The Capital Center for Law & Policy at McGeorge School of Law offers a unique blend of courses and experiential opportunities to prepare you for a career focused on shaping public policy in government. Our location in California's capital city, just a few short miles from the State Capitol and government buildings, provides an unparalleled opportunity to impact critical government and public policy issues while completing your JD. 

The Capital Lawyering Concentration is a 14-unit course of study and experiential learning students can pursue while they earn their JD. Capital Lawyering Concentration students also have opportunities to attend exclusive Capital Center events and networking opportunities.

McGeorge’s Capital Center for Law & Policy encourages students to pursue experiences that emulate pro bono legal experiences during their legal career and recognizes students who give their time to others through:

  • Pro bono legal services (separate from volunteer internships or exceeding required hours for clinics)
  • Unpaid community service

Examples of activities that count towards the Commendation include:

  • Service events sponsored or promoted by the law school, such as the Citizenship Fair, Reading Partners, or the Justice Bus Spring Break Service Trip
  • Student group events to provide service or raise funds to support service, such as the Women’s Caucus Wine-Tasting and Auction and the Public Legal Services Society (PLSS) fundraising efforts
  • Other non-legal community service like neighborhood clean-up events, service nights, volunteering at libraries or animal shelters, and volunteer mentoring.

As an ongoing Capital Commendation student, you will be invited to a yearly recognition reception. At graduation, you will receive a certificate and medal for your achievement, recognition at the annual senior luncheon, and special notation in the commencement program. You may earn the Capital Commendation at the following levels, based on your total hours devoted to service during law school:

  • Bronze (50 hours)
  • Silver (100 hours)
  • Gold (150 hours)

Ready to be recognized? Register and log your public service hours.

Questions?

Please contact the Capital Center Director, Erin O'Neal.

Capital Center scholarships are available to highly qualified JD degree applicants who want to complete the Capital Lawyering Concentration. Interested applicants should contact the McGeorge Admissions Office by email or by calling 916.739.7105.

How to apply

All applications must be completed through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Please note that McGeorge does not accept hardcopy applications. The application should be complete when submitted.

Capital Center for Law & Policy at McGeorge School of Law

Prelaw article
A Capital Idea

McGeorge School of Law is located in Sacramento, the capital of California. McGeorge’s location enables the school to offer outstanding opportunities for students, including high-profile externships and connections. McGeorge alumni work at every level of government and legislative advocacy in and around California’s capital.