diverse interests and concerns. These events sponsor speakers, host panel discussions, and encourage dialogue on various legal issues. The GW Law School has a rich advisory team, strategic learning sessions on professional development, and a focus on career satisfaction and development.

Additional benefits of studying at the Law School

All students at George Washington Law School have the opportunity to participate in SBA elections and make the most of programs and activities such as the First-Year Mentoring Program, the Halloween Party, the Barrister's Ball, weekly "Bar Reviews," annual blood, food, and clothing drives, used book sales, as well as several community service projects and activities involving the American Bar Association Law Student Division. There are various other associations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Armenian Law Student Association (ALSA), Asian/Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), Banking and Securities Law Society, and more. For entertainment and sports, there are associations like the Entertainment and Sports Law Association (ESPLA), GW Law Running Club, GW Law Soccer, and others. The award-winning Inns of Court program, which also received the 2018 E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award, a program of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Professionalism, provides GW Law students with support and guidance from a diverse group of advisors dedicated to enhancing their law school experience and career opportunities.

Admissions criteria

George Washington University - Law School combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience through clinics, skills competitions, and field placement positions, giving a competitive advantage to students. Admission Procedure: - Students must start by filling out an application form - Applicants must hold a BA or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a JD or equivalent degree from a law school member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) - Applicants with a law degree from a law school outside the United States must have earned the degree from a recognised institution - Pay an application fee - Include official transcripts from all law, graduate, and undergraduate schools attended - Two original letters of recommendation - A brief essay describing the applicant’s professional goals and areas of interest for the study of law - A résumé or CV - For international students, an official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. - All applications are automatically considered for scholarships - As an international student applying to law school, students must be prepared to fund all of their educational and living expenses

Job placements

The Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy (Career Center) at GW Law is dedicated to partnering with students to develop their personalised career plans. It has a team of experienced counsellors who: - Work with students to understand their individual goals - Formulate an effective job search strategy - Develop the professional skills needed in today’s complex legal environment. - Provide online resources with the most current career planning tools. - An extensive calendar of events, workshops, and recruiting programs are hosted annually to help students identify their passions and connect with employers. - Help students build connections and take their first steps toward a meaningful legal career. - Navigating Virtual Interviews - Put together 1L, 2L, and 3L Career Planning Timelines to stay on top of career exploration and job search process. Career counsellors are also available to help students refine specific areas of interest, identify contacts, research employers, apply to positions, prepare for interviews, negotiate compensation, and more.