The Certificate in Advocacy program emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effective advocacy and client representation.
This program is designed for currently enrolled J.D. students who have a particular interest in Advocacy, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
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.”
HIGHLIGHTS
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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.
Potential Careers
- Prosecutors
- Public Defenders
- Trial Attorneys
- Mediators
- Arbitrators
- Solo/Private Litigation Practice
Atlanta Advantage
Located in the heart of downtown with access to Atlanta’s landmarks, professional sports, global cuisine, cultural events and more.
A FEW STEPS
- State Capitol
- Federal and state courts
- Major law firms
- Prosecutor and public defender offices
- Corporate in-house counsel
- Immigration court
- Legal services organizations
- Nonprofits
A FEW MILES
- Federal District Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit
- Georgia Supreme Court
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- County trial courts
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 Courses
Students choose a minimum of 9 credit hours from the associated skills courses.
Experiential Courses
Students choose a minimum of 9 credit hours from the associated experiential courses.
Writing Requirement
Students must complete a substantial writing project (2-3 credit hours), which may also be used to satisfy the College of Law’s writing requirement.
Extracurricular Activities
Students are encouraged to participate in advocacy extracurricular activities:
- workshops and training sessions hosted at the College of Law or State Bar of Georgia
- participate in additional client-focused projects
- work with affiliated faculty as a GRA
- summer internship placements
Grades
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all courses taken in satisfaction of the certificate requirements. A minimum grade of 3.0 is required for the writing requirement.
Verification for Graduation
Students must verify that certificate requirements have been fulfilled prior to graduation. Students 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.
– Racquel McGee (J.D. ’20)
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