The Certificate in Advocacy program emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effective advocacy and client representation. The program consists of a variety of specialized doctrinal, skills, and experiential courses providing students with the knowledge and ability to apply a range of advocacy skills in various settings, and to have an understanding of the many facets of advocacy.
This program is designed for students who have a particular interest in Advocacy, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration. The courtroom is a fundamental and essential part of the legal system. Undeniably, every legal issue or dispute, regardless of the area of the law, has the potential to end up in the courtroom, or an alternative formal dispute resolution setting, that will necessitate the use of advocacy skills. Because our system of justice is founded on the belief that the forum for the final resolution of legal disputes is the courtroom, it is imperative that we provide students with the opportunity to excel in knowing how to act like a lawyer in the courtroom.
The certificate program will make graduates more attractive candidates to prospective employers, and will equip those graduates who decide to “hang out a shingle” after they graduate to “hit the ground running.”
Benefits
- Preparation for practice: The certificate program is designed to expose students to the foundations of advocacy and important applied learning opportunities in an interdisciplinary setting working with litigators, judges, mediators, and arbitrators.
- Faculty advisement and curriculum guidance: Faculty advisors with substantial advocacy experience are assigned to every student enrolled in the certificate program. Advisors can assist with course selection and provide career guidance or suggestions for professional development.
- Integrated learning: Certificate students build on their legal skills and knowledge as they progress through the required courses and apply theory to practice in experiential courses.
- Transferability and adaptability: The certificate course will serve as a lens for developing core legal competencies and demonstrate the usefulness of litigation, mediation, and/or arbitration in the practice of law. Students will also be able to transfer the knowledge and skills developed in this program to other areas of law practice.
Certificate Requirements
Students must be in good academic standing, based on the successful completion of the first full year of law study, to participate in the certificate program. Students must remain in good standing to continue participation.
Skills Training Requirement (minimum of 9 credit hours)
- Law 7031: Advanced Criminal Litigation (2 – 3 credit hours)
- Law 7033: Advanced Criminal Prosecution (3 credit hours)
- Law 7036: Advanced Evidence (2 – 3 credit hours)
- Law 7045: Advanced Issues in Trial Advocacy (2 -3 credit hours)
- Law 7049: Advanced Strategies in Legal Argument (3 credit hours)
- Law 7060: Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution (2 – 3 credit hours)
- Law 7062: Mediation Advocacy: Law and Practice (2 – 3 credit hours)
- Law 7183: Domestic Litigation (2 – 3 credit hours)
- Law 7419: Civil Pre-Trial Litigation (3 credit hours)
- Law 7236: Georgia Practice and Procedure (3 credit hours)
- Law XXXX: Examination of Witnesses
- Law XXXX: Domestic Violence Litigation
- Such other course as may be approved by Director of Advocacy (Including a graduate level course in drama, acting, or public speaking)
Experiential Requirement (minimum of 9 credit hours)
- Law 7801: Business Arbitration Practicum (3 credit hours)
- Law 7094: Bankruptcy Assistance and Practice Program I (3 credit hours)
- Law 6050: Capital Defenders Clinic I (3 credit hours)
- Law 6051: Capital Defenders Clinic II (3 credit hours)
- Law 6090: HELP Legal Services Clinic I (4 credit hours)
- Law 6091: HELP Legal Services Clinic II (4 credit hours)
- Law 7600: Tax Law Clinic: Tax Court I (4 credit hours)
- Law 7601: Tax Law Clinic: Tax Court II (4 credit hours)
- Law 7602: Investor Advocacy Clinic I (3 credit hours)
- Law 7603: Investor Advocacy Clinic II (4 credit hours)
- Law 6092: Olmstead Disability Rights Clinic I (3 credit hours)
- Law 6093: Olmstead Disability Rights Clinic II (3 credit hours)
- Law 7075: Appellate Advocacy I/GSU Moot Court (1 credit hour)
- Law 7076: Appellate Advocacy II/GSU Moot Court (1 credit hour)
- Law 7487: Trial Advocacy I/GSU Mock Trial (1 credit hour)
- Law 7488: Trial Advocacy II/GSU Mock Trial (1 credit hour)
- Law 7280: International Moot Court (1 credit hour)
- COL-sanctioned Moot Court Competition
- COL-sanctioned Mock Trial Competition
- Externship with Public Defender’s, District Attorney’s, or Solicitor’s Office
- Such other Externship as may be approved by Director of Advocacy
- Such other course as may be approved by Director of Advocacy
Writing Requirement
Extracurricular Activity
Grades and Honors
Verification for Graduation
Students must verify that certificate requirements have been fulfilled prior to graduation. Student must fill out the Advocacy Certificate Program Verification Form. The Verification Form must be approved by the Director of Advocacy and submitted to the COL Registrar no later than the drop/add date of the last semester before graduation.
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