Welcome to the Web site of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. As an attorney and a longtime legal educator, let me assure you that a career as a lawyer will provide you with a lifetime of both professional and personal satisfaction. Our law school offers you the perfect place and opportunity to study the law and legal doctrine, to develop practical skills and to learn about the important role and responsibility that lawyers serve in society.

 

Our location in Washington, D.C., places us just minutes from the United States Congress, the Supreme Court, the White House, federal government agencies and courts, numerous private law firms, corporations and nonprofit organizations.

 

Legal study in Washington, D.C., offers access to hundreds of opportunities for enriching externships, which have often led to post-graduate employment offers. The vast range of opportunities for lawyers in government service and the private sector make the nation’s capital one of the best places in the country to study law. Washington also provides unique opportunities to forge career-enhancing professional connections. The laws, policies, and regulations that shape much of the world’s most influential nation are largely made and interpreted in Washington. 

 

Our recent graduates can testify to this. The percentage of graduates from the class of 2011 employed in government service, for example, was among the highest among all American law schools. Many graduates from that class also were employed in business or industry, as well as small, medium and large law firms. This is an acknowledgement of our graduates’ impressive skills, but also reflects the work of our active and supportive alumni network, which goes the extra mile to assist today’s students realize their professional goals. 

 

As the law school of The Catholic University of America, we embody a commitment to the Catholic tradition of service to the individual and the community. The Law School community reflects the Catholic belief in the dignity of each human being, solidarity among all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, and promotion of the common good. Our law school not only prepares students to be competent and capable attorneys for practice, but we also encourage them to become lawyers of conscience, character, and compassion. There will always be a place and a demand for such people.

 

It has become fashionable, at least in the media, to question the decision to pursue a legal degree and career. Certainly, the legal profession has not been spared the consequences of the new economic realities. Our law school is very likely to return to the small class sizes for which it has been noted. We remain, as always, committed to providing the highest quality legal education and we accept the opportunities that come with contemporary challenges. The law remains a noble and rewarding profession.  

 

As you peruse our Web site, you will get a brief introduction to our rich and broad academic program. At CUA law, students can experience a liberal legal education that covers a vast range of course topics.

They can also elect to devote their studies to specific concentrations through our nationally-renowned specialized Institutes and programs in Comparative and International Law, Communications Law, Law and Public Policy, Law and Religion, and Securities and Corporate Law. Complementing our distinguished academic programs, our clinical legal education program is among the oldest and most highly regarded in the U.S. 

 

But of course, what truly gives you a sense of our wonderful legal community is your visit to our campus. You are always welcome at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. We hope to see you here.

 

With best wishes,
 

George E. Garvey
Acting Dean and Professor of Law