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Georgia Law is located on UGA’s historic North Campus, a short walk from downtown Athens.
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Table of
contents ..... Message from the Dean
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Why Georgia Law? 6 Class Profile
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Our Faculty 10 Academics 12 Career Development 16 Education in Action 22 Global Practice Preparation
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Experiential Learning 34 Athens, GA: The Classic City
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How to Apply 46 Financial Aid & Scholarships
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The Sutherland Courtyard is an ideal space for students and faculty to interact.
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message from the Dean
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Welcome to the University of Georgia School of Law Community! Who are we? • We are the school of Edith House – the law school’s first female graduate in 1925 who went on to a storied career as a federal prosecutor – who today is honored when an accomplished alumna returns to campus to deliver the Edith House Lecture; • We are the school of Carl Sanders – Georgia’s “Education Governor” and one of the many graduates to serve in positions of political leadership – who today is honored when law students take classes from governmental leaders holding the Sanders Chair created by his bequest; • We are the school of Dean Rusk – former U.S. Secretary of State and one of the many internationally acclaimed faculty to teach at this institution – who today is honored by the distinguished programs of the International Law Center bearing his name; • We are the school of Chester Davenport- the law school’s first African-American graduate and today an accomplished businessman – who today is honored when members of the Davenport-Benham Black Law Students Association hold their annual banquet and awards ceremony; • We are the school of Beverly Martin, Julie Carnes, Valerie Caproni, and Steve Jones – four of the many law school
• We are the school of Sally Yates – Deputy Attorney General of the United States – one of the many law school graduates to serve the country in the highest echelons of government; • We are the school of Roy Barnes, Jim Butler and Nancy Rafuse – three of the law school’s many accomplished alums who have gone on to achieve leadership roles in the legal profession – whose firms now hire our law students as their attorneys; • We are the school of Merritt McCalister, Andrew Pinson and Brian Lea – three of the many graduates who have served as law clerks at the Supreme Court of the United States – who today return to serve Georgia Law as volunteers, moot court advisors or professors. Like any community, we are the sum total of the students, faculty, staff, alums and friends who have shaped the institution. By joining that community, you not only profit from it but also contribute to it. Our doors are open to you. We encourage you to learn more about what our community has to offer from the pages in this book and, even better, from a visit to campus where you can meet us in person.
graduates serving today in the ranks of the judiciary – who today continue to hire our law students as judicial clerks;
Sincerely,
Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge Dean & Herman E. Talmadge Chair of Law www.law.uga.edu/profile/peter-b-bo-rutledge 4
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“The law school should provide first-rate legal training and produce world-class scholarship, in service to our state and nation at a good value. This is organized around several centers of excellence - business law, advocacy, international law, government and public service (including judging), and faculty scholarship.” Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge
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Why
georgia ..... law ? At the University of Georgia School of Law, rich history and tradition converge with diversity and innovation. Here, students engage with peers and faculty, and they explore the vast resources of the university. They are challenged. They grow. Their future begins here. Located in the beautiful city of Athens, Georgia Law is regarded as one of the nation’s top law schools. Founded in 1859 by Joseph Henry Lumpkin, Thomas R.R. Cobb and William Hope Hull, the university boasts a tradition of excellence with a passion for progress. This remarkable blend of assets at an incredible value makes Georgia Law the ideal place to study law. Quality instruction from exceptional faculty and interaction with motivated peers elevate students to an acute level of confidence and know-how as they move into the future. With this strong foundation, graduates are prepared for success—in courtrooms, boardrooms or any other settings they choose. Opportunities abound for not only the traditional practice of law but for a myriad of other endeavors.
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With this strong foundation, graduates are prepared for success—in courtrooms, boardrooms or any other settings they choose.
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Class
profile ..... Georgia Law Class of 2018 At A Glance As of August 13, 2015
2,153 total applications
17%
50% female
50% male
minority enrollment
190
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average student age
students enrolled
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law.uga.edu For more information about the Georgia Law Class of 2018, please visit our website at www.law.uga.edu/class-profile.
lsat
gpa
162
3.71
Median LSAT score
Median GPA
164
3.84
75th Percentile LSAT score
75th Percentile GPA
156
3.40
25th Percentile LSAT score
25th Percentile GPA
25
75
states represented
schools represented
over 60%
receive merit scholarships Georgia Law
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Our
faculty ..... While some law schools choose to emphasize either faculty scholarship or teaching, the Georgia Law faculty seeks to balance the two, firmly believing that classroom teaching is enhanced by scholarly expertise. The addition of a significant number of new faculty members bolsters our dynamic community of learning and increases the depth of our curriculum. Most professors maintain an open door policy; they are available to answer students’ questions about academic matters, or to offer career advice and guidance, and act as mentors. At Georgia Law you will find faculty who care about their students, who take time to get to know them, and who go the extra mile for them.
the georgia law faculty includes: Former judicial clerks for the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts Authors of leading legal scholarship Recipients of the Meigs Award, UGA’s highest honor for teaching excellence; and the ALI’s Young Scholars Medal Fulbright scholars Experienced trial and corporate attorneys Advisors to U.S. senators and representatives Consultants to foreign governments and international policymaking bodies
Experience faculty in the classroom at www.law.uga.edu/watch-classes. For full faculty profiles visit www.law.uga.edu/faculty-profiles.
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“The members of our faculty are excellent classroom teachers. It is one of the things we take great pride in here at Georgia Law.” Lori A. Ringhand, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law
Professor Elizabeth Chamblee Burch was recently awarded the American Law Institute’s Young Scholars Medal, presented every other year to one or two outstanding early-career law professors. Georgia Law
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academics ..... Georgia Law is routinely recognized as one of the country’s finest law schools. Our faculty members are acknowledged for their teaching excellence by their peers in the academic community and the broader legal arena. Aided by an outstanding setting for the study of law, the classroom and extracurricular interaction students have with their well-qualified classmates and the distinguished faculty ensures the legal education received at Georgia Law is second to none.
J. D. Program
First-Year Courses
The Juris Doctor is conferred upon the successful
The fall semester of the first year of study at Georgia
completion of the three-year, full-time program of legal
Law consists entirely of required courses: Civil
study at Georgia Law. The J.D. graduate must earn a
Procedure, Contracts & Sales, Criminal Law, Legal
minimum of 88 semester credit hours, satisfy an advanced
Research & Writing and Torts. In the spring semester,
writing requirement, and complete the required courses in
each first-year student will be able to select an elective.
the Law and Ethics of Lawyering, Property, Constitutional
The elective courses will consist of first-year students
Law and a practical skills-based curricular offering.
only. For more information on the 1L curriculum, visit www.law.uga.edu/required-courses.
first year courses
Fall Semester Credits
Spring Semester Credits
Civil Procedure
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Civil Procedure
3
Contracts & Sales
3
Contracts & Sales
3
Criminal Law
3
Elective
3 or 4
Legal Research & Writing
3
Legal Research & Writing
1
Torts
3
Torts
3
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15 or 16 credits
Academic Enhancement Learning to study the law is a lifelong journey that begins in the first year of law school. Recognizing how challenging that journey can be, Georgia Law created the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP) to help students adapt to the unique demands of law school. Through hands-on workshops targeting critical skills, as well as one-on-one advising and counseling, AEP provides students with the tools they need to succeed. To learn more about AEP, visit: www.law.uga.edu/academic-enhancement-program-aep.
Focus on Excellence in Writing In response to the rigors of today’s legal marketplace, Georgia Law launched the Martin/Carnes Competition for Excellence in Writing. This competition, named after law school alumnae and U.S. Court of Appeals Judges Beverly B. Martin (J.D. ’81) and Julie E. Carnes (J.D. ’75), gives each student the opportunity to analyze a legal problem and work with a faculty advisor, who will assist in editing, refining and strengthening the competitor’s writing skills and legal arguments.
Upper Level Courses Georgia Law offers a broad and challenging curriculum of nearly 170 courses. Second and third-year classes range in size from a seminar setting of 10–20 students to larger classes with 100 students. A complete list of courses can be found at www.law.uga.edu/courses-offerings.
georgia law joint degree programs include: J.D./M.B.A.
J.D./M.P.A.
J.D./M.H.P.
J.D./M.S.W.
J.D./M.S. in Sport Management and Policy
Joint Degrees Georgia Law offers joint degree programs that enable students to earn a J.D. and graduate degree in four academic years rather than the five it would take to obtain them individually. Applicants must apply separately to each program and once accepted, may opt to begin studies in either discipline for most joint degree programs. Courses in both subject areas are taken in the third and fourth years for dual credit. Interested students should contact the corresponding school in addition to the School of Law. For more information on joint degree programs, visit www.law.uga.edu/joint-degrees.
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Academics The Alexander Campbell King Law Library provides resources and expertise to support the instructional mission of Georgia Law and the scholarly research of the faculty. It is also a bright and popular spot for law students to study and prepare for class.
Concurrent Enrollment Students who wish to complement their law degrees
Georgia Law offers the Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.), the Master of Laws degree (LL.M.), and the Master in the Study of Law degree (M.S.L.)
with advanced degrees in other fields will find numerous opportunities at the University of Georgia. With 17 other schools and colleges at the university, advanced degree opportunities abound. Students interested in concurrent degree programs should contact the graduate coordinator in the department, school or college offering the degree, in addition to the law school. For more information regarding concurrent enrollment, visit www.law.uga.edu/concurrent-enrollment.
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LL.M. Program Persons who have earned a first degree in law from a foreign university may apply to study for a Master in Laws (LL.M.) degree. The program allows LL.M. students to interact with world-class faculty and highly credentialed J.D. students. LL.M. and J.D. candidates study side by side in the same classes, an opportunity that affords both groups diverse perspectives on legal issues. Georgia Law awards the LL.M. degree following the successful completion of 24 hours of course credit, typically lasting one academic year. Drawing upon the more than 100 courses offered each year, students craft their own individual courses of study based on their interests, career goals, or professional experience. An LL.M. student can choose between two different paths: the all-courses track, in which all credit hours are fulfilled through in-class course work; or the courses-plus-essay track, in which six hours of credit are fulfilled through a scholarly paper written under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. Qualifying LL.M. graduates are eligible to take the bar examinations in a number of states, including Georgia. LL.M. students also have the opportunity to earn a dual Master’s in Law and Business Administration by studying both at Georgia Law and at the university’s Terry College of Business. This LL.M./M.B.A degree can be completed in two-and-a-half academic years. For more information about the LL.M. Program, visit www.law.uga.edu/LLM.
M.S.L. Program The Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.) is a one-year graduate level degree for professionals and recent graduates seeking to increase their knowledge of law in order to bolster their professional potential. The program offers the freedom to select among several areas of law for concentrated study and full-time (one year) and part-time (up to three years) track options. M.S.L. candidates are welcome from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels and will take classes and interact with Georgia Law’s J.D. students whose admissions credentials place them amongst the most highly qualified in the nation. Enrollment will be limited to ensure that faculty and staff are able to provide each M.S.L. student with individual assistance and support. For more information about the M.S.L. Program, visit www.law.uga.edu/MSL.
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Career
development ..... Employers recognize the superior quality of the academic program and student body at Georgia Law. As a result, our graduates have an outstanding record of success in the job market. From the moment you enter Georgia Law, you’ll be taking positive steps towards securing a rewarding legal career. Our Career Development staff will be by your side for the entire journey. We have counselors with J.D. degrees and substantial law practice experience. We provide individualized counseling to every student including analyzing job search strategies, reviewing job search documents, and preparing students for interviews. We also provide an extensive array of professional development programs. These programs range from seminars taught by experts on job search skills like networking, to panels of practitioners giving advice on how to pursue many different practice specialties and employment settings. Our staff also implements an active employer outreach effort, identifying specific job opportunities and maintaining a job posting site. In short, we recognize the importance and the challenge of finding the right career path, and we are committed to providing you with guidance and support in every aspect of the process.
class of 2014 employment statistics
Employment type Private Practice 49%
Judicial Clerkships 13%
Business/Industry 14%
Public Interest 8%
Government 14%
Academic
2%
94% Georgia Bar passage rate for July 2014 first time test takers 89% of the Class of 2014 employed or pursuing a degree within 10 months of graduation Learn more about career opportunities at www.law.uga.edu/career-development. Georgia Law
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Career Development Unmatched Investment in Your Future Prospective law students understandably ask questions not only about their chances of getting a job but the type of job they will receive. A key advantage of Georgia Law is that its relatively low tuition and the affordable cost of living helps keep the costs of attendance manageable. Relative to more expensive law schools, this broadens the range of jobs that graduates can economically manage during the early stages of their career. Beyond being a good return on investment, a Georgia Law degree opens doors in a variety of local, national, and international careers. Our alums work in 50 different states and 58 different countries. For recent graduates, the State of Georgia remains the top choice for employment, with Washington, D.C. as our second largest market. In recent years, others states like New York, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Colorado have been popular places where Georgia Law graduates have secured employment. Not only does a Georgia Law degree carry national currency, it prepares you for many different careers. While the greatest number enter private practice (whether at large firms or small ones), many embark on different paths. Georgia Law boasts an excellent record placing students in prestigious judicial clerkships where students spend one or two years assisting a judge. An increasing number of Georgia Law graduates go directly into business; in recent years graduates have begun work at businesses like JP Morgan Chase & Co., The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and McKesson Corporation, just to name a few. Finally, a steady number of Georgia graduates go on to serve their state and country, whether as prosecutors, public defenders, officers in the Judge Advocate General Corps or other forms of public service. Here in particular, the combination of a first-rate legal education and a good value pays off – graduates can take these jobs without worrying about the crippling level of law school debt.
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Georgia law regularly hosts national leaders who enrich our curriculum, including former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss and Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California system and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
education in Action
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Advocacy Georgia Law’s accomplished Moot Court and Mock Trial programs focus directly on developing critical oral and written advocacy skills. Team members learn how to write persuasively and how to make convincing oral presentations that will withstand intense scrutiny by the court. Through this incredible practical learning experience, Georgia Law students become powerful advocates. Participating on a Moot Court team provides the opportunity to draft briefs and present oral arguments, appear before federal and state justices and judges and travel to local, regional, national and international competitions. Georgia Law’s Moot Court program is supported by committed faculty members and Moot Court alumni and alumnae who volunteer to judge practice rounds of oral arguments. Members of Georgia Law’s Mock Trial teams deliver opening statements, conduct witness examinations and present closing arguments in the presence of a judge and jury. The Mock Trial program receives strong support from faculty members and Mock Trial alumni and alumnae who dedicate long hours to bench practice rounds, critiquing student arguments and offering suggestions for improvement. This level of support truly benefits students and helps them to develop the courtroom skills they will need during their legal careers. To learn more about the winning history of Moot Court and Mock Trial teams, visit www.law.uga.edu/advocacy.
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Negotiation Competition Team Georgia Law students participating on the negotiation competition team hone their bargaining, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and compete on the regional and national level in competitions involving negotiation of transactional matters and disputes. In some competitions, students also draft complex transactional documents that are the subject of the negotiation. UGA teams have captured national and regional titles and earned other significant recognition. See www.law.uga.edu/negotiation-transactional-competitions.
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Education in Action Business Law & Ethics Program Georgia Law’s Business Law and Ethics Program provides students significant opportunities to study business law as well as business concepts and ethical issues confronting today’s business leaders. The purpose of this program is to ensure law students are prepared to advise business clients in a dynamic and global economy. The program includes practice-based courses, which are designed to link legal theory to the practice of law, with a particular focus on transactional practice. Experiential learning, through participation in externships and clinical experiences and on the school’s negotiation competition team, is a key element of the program. Students have the opportunity, both in and out of the classroom, to practice essential skills such as negotiation, legal drafting, critical thinking, counseling, and creative problem-solving. A distinguishing feature of Georgia Law’s Business Law and Ethics Program is a strong emphasis on business ethics, particularly with respect to the lawyer’s role in advising business clients. To learn more visit www.law.uga.edu/business-law-and-ethics-program.
Journals Legal journals provide students the opportunity to enhance legal writing skills beyond the classroom experience. Georgia Law students publish three highly regarded journals:
Georgia Law Review Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law Journal of Intellectual Property Law
These journals, which are frequently cited by federal and state courts, textbooks, treatises and other law reviews, follow the customary format with articles from leading scholars and practitioners comprising the bulk of the content and another section consisting of student notes. Previous journal members have gone on to clerk for members of the federal judiciary, practice with the most respected firms in the nation and distinguish themselves in public service. To learn more visit www.law.uga.edu/journals.
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“Since the overwhelming majority of litigated cases settle, and since business clients engage in a variety of transactions, negotiation skills are invaluable to the practice of law.” Kate Bell (J.D. ’15), reflecting on her experience as chair of the Negotiations Competition Team
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Global Practice
preparation ..... Our tradition of excellence in international law began seventy-five years
Johnson, and Louis B. Sohn, a scholar who helped
ago, when noted German-Jewish judge Sigmund Cohn
Convention on the Law of the Sea. To this day, superb
arrived at Georgia Law seeking refuge from the ravages
international law faculty prepare Georgia Law students
of World War II. Other professors reinforced the
to practice in areas as varied as business and trade,
tradition he began – among them Dean Rusk, who joined
arbitration and dispute settlement, the environment and
our faculty after decades of service as the Secretary of
sustainable development, human and children’s rights,
State to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Baines
and global governance and collective security.
draft the Charter of the United Nations and the U.N.
opportunities include: Two dozen courses in international, comparative, transnational, and foreign affairs law, taught by professors acclaimed for their scholarship and global service Study abroad in Oxford, England, and Brussels, Belgium, as well as international law-related externships at offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and throughout the world Involvement in high-level conferences and closed-door experts’ workshops on cutting-edge global issues, sponsored by the Dean Rusk International Law Center Advocacy training via the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court and the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot competitions Service on the Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law, one of the first American journals in the field, or in the Georgia Society of International & Comparative Law Scholarly research using an extensive law library collection, which includes the Louis B. Sohn Library on International Relations and places emphasis on human rights, business law, global governance, and intellectual property Interaction with foreign-trained lawyers, who study for their LL.M. degrees alongside J.D. candidates Networking with alumni and alumnae who practice on all five continents, in myriad subfields of international law and policy
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Town Hall in the Grand-Place of Brussels, the world capital that plays host to Georgia Law’s annual summer study abroad.
“I learned a great deal through working with diverse co-workers from all across the world.” Hari Narayanan, Class of 2016, on his externship at the Centre for Economic Law, Brussels, Belgium Georgia Law
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“The commitment of the law school and its Dean Rusk International Law Center, coupled with the dedication of our faculty, alumni, and students, has turned Georgia Law into a global crossroads.” Harlan G. Cohen Associate Professor of Law
The law school’s Dean Rusk Hall, home to the Dean Rusk International Law Center.
Global Practice Preparation Dean Rusk International Law Center Named after the former U.S. Secretary of State who taught at Georgia Law in the last decades of his career, the Dean Rusk International Law Center has served since 1977 as a nucleus for global research, education, and service. The Center:
Prepares students for practice through study abroad programs and global externships at home and overseas Fosters the teaching and scholarship of Georgia Law’s internationally recognized faculty Organizes lectures and conferences on topics like intellectual property, international criminal justice, the environment, international arbitration, nuclear proliferation, and U.S. trade with Cuba Hosts continuing legal education for international judges and practitioners Partners in these efforts have included the Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law, the Georgia Law Project on Armed Conflict & Children, the university’s African Studies Institute and its Willson Center for Humanities & Arts, plus the state’s Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, as well as the American Society of International Law, the Junior International Law Scholars Association, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. To learn more, visit: www.law.uga.edu/RuskIntl.
“I credit Georgia Law and the Rusk Center with setting me on course to serve the United States in some of our toughest trade negotiations.” Audrey Winter (J.D. ’80), Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China
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Students in the Oxford program visit Middle Temple Hall with, at right, Georgia Law Professor Matthew I. Hall and Kit Traub (J.D. ’88), Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs (acting), U.S. Embassy, London.
“Every day was a new adventure (and sometimes a challenge), and I learned so much about myself and the world during that time that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Susanne Kihumba-Watts (J.D. ’14), on her study abroad at Oxford and Brussels, which she coupled with a global externship
Global Practice Preparation Spring Semester Abroad at Oxford, England 15 weeks, 13 credit hours Features courses taught by Georgia and Oxford law faculty. Georgia Law students are associate members of St. Anne’s College, one of the 40 colleges that make up the University of Oxford.
To learn more, visit www.law.uga.edu/georgia-law-oxford.
Summer Study Abroad in Brussels, Belgium Just over 3 weeks , 4 credit hours Founded in 1973, Georgia Law’s Brussels seminar has offered courses on an array of global governance issues, ranging from trade to human rights, and on international organizations including the European Union. Also featured have been consultative trips to institutions like the European Court of Justice and the European Parliament, as well as cultural visits within the Brussels region. To learn more visit www.law.uga.edu/brussels.
Andrea Baker (J.D. ’14) visits the Bodleian Library during her spring semester at Oxford.
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Global Practice Preparation
Since 2001, hundreds of Georgia Law students have spent their summers earning on-the-job training for global practice. Complementing the Global Externship Overseas (GEO) are international law-related externships at offices within the United States, through Georgia Law experiential learning opportunities such as the D.C. Semester in Practice.
Global Externship Overseas Up to 12 weeks during the summer
Over the last 15 years, students have benefited from placements at more than 70 law firms, nongovernmental organizations, and government offices, in over 30 countries on five continents. Students have received funding from the Freeman Foundation and other sources.
previous placements have included: AB Lexmall & Associates, Ghana; Advokatfirman Apex, Sweden; Clorox Company, Argentina; Dubai Judicial Institute, United Arab Emirates; Forever Sabah, Malaysia; GÖRG law firm, Germany; Liga za ľudské práva (Human Rights League),
Slovakia; Jiménez Cruz Peña, Dominican Republic; King & Wood Mallesons, China; Maples Teesdale LLP, England; Ministry of Art & Antiquities, Cambodia; National Centre
for Research on Europe, New Zealand; Office of the Attorney
General, Guyana; PRK Partners, Czech Republic; PSA Legal Counsellors, India; Fernando Scornik Gerstein LLP, Spain; Shurat HaDin, Israel; SK E&C, South Korea; Regoli e
Associati, Italy; Tamkeen Fields for Aid, Jordan; UNESCO, France; and University of West Indies, Barbados.
To learn more, visit www.law.uga.edu/global-internships.
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During the summer, Georgia Law students frequently do Global Externships overseas at Cambodia’s Ministry of Arts and Antiquities. Georgia Law
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experiential Learning
.....
Service Learning Students hone essential legal skills through hands-on experience and community service in one of Georgia Law’s experiential learning programs. With 12 criminal and civil opportunities to choose from, students have the chance to:
Develop legal skills - interviewing, case appraisal and planning, negotiation, dispute resolution, and persuasive oral and written advocacy Represent clients under Georgia’s Student Practice Rule Advocate in state and federal courts Pursue a passion for public service
Criminal Programs Georgia Law’s criminal programs allow law students to gain experience and first-hand knowledge of the criminal justice system.
criminal programs include: Capital Assistance Project Criminal Defense Clinic Prosecutorial Clinic
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Carol Morgan (J.D. ’79), former President of National Services Industries, leading the seminar component of the Corporate Counsel Externship program. Georgia Law
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Experiential Learning Civil Programs Our highly regarded civil programs expose law students to a range of civil matters including environmental preservation, serving disadvantaged community members, protecting victims of domestic violence, working for a nonprofit or government agency, serving as in-house counsel to a corporation and pursuing alternative dispute resolutions.
civil programs include: Appellate Litigation Clinic
Community Health Law Partnership Clinic
Family Violence Clinic
Business Law Clinic
Corporate Counsel Externship
Public Interest Practicum
Civil Externship
Environmental Practicum
Mediation Practicum
To learn more, visit www.law.uga.edu/experiential-learning-programs.
D.C. Semester in Practice Program The Georgia Law Washington D.C. Semester in Practice program, allows second- and thirdyear law students to receive course credit while living and working in the nation’s capital for a semester. Placements include a wide range of offerings, including federal, state and local government agencies, private non-profits and judicial chambers. Students will be provided an opportunity for substantive legal work under a lawyer’s supervision with regular feedback and mentorship. Previous placements have included the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Council on Education. To learn more, visit www.law.uga.edu/dc-semester-practice-program.
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Students participating in the D.C. Semester Practice Program meet with former Attorney General Eric Holder.
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athens, ga: The Classic City
.....
Located in northeast Georgia, Athens has grown alongside the University of Georgia and its students for the past two centuries. The Classic City, as it is known, combines southern charm and great weather with a progressive atmosphere and a rich art, music and intellectual culture. While life as a law student is busy, Athens offers many opportunities for a study break just a short walk from campus. The law school is located in the heart of historic North Campus, adjacent to downtown’s local restaurants and quirky shops. The area’s entertainment offerings rival those of much larger cities, and a plethora of activities and events cater to a student’s budget. Georgia Law students might find themselves reading outside on North Campus on a crisp fall day or expending boundless spirit with 93,000 loyal fans cheering the Bulldogs to victory in the famous Sanford Stadium. Others work out in the Ramsey Center, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, or blow off steam kicking around on the intramural fields or running track. Students meet friends at a local pub or a concert venue; grab a coffee in the historic Five Points neighborhood; browse the local shops downtown; or take a relaxing stroll through the State Botanical Gardens.
Schedule a Visit See what Georgia Law has to offer. Contact the Admissions Office at (706) 542-7060 to schedule a law school tour and first-year class visit. Information about travel accommodations is available on our website at www.law.uga.edu/visit-georgia-law.
Take Our Virtual Tour Can’t make it to Athens? Participate in an online tour at http://georgialaw.university-tour.com. Our interactive map includes photos, videos and 360° views. For more information about housing, dining, and things to do in Athens, please visit www.law.uga.edu/around-athens.
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Law school is a rigorous academic commitment, but in Athens students find a supportive environment with spectacular restaurants, local coffee shops, numerous festivals, a well-rounded music scene, and affordable housing.
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“Athens is a very livable city with vibrant in-town neighborhoods, an active arts scene and abundant recreational opportunities.” Bertis E. Downs, IV (J.D. ’81), General Counsel for R.E.M. and Retired Adjunct Professor of Law
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“I fell in love with Georgia Law when I first walked onto campus. There are so many fun, affordable things to do in Athens. I felt right at home.” Carlton A. DeVooght, (J.D. ’97), General Counsel Coastal Community Health Services, Brunswick, GA
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How to
apply ..... Apply to Georgia Law beginning September 1, 2015 at www.lsac.org A completed School of Law application and all required supporting materials must be received by the School of Law Office of Admissions by June 1, 2016, in order to be considered for admission to the 2016 entering class. For priority merit scholarship consideration, applications should be completed and received in the Office of Admissions by February 1, 2016. Applications for the 2016 entering class must be submitted electronically at www.lsac.org. Applications received or completed after the deadline may be considered by the Admissions Committee at its discretion.
application dates September 1, 2015–June 1, 2016: Applications accepted for the Class of 2019 on www.lsac.org February 1, 2016: Application deadline for priority merit scholarship consideration June 1, 2016: Final Application deadline
lsat dates: October 3, 2015 December 5, 2015 February 6, 2016 June 2016* *Date not set at time of publication. The June 2016 LSAT is the last acceptable LSAT score for the 2016 entering class.
For LSAT registration information, visit Law School Admission Council (LSAC) www.lsac.org.
Applications for the Class of 2019 must be submitted by June 1, 2016. www.law.uga.edu/how-apply 46
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Early Decision Process www.law.uga.edu/early-decision-process The Early Decision process is designed for students who have considered their law school options carefully and are confident that the University of Georgia School of Law is their clear first choice. Early Decision admission is binding. An Early Decision applicant may apply to other law schools but once admitted to Georgia Law as an Early Decision candidate, the applicant must immediately withdraw all other law school applications.
early decision 2015-2016 timeline September 1, 2015
Application available on www.lsac.org
November 1, 2015
Application deadline
November 15, 2015
Application completion deadline
December 15, 2015
Notification of Decision
January 31, 2016
$500 Non-refundable Deposit Due
Application Checklist Register and take Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Register with LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Request official transcripts from all college/university registrars be sent to LSAC Request recommenders send letters of recommendation to LSAC Order Law School Reports from LSAC Monitor LSAC/CAS files
Submit online application through lsac.org by February 1, 2016, for priority merit scholarship consideration Submit online application through lsac.org by June 1, 2016, final application deadline Pay $50 nonrefundable application fee through lsac.org Include required supplemental materials, e.g., explanations for “Yes� responses to Character & Fitness questions and personal statement. Include optional supplemental materials, e.g., optional essays.
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Financial Aid &
scholarships ..... Financial Aid The University of Georgia participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program in which eligible students borrow from the U.S. Department of Education. These loans are repaid directly to the U.S. Department of Education. All student loans are administered by the University of Georgia Office of Student Financial Aid. Federal loans which may be available to law students include Stafford and Graduate Plus. For more detailed information about the different types of loans, visit: www.law.uga.edu/federal-loans or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
FAFSA The first step to borrowing federal student loans is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is used to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid administered by the University of Georgia Office of Student Financial Aid. The application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The priority financial aid application deadline for FAFSA is March 1, 2016.
Office of Student Financial Aid Federal loan information and application materials may be obtained by contacting the UGA Office of Student Financial Aid.
UGA Office of Student Financial Aid 220 Academic Building Athens, GA 30602-6114 (706) 542-6147 • osfa@uga.edu • www.uga.edu/osfa
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Financial Aid & Scholarships 2015-2016 tuition, fees, & cost of attendance Resident Annual Tuition
$17,218
Non-resident Annual Tuition
$35,266
Annual Fees
$2,258
Resident Total Cost of Attendance
$35,914
Non-resident Total Cost of Attendance
$54,486
Authentic Scholarships Prospective law students want both a reasonably priced legal education and clear guidance as they embark on a path to realize their professional goals. Georgia Law helps you achieve both by offering: Authentic scholarships – while scholarships offered by some law schools represent little more than “discounts” on tuition, many scholarships offered by Georgia Law represent true dollars donated by alums and friends giving back to the institution to support the next generation of lawyers and leaders, whether in the form of an endowed scholarship or a gift to the Law School Fund; Diverse Scholarships – some of the Georgia Law’s scholarships are based on an assessment of the student’s academic achievements and potential; others, however, honor particular experiences or values such as first-generation college graduates, proven leaders or accomplished athletes; Authentic relationships – Georgia Law’s stewardship program helps to develop relationships between scholarship recipients and donors. Donors become mentors as students embark on their careers. More than half of Georgia Law students are scholarship recipients. School of Law scholarships are awarded each year to members of the entering class based on academic achievement and potential for the study of law. Scholarships are awarded to admitted applicants after a review of their admission files. For priority merit scholarship consideration, applications should be completed and received in the Office of Admissions by February 1, 2016. No separate application form is necessary to be considered for a School of Law scholarship.
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school of law scholarships include: Merit scholarship awards ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. Tuition Equalization Scholarships allowing non-resident recipients to pay tuition for the first year of law school at the resident rate rather than the non-resident rate.
For more information, visit www.law.uga.edu/scholarships.
Georgia Residency Many students become Georgia residents for tuition purposes after the first year at Georgia Law. If you enroll in Georgia Law as a non-resident and you are an independent student, you may be classified as in-state for tuition purposes if you demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that you have abandoned your out-of-state domicile and have established a domicile and legal residence in Georgia. For more information, visit www.law.uga.edu/georgia-residency. Georgia Law
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School of Law Office of Admissions • 225 Herty Drive Athens, GA 30602-6012 (706) 542-7060 ugajd@uga.edu • law.uga.edu Jere W. Morehead UGA President president@uga.edu Pamela Whitten Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost pwhitten@uga.edu Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge School of Law Dean borut@uga.edu
© 2015 The University of Georgia School of Law The University of Georgia is a unit of the University System of Georgia. In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Georgia does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation consistent with the University non-discrimination policy. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the director of the Equal Opportunity Office, Peabody Hall, 290 South Jackson Street, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. Telephone (706) 542-7912 (V/TDD). Fax (706) 542-2822.