University of the District of Columbia-David A Clarke School of Law
Washington District of Columbia, United States
The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) is the law school of the University of the District of Columbia, a public historically black land-grant university in Washington, D.C. It is named after David A. Clarke and was established in 1986 when, in response to a local grassroots campaign, the Council of the District of Columbia decided to take over assets of the Antioch School of Law, whose parent institution Antioch University had decided to close it in the face of increasing financial problems. The new school was named the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law in 1998.
UDC Law is renowned for its commitment to public interest law and social justice. The school emphasizes practical legal training through its clinical programs, requiring students to complete 700 hours of clinical experience. This hands-on approach allows students to represent clients and work on real cases, fostering a deep understanding of legal practice and advocacy.
In 2024, UDC Law was ranked No. 1 by The Princeton Review for both "Greatest Resources for Minority Students" and "Most Chosen by Older Students," reflecting its dedication to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the school was ranked No. 2 nationally for sending graduates into government and public interest jobs, underscoring its strong focus on public service careers.
The law school offers both full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, accommodating a diverse student body with varying needs. The curriculum integrates traditional legal education with experiential learning, preparing students for various legal careers.
As of July 29, 2024, Professor Angela Gilmore serves as the Interim Dean of UDC Law. She brings extensive experience from her previous roles in academia and the American Bar Association.
For prospective students, UDC Law offers a comprehensive admissions process, with detailed information available on their official website.
In summary, UDC Law stands out for its dedication to public interest law, experiential learning, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, making it a unique institution for aspiring legal professionals. More
The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) offers a range of academic resources to support its students in achieving academic success and preparing for legal careers. These resources include:
Legal Writing Center: A dedicated center where students receive guidance on legal research, writing, and analysis skills. Faculty and trained tutors assist students in mastering these critical skills to excel in coursework and future legal practice.
Library and Research Resources: The UDC Law Library provides students with extensive legal research materials, online databases, and study spaces. Librarians are available for one-on-one support, and students have access to major legal research platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
Bar Exam Preparation: UDC Law offers specialized resources and workshops to help students prepare for the bar exam. This includes access to practice materials, exam strategies, and study support sessions.
For further details on academic resources, visit the UDC Law Academic Resources page.
International Legal Exchange Programs: Through affiliations with universities abroad, UDC Law students can participate in international exchange programs that expose them to different legal systems and global perspectives in law.
Centers and Institutes: UDC Law collaborates with various global organizations and institutes that focus on human rights, social justice, and international law. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning in global contexts.
Study Abroad Opportunities: UDC Law offers limited study-abroad programs, allowing students to engage in summer internships and academic programs at partner institutions internationally.
For more information about global campuses and centers, visit the UDC Law Global Opportunities page.
UDC Law houses several academic centers and institutes that enhance its educational offerings:
Clinical Program: Recognized nationally, this program provides students with hands-on legal experience through various clinics, including the Community Development Law Clinic and the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic.
Academic Centers and Institutes: These entities support interdisciplinary research and community engagement, contributing to the university's mission of public service.
UDC Law maintains strong ties with various legal organizations and government agencies, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and pathways to employment in public interest law.
In addition to scholarships, UDC Law offers financial aid options:
Federal Loans: Including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Work-Study Programs: Allowing students to earn funds through part-time employment.
Detailed information is available on the Financial Aid Overview page.
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