[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 184 (Sunday, October 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GEORGETOWN LAW

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, 150 years ago, Georgetown Law convened 
its first class in Washington, DC, where 25 students from 12 States 
began what has now become a century and a half long legacy of learning. 
While Georgetown Law's entering classes look quite different now--over 
500 students from nearly all 50 States and from countries around the 
world--the institution's dedication to justice and service remains the 
same. Since opening its doors in 1870, Georgetown Law has educated 
generations of bright, driven, and passionate future lawyers who embody 
the school's motto: ``Law is but the means, justice is the end.''
  I had the great fortune of attending Georgetown Law and received my 
juris doctorate in 1964. While laptops may have replaced legal pads 
since my law school days, Georgetown Law's commitment to producing 
competent, fiercely principled attorneys has never changed. The 
education I received at Georgetown Law had a profound, indelible impact 
on me and the way I view the world.
  Georgetown Law furthered my inspiration to become a U.S. Senator. 
Attending classes just blocks away from Capitol Hill and the Supreme 
Court, I and many others were constantly reminded that the law is not 
just an academic endeavor, but a very real one, impacting the lives and 
rights of millions. It filled me with awe to be learning the law in the 
city where laws are being made. It is no wonder that so many alumni of 
Georgetown Law dedicate their lives to public service and government.
  Georgetown Law stands out among our Nation's law schools for ensuring 
that students are not just learning the law, but putting it into 
practice. The law center offers top-ranked clinical programs and 
practicums, in which law students learn the art and science of 
lawyering. From asylum seekers to victims of domestic violence, from 
appellate arguments to criminal defense proceedings, Georgetown Law 
students learn what it truly means to zealously advocate for real 
clients in need.
  Georgetown Law also boasts world-renowned centers and institutes that 
push the legal profession to be both introspective and innovative. A 
special place of pride for me is the school's Center on Privacy and 
Technology, which trains the next generation of lawyers who will carry 
on a cause that has been one of my top priorities as a U.S. Senator: 
fighting for Americans' privacy rights.
  During these difficult times, it is steadying to know that Georgetown 
Law still embraces one of its oldest but most timeless traditions: 
imbibing the spirit of service in its graduates. That, without a doubt, 
is the lasting legacy of Georgetown Law, educating generations of 
lawyers who believe that the law is an instrument for good.
  My congratulations to Georgetown Law on this milestone. Here is to 
150 more.

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