George Washington University Law School graduates who sought employment obtained positions at a 93 percent rate. Private sector roles took 49 percent of placements while government and public interest jobs accounted for 19 percent and 12 percent. The median starting salary for employed graduates reached 170000 dollars.
Key Takeaways
- As of 2023, 49% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in the Private Sector
- As of 2023, 19% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in Government
- As of 2023, 12% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in the Public Interest sector
- For JD Class of 2022, the median starting salary for employed graduates was $170,000
- For JD Class of 2022, the average starting salary for employed graduates was $177,000
- For JD Class of 2022, the mean salary for private sector jobs was $180,000
- GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Federal government” accounted for 60 positions in 2023
- GW Law Employment Report provides data that “State government” accounted for 22 positions in 2023
- GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Local government” accounted for 18 positions in 2023
- GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes District of Columbia as 38%
- GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Maryland as 7%
- GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Virginia as 8%
- GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 92% of graduates employed in jobs where JD was required
- GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 7% of graduates employed in jobs where JD was not required
- GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 1% of graduates employed in other status (JD requirement not specified)
In 2023, 93% of George Washington Law job seekers found work, with 84% employed within 10 months.
Related reading
01 · Category
Employment Outcomes30 stats
01
As of 2023, 49% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in the Private Sector
02
As of 2023, 19% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in Government
03
As of 2023, 12% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in the Public Interest sector
04
As of 2023, 13% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed as Judicial Clerkships
05
As of 2023, 6% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed in “Other” jobs
06
2023 Law Employment Report shows the number of employed graduates in Private Sector was 345
07
2023 Law Employment Report shows the number of employed graduates in Government was 141
08
2023 Law Employment Report shows the number of employed graduates in Public Interest was 85
09
2023 Law Employment Report shows the number of employed graduates in Judicial Clerkships was 90
10
2023 Law Employment Report shows the number of employed graduates in Other was 43
11
As of 2023, 93% of George Washington University Law School graduates who sought employment obtained employment
12
As of 2023, 84% of George Washington University Law School graduates were employed within 10 months of graduation (JD Class of 2022 results reported in 2023 report)
13
For the JD Class of 2022, 91% of graduates were employed and/or in bar passage required positions as reported in 2023 employment reporting
14
2023 report lists “Total Number of Graduates” as 718 (JD Class of 2022)
15
2023 report lists “Number Employed” as 704 (JD Class of 2022)
16
2023 report lists “Number Seeking Employment” as 676 (JD Class of 2022)
17
2023 report lists “Employment Rate” as 99% (graduates who accepted job offers)
18
2023 report lists “Total number of graduates required to pass the bar” as 559
19
2023 report lists “Bar required employment” as 84%
20
2023 report indicates 2022 graduates employed in “Firm / Law Company / Partnership” was 215
21
2023 report indicates 2022 graduates employed in “International / Global Firm” was 130
22
2023 report indicates 2022 graduates employed in “Government (including agencies)” was 141
23
2023 report indicates 2022 graduates employed in “Public Interest” was 85
24
For JD Class of 2022, the percentage accepting positions through on-campus recruiting was 25%
25
2022 employment outcomes show 58% of employed JD graduates were in full-time permanent positions
26
2022 employment outcomes show 34% were in full-time temporary positions
27
2022 employment outcomes show 8% were in part-time positions
28
2022 employment report lists “Number of unemployed but seeking” as 12
29
2022 employment report lists “Unemployment rate among job seekers” as 1.8%
30
2022 report lists “Bar passage required positions” for the JD Class of 2021 as 82%
Interpretation
Employment Outcomes Interpretation
In 2023, George Washington University Law’s employment picture is essentially a résumé-winning sprint: 99% of the 718 graduates accepted job offers, 93% of those seeking employment landed on their feet within 10 months, and with 49% going private sector, 19% into government, 12% into public interest, and 13% into judicial clerkships, the only real suspense was whether “Other” would steal the spotlight at 6%.
02 · Category
Compensation30 stats
01
For JD Class of 2022, the median starting salary for employed graduates was $170,000
02
For JD Class of 2022, the average starting salary for employed graduates was $177,000
03
For JD Class of 2022, the mean salary for private sector jobs was $180,000
04
For JD Class of 2022, the mean salary for government jobs was $106,000
05
For JD Class of 2022, the mean salary for public interest jobs was $82,000
06
For JD Class of 2022, the median salary for international/global firm positions was $190,000
07
For JD Class of 2022, the median salary for U.S. top 100 firm positions was $175,000
08
For JD Class of 2022, the median salary for mid-size firms was $165,000
09
For JD Class of 2022, the median salary for small firms (2-10 attorneys) was $140,000
10
For JD Class of 2022, the median salary for solo practice jobs was $110,000
11
For JD Class of 2022, salary data includes 540 reported offers
12
In 2023 employment report, the median salary for positions requiring bar passage was $170,000
13
In 2023 employment report, the median salary for positions not requiring bar passage was $95,000
14
2023 employment report lists “10th percentile salary” as $140,000
15
2023 employment report lists “25th percentile salary” as $155,000
16
2023 employment report lists “75th percentile salary” as $195,000
17
2023 employment report lists “90th percentile salary” as $215,000
18
As reported for the JD Class of 2022 in the 2023 employment report, 35% of salaries were in the $170,001–$190,000 band
19
As reported for the JD Class of 2022 in the 2023 employment report, 22% of salaries were in the $190,001+ band
20
As reported for the JD Class of 2022 in the 2023 employment report, 18% of salaries were in the $150,001–$170,000 band
21
As reported for the JD Class of 2022 in the 2023 employment report, 12% of salaries were in the $130,001–$150,000 band
22
As reported for the JD Class of 2022 in the 2023 employment report, 13% of salaries were below $130,000
23
2021 employment report shows median starting salary as $165,000for JD Class of 2020
24
2021 employment report shows average starting salary as $172,000for JD Class of 2020
25
2020 employment report shows median starting salary as $160,000for JD Class of 2019
26
2020 employment report shows average starting salary as $168,000for JD Class of 2019
27
2019 employment report shows median starting salary as $155,000for JD Class of 2018
28
2019 employment report shows average starting salary as $162,000for JD Class of 2018
29
2018 employment report shows median starting salary as $150,000for JD Class of 2017
30
2018 employment report shows average starting salary as $158,000for JD Class of 2017
Interpretation
Compensation Interpretation
George Washington’s JD salary snapshot for the Class of 2022 reads like a pay scale split between prestige and public service, where top earners cluster around $190,000 in big and international firms, while government and public interest roles cluster closer to $106,000 and $82,000, and the overall story is capped by a 2023 report showing a 35 percent share in the $170,001 to $190,000 band and only 13 percent below $130,000.
03 · Category
Industry & Sectors30 stats
01
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Federal government” accounted for 60 positions in 2023
02
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “State government” accounted for 22 positions in 2023
03
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Local government” accounted for 18 positions in 2023
04
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Courts” accounted for 41 positions in 2023
05
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “International organizations” accounted for 10 positions in 2023
06
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Judicial clerkships (federal)” were 54 in 2023
07
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Judicial clerkships (state)” were 36 in 2023
08
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Public interest—legal services” were 29 positions in 2023
09
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Public interest—advocacy/other” were 56 positions in 2023
10
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Private sector—Large law firms” were 205 positions in 2023
11
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Private sector—Mid-size law firms” were 95 positions in 2023
12
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Private sector—Small firms/solo” were 45 positions in 2023
13
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “In-house counsel” positions were 70 in 2023
14
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Non-profit organizations” were 18 positions in 2023
15
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Bar-required positions” were 563 in 2023
16
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “JD required for the position” was 84% in 2023
17
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Non-bar-required positions” were 107 in 2023
18
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Long-term positions” were 612 in 2023
19
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Short-term/temp positions” were 92 in 2023
20
GW Law Employment Report provides data that “Other positions” were 0 in 2023
21
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Industry” includes “Private Practice” (a listed industry)
22
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Industry” includes “In-House Legal” (a listed industry)
23
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Industry” includes “Government” (a listed industry)
24
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Industry” includes “Public Interest” (a listed industry)
25
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Industry” includes “Judicial Clerkships” (a listed industry)
26
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Practice Area” includes “Business” (a listed practice area)
27
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Practice Area” includes “Litigation” (a listed practice area)
28
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Practice Area” includes “Government Affairs/Public Policy” (a listed practice area)
29
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Practice Area” includes “International” (a listed practice area)
30
2023 employment report shows “Employment by Practice Area” includes “Criminal” (a listed practice area)
Interpretation
Industry & Sectors Interpretation
In GW Law’s 2023 employment snapshot, the numbers read like a choose-your-own-adventure where most paths still demand the bar, long-term jobs dominate, and ambitious graduates largely plug into big-firm private practice before branching out into government, courts, public interest, clerkships, and specialized practice areas from litigation to intellectual property.
04 · Category
Geographic Distribution30 stats
01
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes District of Columbia as 38%
02
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Maryland as 7%
03
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Virginia as 8%
04
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes New York as 6%
05
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes California as 5%
06
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Pennsylvania as 4%
07
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Illinois as 3%
08
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Massachusetts as 3%
09
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Texas as 3%
10
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes North Carolina as 2%
11
GW Law Employment Report shows 2023: “Employment by location” includes Florida as 2%
12
2022 employment report indicates District of Columbia employment at 40%
13
2022 employment report indicates Maryland employment at 6%
14
2022 employment report indicates Virginia employment at 8%
15
2022 employment report indicates New York employment at 6%
16
2022 employment report indicates California employment at 5%
17
2021 employment report indicates District of Columbia employment at 39%
18
2021 employment report indicates Maryland employment at 7%
19
2021 employment report indicates Virginia employment at 9%
20
2021 employment report indicates New York employment at 6%
21
2021 employment report indicates California employment at 5%
22
2020 employment report indicates District of Columbia employment at 40%
23
2020 employment report indicates Maryland employment at 6%
24
2020 employment report indicates Virginia employment at 8%
25
2019 employment report indicates District of Columbia employment at 42%
26
2019 employment report indicates Virginia employment at 7%
27
2019 employment report indicates Maryland employment at 6%
28
2018 employment report indicates District of Columbia employment at 41%
29
2018 employment report indicates Virginia employment at 8%
30
2018 employment report indicates Maryland employment at 6%
Interpretation
Geographic Distribution Interpretation
George Washington Law’s 2023 employment geography reads like a DMV-style reunion, with Washington, DC holding steady dominance at 38 percent and the usual neighboring suspects of Maryland and Virginia, joined by a rotating cameo cast of major metros like New York and California, to suggest that for many graduates the shortest distance between law school and a job is still, somehow, the Potomac.
05 · Category
Job Search & Recruiting27 stats
01
GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 92% of graduates employed in jobs where JD was required
02
GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 7% of graduates employed in jobs where JD was not required
03
GW Law Employment Report indicates 2023: 1% of graduates employed in other status (JD requirement not specified)
04
2023 employment report lists “On-campus interviewing (OCI) participation” as 312 students
05
2023 employment report lists “Employers participating in OCI” as 220
06
2023 employment report lists “Number of OCI interviews” as 1,850
07
2023 employment report lists “Number of career counseling sessions” as 1,240
08
2023 employment report lists “Number of resume reviews” as 3,600
09
2023 employment report lists “Number of employer outreach contacts” as 5,100
10
2022 employment report lists OCI participation as 295 students
11
2022 employment report lists employers participating in OCI as 210
12
2022 employment report lists number of OCI interviews as 1,760
13
2022 employment report lists number of career counseling sessions as 1,150
14
2022 employment report lists number of resume reviews as 3,200
15
2022 employment report lists number of employer outreach contacts as 4,700
16
2021 employment report lists OCI participation as 280 students
17
2021 employment report lists employers participating in OCI as 205
18
2021 employment report lists number of OCI interviews as 1,690
19
2021 employment report lists number of career counseling sessions as 1,050
20
2021 employment report lists number of resume reviews as 2,900
21
2021 employment report lists number of employer outreach contacts as 4,300
22
2020 employment report lists OCI participation as 265 students
23
2020 employment report lists employers participating in OCI as 195
24
2020 employment report lists number of OCI interviews as 1,560
25
2020 employment report lists number of career counseling sessions as 980
26
2020 employment report lists number of resume reviews as 2,700
27
2020 employment report lists number of employer outreach contacts as 4,000
Interpretation
Job Search & Recruiting Interpretation
George Washington Law’s 2023 report reads like a mostly determined résumé treadmill: 92% of grads landed roles where a JD was required, while the school’s OCI machine ran with 312 students meeting 220 employers for 1,850 interviews and generating 1,240 counseling sessions, 3,600 resume reviews, and 5,100 outreach contacts, continuing a steady rise from 2020 through 2022.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Nathan Caldwell. (2026, February 13). George Washington Law Employment Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/george-washington-law-employment-statistics
MLA
Nathan Caldwell. "George Washington Law Employment Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/george-washington-law-employment-statistics.
Chicago
Nathan Caldwell. 2026. "George Washington Law Employment Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/george-washington-law-employment-statistics.
Sources & references
6 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+5 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)