THE SCHOOL OF LAW
Law Building, (706) 542-7140
FAX: (706) 542-5556
Homepage URL: http://lawsch.uga.edu/
Administrative Officers
Rebecca H. White, B.A., J.D., Dean
Paul M. Kurtz, B.A., J.D., LL.M., Associate Dean
Gabriel M. Wilner, A.B., D.P.A., LL.B., LL.M., Associate Dean
General Information
PURPOSE
Because its first duty is to prepare men and women for the legal profession, the School of Law stresses excellence in teaching. It seeks to impart to its students a broad understanding of the nature of the legal system and the analytical and other skills necessary for effective participation in the profession. It also seeks to instill in its students a keen sense of professional integrity and an awareness of their responsibility as guardians of the law.
In addition to its emphasis on teaching, the School of Law recognizes its role as a center for scholarly research and service in the law. It seeks to explore the problems of society and to contribute to their resolution through teaching, research, and service. As a part of the University, the School of Law endeavors to contribute in a significant way to the life of the University community and to participate in interdisciplinary efforts to advance learning.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
In general, the School operates under the case method of instruction. The student studies actual cases, deducing from them the principles of law involved. This approach tends to develop in the student the power of analysis of legal problems. In addition, however, the study of cases is supplemented by statutory and textual materials. Instruction is also given in the drafting of legal instruments.
Practical instruction in the preparation and trial of cases is given in clinical programs, involving both simulated situations and work with practicing attorneys on litigation and other legal matters. Exercises conducted relate to the preparation of pleadings, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, writing of briefs, presentation of arguments to the court and jury, taking of cases from lower courts to appellate courts, and other related subjects.
FACILITIES
The School of Law is housed in a modern complex constructed on the original wooded quadrangle of the University's North Campus. Completed in 1967, the main building occupies 135,739 square feet. In addition to its lecture halls, seminar rooms, and administrative and faculty offices, Hirsch Hall houses a 500-seat instructional auditorium and federal-style courtroom. Two student lounge areas and student organization offices are provided in the complex.
The law library, with its two-story ceiling and glass wall, is spacious and well-illuminated. The library houses more than 117,000 titles, which places it in the top 25 among United States law schools. The collection includes a comprehensive listing of material on Anglo-American law and extensive holdings in the law of international relations and in foreign law.
A law library annex opened in 1981 houses a spacious reading room, shelf space for one-third of the present collection, student journal offices and audio-visual instructional facilities. The library offers the LEXIS and WESTLAW computerized research systems. Dean Rusk Hall, home of the Rusk Center for International and Comparative Law, was opened in 1996. In addition to the Center, Rusk Hall contains faculty offices, library shelving and a technologically advanced courtroom, suitable both for teaching and use in moot court activity. Rusk Hall has added 35,000 square feet of space to the Law School facilities.
ACCREDITATION
The School of Law is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is on the approved list of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia.
Academic Information
DEGREES OFFERED
The School of Law offers the Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree. Joint degree programs are also available. Complete information about these degree programs may be found in the Law and Graduate School Bulletins.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
An applicant for admission as a candidate for the degree of Juris Doctor must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited (as defined in AALS and ABA regulations) college or university. Compliance with minimum standards does not, however, guarantee admission. Acceptable required work connotes more than satisfaction of minimum academic requirements; rather, it represents substantial scholastic attainment. Moreover, suitability of applicants for admission is gauged not only by their undergraduate record, but also by their character and reputation, the nature of their training and experience, and by their demonstrated aptitude for the study of law.
The School of Law does not require a specific pre-legal course of study. The prospective law student is encouraged to seek a broad general education which will tend to develop ability to communicate both orally and in writing and impart substantive knowledge of genuine intellectual content. Any subject content, regardless of field, which helps develop clear and systematic thinking, constitutes sound preparation for the study of law.
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST
Questions relating to the Law School Admission Test, the Law School Data Assembly Service and application procedures should be addressed to the Admissions Office, School of Law, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
The dean may, at his discretion, give full credit for work completed at other law schools. Transfer should be requested only after completion of one year of study, and prior to beginning the second year of study, in order to meet residence requirements for a degree at the University of Georgia. Transfer requests should be made directly to the Law School Admissions Office.
VISITING STUDENTS
Students in good academic standing at other law schools may be admitted as visiting students to enroll for a summer term or an academic year or semester. Prospective visiting students should contact the Law School Admissions Office for information about admission policies and procedures.
Student Services and Programs
SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS AND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Law students are eligible for scholarships, grants, loan funds and employment as research assistants through the University and the Law School. Write to the Director of Admissions of the School of Law for further information.
CLINICAL AND WRITING PROGRAMS
Law students attending the University of Georgia may participate in activities which include three scholarly journals, several clinical programs, Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions, student government, legal fraternities, and many special interest organizations.
The Georgia Law Review, the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law, and the Georgia Journal of Intellectual Property, edited entirely by students, are nationally circulated publications which provide a forum for articles by professors, judges, attorneys, and students on developments in the legal field.
Practical education in criminal and civil procedure is a benefit of the Prosecutorial Clinic, Legal Aid and Defender Clinic, and the Civil Clinic. Under supervision of practicing attorneys, students have the opportunity to develop counseling, investigatory and trial skills. Under Georgia law, certified third-year students are permitted to try cases in the local civil and criminal courts.
The School of Law sponsors teams in numerous national and regional Moot Court competitions and several Mock Trial competitions. Team members are drawn from among outstanding candidates in an annual intramural competition.
Georgia's Student Bar Association is affiliated with the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. Among the many student interest organizations are the Environmental Law Association, Women Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, the Equal Justice Foundation, the Federalist Society, and the Georgia Society of International and Comparative Law.
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
In 1965, the School of Law joined with the State Bar of Georgia and the law schools of Mercer and Emory Universities to establish the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia. In 1978, the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education was created through the sponsorship of the School of Law and Georgia's Judicial Council. The two institutes, which are housed in Athens, plan and conduct seminars and short courses for judges and attorneys throughout the State of Georgia.
SIBLEY LECTURES
Supported by a private foundation, the John A. Sibley Lectureship in Law brings to Athens outstanding legal scholars each of whom deliver a formal lecture as well as interact with students, Faculty, and alumni.
PLACEMENT
The School of Law offers assistance to every law graduate in securing suitable professional employment. Through the Office of Legal Career Services, the student is offered guidance and counseling in selecting an employment objective. While the state of Georgia continues to attract most Law School graduates, students accept positions throughout the country and the world. Graduates serve as judicial clerks, corporate counsel, government attorneys, public interest lawyers, prosecutors, as well as in private practice.