Trial Law at Georgetown

Get an in-depth look into the legal profession and parts of the judicial system

Summer Springboard program located on the campus of Georgetown University

Program Highlights

Explore all roles of a challenging case acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judge
Develop your legal skills by researching evidence, crafting arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses
Experience a unique view of the legal profession that is personal and insightful from seasoned lawyers or legal scholars
Gain insight into the wide range of career options in the legal field
Tuition:

Residential Tuition:
$5,498

Commuter Tuition:
$3,198

Dates:

Session 1:
June 23, 2024 July 5, 2024

Session 2:
July 7, 2024 July 19, 2024

Location:

Georgetown Neighborhood
Washington, DC

Testimonials

  • I learned a lot about law. Through this course, I have gained a lot of knowledge that has helped me understand the world better.

    Alexander P.

Course Overview

This program introduces students to vital techniques that are used by trial lawyers throughout the United States. Real world experts will share their knowledge about Trial Law and students will hear the inside scoop on law school and the admissions process.

Excursions at Georgetown – Students will have the chance to witness the inner workings of justice firsthand by visiting the D.C. Superior Court and observing multiple trials. They’ll also explore the renowned American University Washington College of Law (WCL) and embark on an adventure to a Maryland courthouse. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into the world of law and gain invaluable insights!

Meet your instructor

Session 1

Denny Clark, JD

Dennis Clark, currently serving as a prosecutor and instructor, brings over a dozen years of experience in the law field. With roles as a prosecutor in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Dennis has conducted nearly 50 jury trials and numerous bench trials, navigating a range of legal proceedings from suppression hearings to sentencing and violation-of-probation cases, including presentations to the grand jury. In addition to his prosecutorial duties, Dennis has been sharing his expertise as an instructor of Criminal Procedure and trial advocacy courses at American University's Washington College of Law since 2016. Simultaneously, he plays a pivotal role in training new AUSAs (Assistant United States Attorneys) in his primary position. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Spanish from Colby College and earned his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America.

Session 2

Patrick Dowd, JD

Patrick Dowd has 38 years of experience defending clients in state and federal court in catastrophic losses throughout the United States. He is a skilled attorney with extensive courtroom experience and is involved in all phases of bar activity, including publishing, lecturing, and presenting. Mr. Dowd received his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University (B.A.), cum laude, a master's degree from Northwestern University (B.S.), magna cum laude, and a law degree from DePaul College of Law (J.D).

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On Learning


Master courtroom processes as you defend a challenging case from start to finish. Research the evidence, craft and deliver your opening statement, prepare and cross-examine witnesses, craft your arguments, and have a strong closing statement to impress and win over the judge and jury.

supreme court bar

Career Exploration


We will discuss the wide variety of professions within the field of law, such as lawyer, paralegal, mediator, litigator, judge and more. You'll get a deeper sense of your unique motivations and aptitudes and how that aligns with potential academic and career choices. This helps students make better informed decisions about some of life’s most important choices.

Get started today

Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program