Advocacy Certificate

The Certificate of Advocacy program emphasizes the development of the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effective advocacy and client representation. The program consists of a variety of specialized doctrinal 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. A student who receives the Certificate in Advocacy will learn the fundamental principles and skills of effective advocacy and be prepared for a career in litigation.

Certificate Requirements

Skills Training (Minimum of 9 Credit Hours)

Choice of at least 4 of the following:

LAW 7031 - Advanced Criminal Litigation. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7033 - Advanced Criminal Prosecution 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7036E - Advanced Evidence. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7045 - Advanced Issues in Trial Advocacy Seminar. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7049 - Advanced Strategies in Legal Argument. 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7183 - Domestic Litigation. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7419E - Civil Pre-Trial Litigation. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7236 - Georgia Practice and Procedure. 2 to 3 Credit Hours
Law XXXX - Examination of Witnesses
Law XXXX - Domestic Violence Litigation
Such other courses as may be approved by Certificate Director (Including a graduate-level course in drama, acting, or public speaking)

Experiential (Minimum of 9 Credit Hours)

Choice of at least 4 of the following:

LAW 7801E - Business Arbitration Practicum. 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7094E - Bankruptcy Assistance and Practice Program I. 3 Credit Hours
LAW 6050E - Capital Defenders Clinic I. 4 Credit Hours
LAW 6051E - Capital Defenders Clinic II. 4 Credit Hours
LAW 6090E - HeLP Legal Services Clinic I. 6 Credit Hours
LAW 6091E - HeLP Legal Services Clinic II. 4 to 6 Credit Hours
LAW 7600E - Tax Law Clinic: Tax Court I. 6 Credit Hours
LAW 7601E - Tax Law Clinic: Tax Court II. 4 to 6 Credit Hours
LAW 6092E - Olmstead Disability Rights Clinic I 4 Credit Hours
LAW 6093E - Olmstead Disability Rights Clinic II. 3 Credit Hours
LAW 7487 - Trial Advocacy I. 1 Credit Hours
LAW 7488 - Trial Advocacy II. 1 Credit Hours
LAW 7280 - International Moot Court. 1 Credit Hours
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 Certificate Director
Such other course as may be approved by Certificate Director
LAW 7607E - Immigration Clinic I. 6 Credit Hours
LAW 7608E - Immigration Clinic II. 4 to 6 Credit Hours

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 Activity

Students are encouraged to participate in advocacy extracurricular activities such as 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, and pursue summer internship placements as they become available.

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.