Fall Semester Timeline

The fall semester at Georgetown Law typically begins in late August and extends through mid-December. First-year students participate in an intensive orientation program that precedes the official start of classes, usually commencing in mid-August. This orientation introduces new students to the law school environment, the Socratic method, legal research resources, and the Georgetown Law community.

Classes commence following orientation week, with the fall semester running approximately 14-15 weeks of instruction. During this period, first-year students engage in foundational courses such as Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, Torts, and Legal Writing. Upper-level students select from an extensive array of electives and required courses that align with their career aspirations and intellectual interests.

The fall semester includes a Thanksgiving break, typically lasting one week, allowing students to return home or take a brief respite from coursework. This break occurs roughly 10-11 weeks into the semester, providing a valuable midpoint pause before the final push toward fall examinations.

Add/drop periods during the fall semester generally close within the first two weeks of classes, though specific dates vary by course and enrollment status. Students must carefully consider their course selections during this window, as changes after the deadline require dean approval and may have academic or financial implications.

Fall semester examinations typically begin in early December and conclude by mid-December. Examination schedules are posted well in advance, allowing students to prepare accordingly. Most first-year courses utilize traditional three-hour written examinations, though some courses employ alternative assessment methods such as papers, portfolios, or hybrid evaluations. Understanding law internships and their timing is important, as many students seek fall internship opportunities before the spring semester begins.

Spring Semester Schedule

The spring semester at Georgetown Law begins in early January, following a substantial winter break that typically lasts approximately three weeks. This break provides students with adequate time to recover from fall examinations, spend time with family, and recharge before engaging with spring coursework.

Spring semester instruction runs for approximately 14-15 weeks, concluding in late April or early May. The spring calendar mirrors the fall structure in many respects, though specific course offerings and enrollment patterns differ. Many students use the spring semester to explore specialized areas of law through electives, particularly those interested in pursuing particular practice areas or career paths.

Spring break typically occurs in mid-March, providing students with a one-week respite. This break is strategically positioned to allow students to recover from the midpoint of the semester while maintaining momentum toward final examinations. Many students use spring break for professional development, visiting potential employers, or conducting legal research for papers and projects.

The spring semester includes critical registration periods for the following academic year, typically occurring in March or April. Students must register for fall courses during designated windows based on their class year and academic standing. Early registration is advantageous, as popular courses and seminars fill quickly. The process of selecting courses connects directly to long-term career planning, and many students consult with academic advisors to ensure their course selections align with big law career paths or other professional objectives.

Spring examinations commence in late April or early May and conclude by mid-May. Like fall examinations, spring exams utilize various assessment methods and are scheduled with adequate spacing between individual examinations. Final grades are typically released by early June, allowing students to assess their academic performance and plan for summer activities.

Summer Session Options

Georgetown Law offers comprehensive summer programming for students seeking additional educational opportunities, academic acceleration, or specialized training. The summer session typically runs in two sessions: an early summer session beginning in May and a later session commencing in June.

Many students use summer sessions to complete coursework, explore emerging practice areas, or earn credit toward graduation requirements. Summer courses are often condensed, meeting for longer daily sessions over shorter time periods compared to regular semester courses. This intensive format allows students to focus deeply on specific subjects while completing requirements more efficiently.

Summer is also prime time for law students to pursue law internships and practical experience. Many students balance summer coursework with internship positions at law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or corporate legal departments. Georgetown Law’s location in Washington, D.C., provides exceptional internship opportunities in government, administrative law, and public interest sectors.

The Law Center also offers study abroad opportunities during the summer, allowing students to study international law, comparative law, and specialized subjects in foreign jurisdictions. These programs enhance students’ global legal perspective and provide invaluable cross-cultural legal education experiences.

Key Deadlines and Registration

Georgetown Law maintains a comprehensive calendar of critical deadlines that students must observe to remain in good academic standing and progress toward degree completion. Understanding these deadlines is essential for successful navigation of law school.

Course registration deadlines are among the most important dates on the academic calendar. Fall and spring registration periods typically occur during the preceding semester, with specific windows assigned based on class year and academic standing. Third-year students usually register first, followed by second-year and first-year students. Missing registration deadlines can result in limited course availability and potential delays in degree completion.

Add/drop deadlines for each semester typically close within the first two weeks of classes. Students who wish to modify their course schedules after this deadline must petition the dean’s office and provide justification for the requested change. Late adds may result in grade penalties or academic probation, depending on circumstances and institutional policies.

Withdrawal deadlines occur later in each semester, usually around mid-semester. Students who wish to withdraw from courses after the add/drop period but before the withdrawal deadline receive a grade of “W” on their transcript. Withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline deadline typically result in failing grades, unless extraordinary circumstances warrant dean approval for late withdrawal.

Tuition payment deadlines must be met to maintain enrollment and avoid late fees or registration holds. Georgetown Law typically requires tuition payment by specific dates each semester, and outstanding balances can prevent course registration and transcript release.

Graduation application deadlines occur in the semester preceding anticipated graduation. Students must submit graduation applications by designated dates to be included in the graduation ceremony and to have diplomas processed in a timely manner. Missing graduation deadlines can delay degree conferral and diploma issuance.

Examination Periods

Examinations are central to the Georgetown Law academic calendar and represent critical assessment points for student learning and academic progress. The law school employs a comprehensive examination system designed to evaluate student mastery of course material and development of legal reasoning skills.

Fall examinations typically occur during a two-week period in early December. Examination schedules are published well in advance, usually by mid-November, allowing students adequate time to prepare. Students receive their examination schedules electronically and should verify their assigned examination times and locations immediately upon receipt.

Spring examinations follow a similar timeline, occurring in late April or early May over approximately two weeks. The examination schedule is distributed several weeks before the examination period begins, giving students sufficient notice for preparation planning.

Examination format varies by course and professor. Most traditional courses employ closed-book, proctored examinations administered in examination halls. Some courses utilize open-book examinations, allowing students to consult course materials and notes during the examination. Alternative assessment methods, including take-home examinations, papers, portfolios, and oral examinations, are employed in certain courses, particularly seminars and advanced courses.

Students with documented disabilities may request examination accommodations through the law school’s Office of Disability Services. Common accommodations include extended examination time, separate examination rooms, and assistive technology. Accommodation requests must be submitted well before the examination period, typically several weeks in advance.

Examination conflicts occur when students are scheduled to take two examinations at overlapping times. Students experiencing examination conflicts should contact the registrar’s office immediately to arrange resolution. The law school typically schedules makeup examinations for students with legitimate conflicts.

Break Schedules

Strategic break periods throughout the Georgetown Law academic calendar provide students with essential recovery time and opportunities for professional development and personal renewal.

The winter break between fall and spring semesters typically lasts three weeks, beginning after fall examinations conclude in mid-December and ending shortly before spring classes commence in early January. This extended break allows students to recover from the intensity of fall semester, spend time with family and friends, and prepare mentally and academically for spring courses.

Thanksgiving break occurs during the fall semester, typically lasting one week in late November. This break aligns with the national holiday and allows students to travel home or observe family traditions. The timing, approximately two-thirds through the fall semester, provides valuable respite before the final push toward fall examinations.

Spring break typically occurs in mid-March and lasts approximately one week. This break provides students with a pause during spring semester coursework and allows for professional development activities, employer visits, or personal rest and recovery. Many students use spring break to network with legal professionals or explore career opportunities.

Summer break between spring and fall semesters is the longest break in the academic calendar, typically lasting approximately three months. This extended break allows students to pursue internships, study abroad, complete summer coursework, work in legal practice settings, or engage in personal development activities. Many students use this time to gain practical legal experience, which is essential for career development and professional networking.

The academic calendar also includes several single-day holidays observed by the law school, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Memorial Day. These holidays typically result in no classes or examinations on the designated dates.

FAQ

When does the Georgetown Law academic calendar begin each year?

The Georgetown Law academic calendar typically begins in late August with first-year orientation, followed by the start of classes in late August or early September. The exact start date varies annually and is published on the law school’s website. Prospective students should consult the official academic calendar for the specific year they plan to attend.

How long is each semester at Georgetown Law?

Each semester at Georgetown Law typically includes approximately 14-15 weeks of instruction. The fall semester runs from late August through mid-December, while the spring semester runs from early January through late April or early May. Examination periods occur after the conclusion of instruction.

Are summer sessions mandatory at Georgetown Law?

Summer sessions at Georgetown Law are not mandatory. However, many students choose to participate in summer programs to accelerate their studies, explore specialized courses, or gain practical experience through internships. Some students may need to complete summer coursework to meet graduation requirements or maintain satisfactory academic progress.

What is the add/drop deadline at Georgetown Law?

The add/drop deadline at Georgetown Law typically closes within the first two weeks of classes each semester. Specific dates are published in the academic calendar. Students should consult the registrar’s office or student portal for exact add/drop deadline dates for their semester.

When are examinations scheduled at Georgetown Law?

Fall examinations typically occur in early December, while spring examinations occur in late April or early May. Examination schedules are published several weeks before the examination period. Students can access their individual examination schedules through the student portal.

How does Georgetown Law’s calendar compare to other law schools?

Georgetown Law’s calendar is similar to most American law schools, following a traditional semester structure with fall and spring terms. Like other top-tier institutions, law schools in New York and other regions typically employ comparable calendar structures. However, specific dates and break schedules may vary by institution.

Can students modify their course schedules after add/drop deadlines?

Students may petition to modify their schedules after add/drop deadlines, but such changes require dean approval and may result in grade penalties or other academic consequences. Late adds and drops are generally discouraged and only approved in exceptional circumstances.