Columbus School of Law

Message from the Director of Admissions:

Thank you for your interest in the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Located just a mile and a half northeast of Capitol Hill, our school has a multitude of unique opportunities to offer. One of our greatest strengths is our community. Our students, faculty and administration are committed to creating an enriching learning environment. We value the perspective that each student brings to the law school and we embrace diversity in all forms. Our commitment to diversity does not end in the classroom, it is reflected at levels of our administration and our faculty as well.

As a 2003 graduate of the Law School, I would encourage you to take every opportunity to visit the school and meet with current students and professors. As a student, I was very active in the Black Law Student Association, serving as the Treasurer my second year, then as the Faculty Liaison my third year. I was also an Executive Board member with the Student Bar Association during my third year here at Catholic, serving as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Upon my graduation, I stayed in the DC area and joined a private firm practicing Bankruptcy and Litigation Law. Though it was a difficult decision to leave private practice, I welcomed the chance to begin a career in Higher Education Administration at my alma mater. Having been actively involved in the law school community as a student, returning to CUA was like coming home.

Overall, my experience as a minority student at CUA Law was extremely positive. The support of the faculty, administration and my fellow students helped create a sense of belonging. The Dean, faculty and members of the administration continue to stress the importance of diversity in the classroom. We are very aware of the fact that incorporating differing views and experiences from individuals of varying backgrounds helps to enrich each student's law school education. Striving to attain the most diverse class possible allows CUA Law to produce graduates who are ethical, dedicated, and well-prepared leaders capable of resolving the most difficult legal issues.

I look forward to working with you to help you learn more about CUA Law.

Shani J.P. Butts, Esq.

Class of 2003

Director of Admissions

butts@law.edu

Message From the Dean:

As you know, the legal climate of our great nation is ever changing and the nucleus of that change is right here in Washington, DC. It has become increasingly important for us to create an environment of learning that recognizes these changes and embraces differences.

I can attest to Catholic's continued commitment to diversity. I am proud to be a graduate of the law school's class of 1980. As a student, I saw first hand how valuable diversity is in the classroom. Nothing compares to the richness of the student driven legal dialogue when individuals are able to speak from their own unique perspectives. Subsequently, as a member of the faculty, I witnessed on a whole new level just how crucial different voices and different experiences are to ensure that all students obtain a better understanding of how the law works and impacts our society.

It was with this knowledge that I was proud to accept my current role as the Dean of the law school. It is my hope that as the first woman and the first African-American Dean in the Columbus School of Law's illustrious history, that I will be able to continue Catholic's commitment to increasing diversity on all levels.

Choosing a law school is an important and personal decision. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at 202-319-5151.

Minority Corporate Counsel Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: Monday, May 3rd, 2010

With the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Inc.'s Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program, students can receive up to $30,000 ($10,000 for each year of their legal education)! Some students will also receive mentoring and access to summer employment opportunities. To be eligible: a student must possess a GPA of at least 3.2. For more information and application materials, please click here.

You may direct questions concerning The Minority Corporate Counsel Association's Scholarship Program to Alice Sykes at 703.205.3514 or alice.sykes@uncf.org.

American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship is intended to encourage racial and ethnic minority students to apply and enroll in law school. Recipients will be awarded $5000.00 renewable scholarships.

Completed scholarship applications are due no later than March 1, 2010. For more information on application requirements visit the ABA on the web or stop by the Columbus School of Law's Office of Admissions to pick up an application packet.

The faculty and staff at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law are committed to creating an environment where all students can thrive. We believe that the most effective way to prepare our students to become talented attorneys is to create an atmosphere of learning that embraces diversity. We recognize the importance of seeing the law from many different perspectives.

We invite you to come back and visit this page frequently, as we will continue to share the unique perspectives arising from our faculty, alumni, and students.

LSAC's DiscoverLaw.org

Cleo Scholars

Selected Student Organizations