“No journal has been established as the central forum for the discussion and development of the ethical and professional dilemmas confronting the lawyers of America . . . . [GJLE] hopes to be that forum.” -- Father Drinan
The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics (GJLE) was founded in 1987 by Father Robert Drinan. Before joining the faculty of Georgetown Law, Father Drinan served in the U.S. House of Representatives. He dedicated his career to human rights and to the elevation of the stature of legal ethics as a discipline and in practice.
The ethical questions facing the profession are as complex and fascinating as ever. Recent topics of discussion include race and equal access to the justice system, specialized codes of ethics for specific practice areas, and the incorporation of new technologies into the practice of law.
GJLE is also proud of its enduring commitment to public service and social justice. The Journal honors Father Drinan’s vision to provide a forum to discuss the integrity of the legal profession. We maintain his belief that lawyers should play a special role in promoting justice and equality. As law students, we can work to further these goals.
Letter from the Editor in Chief, Volume XXXIII, Devlin Woods
The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics is America’s leading ethics journal. As the second most-cited journal at Georgetown, GJLE is also in the top 100 journals nationally, and one of the nation’s most-cited student-run specialty journals. As the legal profession undergoes dynamic and significant change, the ethical questions facing the profession are as complex and fascinating as ever.
All GJLE members write original notes that are published at the end of their 2L/2E year, provided the notes meet the journal’s quality requirements. Members will choose their own topics and receive feedback on their written product from editors and mentors. Members may find it easiest to enroll in a seminar course of their choosing for the fall semester which will allow them to use the same piece of work as both the upper-class writing requirement and note. There are many classes which permit and encourage GJLE Members to write about complex issues which include the subject of legal ethics.
GJLE is also proud of its enduring commitment to public service and social justice. When the late Father Robert Drinan founded the journal, after his career as a congressman and human rights advocate, he wrote, “No journal has been established as the central forum for the discussion and development of the ethical and professional dilemmas confronting the lawyers of America . . . . [GJLE] hopes to be that forum.” We work diligently to honor Father Drinan’s vision of providing a forum for discussing the integrity of the ever-evolving legal profession. We maintain his belief that lawyers should play a special role in promoting justice and equality and that we, as law students, can work to further these goals.
If you’re interested in joining GJLE, please feel free to contact me at dhw31@georgetown.edu. Interested members will have a chance to apply for membership via the Write On process over the summer.
