Georgetown Law Overview

“Law is but the means, justice is the end.”

Since it opened its doors in 1870, Georgetown Law has lived by its guiding principle, “law is but the means, justice is the end.” Located in Washington, D.C., just steps from the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court, we nurture both the rigorous exploration of legal theory and the search for legal solutions to society’s greatest challenges.

Faculty

Faculty

10:1

With more than 150 full-time faculty, Georgetown Law has one of the largest law faculties in the nation. At the same time, our small faculty-student ratio ensures personalized instruction, mentorship, and strong academic support for all students. A wide array of Washington, D.C. practitioners—judges, general counsels, law firm partners, agency chiefs, and congressional staff members—complement our faculty as adjunct professors who share their wisdom and experience as practicing attorneys with their students.

D.C. Difference Located just blocks from the U.S. Congress that enacts laws, the Supreme Court that interprets them, and the administrative agencies that enforce them, Georgetown Law’s faculty and students enjoy unique access to the world of law and legal practice. International organizations, think tanks, and NGOs, are also headquartered nearby, enabling students to gain valuable experience helping leaders and institutions shape national and global policy.

From vibrant neighborhoods to world-class museums and historic sites, the city of Washington, D.C. itself can also become an extension of the classroom. At Georgetown Law, you’re always surrounded by opportunities for collaboration, personal and professional growth, and meaningful engagement with leaders driving change.

752 Full-time and part-time faculty

Student-faculty ratio (full-time)

DC Difference

427 Students who take on legal externships in judges’ chambers, prosecutor and public defender offices, government agencies, and private firms

100% Georgetown Law ran moot courts for attorneys appearing in every single case argued at the Supreme Court during the 202425 term

Student Life

Students

94

Each year, Georgetown Law welcomes some 600 J.D. students and more than 300 LL.M. and graduate students. Our students are selected from some more than 200 colleges and universities around the world. We have welcomed military veterans, classroom teachers, engineers, and actors and recording artists. Our students are able to pursue a diverse set of interests - from constitutional law, public policymaking and legal aid to corporate, trade, and international law.

Student organizations

2025 Entering Class

J.D.

670

Once they arrive on our Capitol Hill Campus, J.D. students at Georgetown Law join a diverse, driven community that thrives on rigorous academics, unparalleled experiential opportunities, and direct engagement with the institutions shaping national and global decisions. With more than 130 student organizations, vibrant affinity groups, and a close-knit campus community, our students find connection, balance, and leadership opportunities that enrich their education and prepare them for impactful careers.

Incoming J.D.s

415 Incoming LL.M.s

13,925 J.D. Applications

LL.M. LL.M. students deepen their legal expertise while learning just steps from the institutions that shape national and international policy. With extensive experiential opportunities, specialized degree options, and access to leading practitioners, students gain the skills and connections needed to excel in a competitive global legal market.

500+ Courses

17 Legal Clincs

330+ Students participating in our clinics

23 Centers and Institutes

Data from the academic year 2025-2026

Campus

Clinics

Georgetown Law is located at 600 New Jersey Ave., N.W., at the heart of Georgetown University’s Capitol Campus. The Law Center is anchored by McDonough Hall, which houses a 350-seat Auditorium, classrooms, faculty offices, and academic programs. Adjacent is the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, one of the nation’s largest legal research libraries. The Gewirz Student Center, located at 120 F Street N.W., provides student housing, study spaces, and community areas. The campus also includes the Hotung International Law Building, which features classrooms and event spaces, as well as the Scott K. Ginsburg Sport & Fitness Center, home to a swimming pool, basketball court, weight rooms, and exercise studios. The building at 500 First Street N.W. houses many of Georgetown Law’s centers and institutes, expanding the academic, policy, and research activity throughout the surrounding Capitol Campus.

For more than 50 years, Georgetown Law has supported the largest and most highly regarded in-house clinical program in the nation. Our clinics teach the practical art of lawyering while providing vital legal services to under-represented individuals and organizations. With 17 distinct clinics and more than 300 students participating each year, we offer unmatched opportunities for hands-on advocacy and real-world impact.

E. B. Williams Law Library For more information, please visit www.law.georgetown.edu or contact mediarelations@ law.georgetown.edu

The Law Library is one of the largest academic law libraries in the nation, housing a robust collection of both primary and secondary materials in U.S., foreign, and international law. The Law Library’s digital and special collections include materials from the 13th century to the present. A variety of study spaces and communal areas are located throughout the Law Library’s five floors.

Centers & Institutes Each of our 20+ centers and institutes serves as a hub of expertise—a place where faculty, staff, and students analyze and advance critical areas of policy, from public health and international economics to human rights and technology. Our experts testify before Congress, advise federal agencies, publish influential research, and shape public dialogue through policy briefs and media commentary. We also host panels and conferences that bring global leaders to our campus. Students gain front-row access and hands-on experience in all of it, ensuring they are ready to shape the future.