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August 19, 2024
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January 13, 2025
Spring Semester
May 23, 2025
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Pursue Your JD in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is the ideal setting for the study of law. As a student at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law), you are within easy reach of the enormously beneficial study, externship, and networking opportunities that come with earning a J.D. in the nation’s capital. Studying law in the nation’s capital affords students the chance to experience numerous aspects of the legal profession. Students can observe Capitol Hill in action, or earn class credit via externships with vital regulatory agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board, to name just a few.

Professor Drinan with two law studentsUnlock Legal Expertise

The Catholic Law J.D. curriculum combines a strong theoretical foundation with sophisticated practical training. Students learn legal doctrine in intellectually challenging classes. They acquire real-world skills through clinical and experiential programs. The curriculum is informed by our commitment to human dignity, individual freedom, justice, and service to the poor. These values are integrated into the three components of our academic program: Course Requirements, Practice Areas, and Practical Training.

Aimee SolanoWhy Catholic Law?

Aimee Solano '21
"The community at Catholic Law is unlike any other. I have never felt more at home in a place. The people who make up our community are so genuinely caring and supportive that I can't imagine going through law school without such a robust support system."

Take Classes on Your Time

Catholic Law has a thriving Part-time Evening Division J.D. Program. Designed around the needs of working professionals looking to complement their current careers or begin a new one, all classes meet between 6:15 and 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Elevate Your Legal Skills

Law students in the library

Institutes and Programs

The Law School’s certificate programs encompass five vibrant and enriching areas of legal practice. Certification from any of these longstanding and highly regarded programs and institutes endorses the student as a specialist — a graduate who offers employers a level of subject mastery that is significantly beyond that which may be learned in the general J.D. curriculum.

Certificate Programs  >

overview shot of campus

Joint Degree Programs

To assist students who wish to develop a special background in a related field by pursuing both a J.D. degree and a master’s degree, Catholic Law offers joint degree programs with several graduate schools of the University. These programs require application to and acceptance by the Law School and the particular graduate school.

Joint Degree Program  >

Funding Your Juris Doctor Journey

Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, or an alumnus, Catholic Law's Financial Aid Office is committed to providing you with friendly, comprehensive, and high-quality customer service.

Scholarships from Catholic Law are available to qualified students. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships and will typically receive their scholarship package when they receive their acceptance letter. Catholic Law is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program at a level that fully covers tuition and fees for all eligible applicants.

Mastering the Art of Law

law student talking to Professor JeffersonTransforming Legal Minds

Faculty members at Catholic Law are dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service. They are experts in their fields and are regularly sought after as leading presenters and commentators. They get to know our students one-on-one, and they build life long relationships with them. Not only do they provide a first-rate legal education, but just as importantly, they prepare our students for a lifetime of service.

A Network of Legal Leaders and Our Esteemed Alumni Community

The Catholic Law Advantage Mentor Program connects Catholic Law students with graduates who will act as a source of assistance and counsel throughout their law school experience. Mentors share general or expert knowledge, provide real-world insight into the practice of law, guide students in defining and embracing their role as a future lawyer, and serve as role models in dealing with clients, colleagues, the courts, and the community. First-year students are matched with alumni mentors during the spring of the first year of law school.

Meet 2022 Columbus School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Andrew Palmieri ’87

Meet 2022 Columbus School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Andrew Palmieri ’87

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Megan Stull '03 Receives the 2022 LTIAA Pay It Forward Award

Megan Stull '03 Receives the 2022 LTIAA Pay It Forward Award

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Meet Catholic Law's Incoming Board of Visitors Chair J.C. Boggs ’87

Meet Catholic Law's Incoming Board of Visitors Chair J.C. Boggs ’87

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