March 10, 2005  

CONTACT:

Matthew Nehmer, (202) 994-6467, nehmer@gwu.edu

Amy Trowbridge, (732) 560-8888, altrowbridge@hildebrandt.com

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AND THE HILDEBRANDT INSTITUTE OFFER FIRST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT

            SOMERSET, NJ and WASHINGTON - The Hildebrandt Institute and The George Washington University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) have partnered to offer an innovative Graduate Certificate Program in Law Firm Management, which will commence with its first cohort of students in June.  This unique program is designed for lawyer and non-lawyer professionals currently holding or aspiring to hold management positions in private law firms.           

            This first-of-its-kind certificate program is the culmination of two years of planning and market testing to design a higher education program that is convenient for busy professionals.  The certificate program provides an overview of theory, structure, operations, and management of the modern law firm.  The program consists of an initial nine-day residency at GW's Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, Va., June 11-19, followed by a three-month, Internet-based distance learning segment, and concludes with a four-day capstone residency at GW. 

            Participants successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Law Firm Management will receive 12 academic credit hours and will be able to enroll for a second 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Leadership Development in Professional Services.  Upon successful completion of both certificate programs and a six-hour independent study segment, participants can qualify for a master's degree in management from GW. 

            "We are very excited about the launch of the certificate program," said James Jones, director of The Hildebrandt Institute.  "It is an intensive, highly interactive educational opportunity for lawyers and non-lawyers who want to broaden their law firm management skills and career opportunities."

            "Pairing the unique executive-style residencies with an online component opens our law firm management graduate certificate to national and international audiences," said Roger Whitaker, dean of GW's College of Professional Studies.  "The classroom/online blended delivery format developed for the law firm management program is a signature piece in our approach to adult higher education."

            GW is currently accepting applications for the initial Law Firm Management Graduate Certificate Program.  The first cohort will be limited to the first 25 qualified applicants.  Those interested in learning more about this unique offering may contact GW's College of Professional Studies at 1-800-JOIN-GWU or 202-973-1130 or visit www.cps.gwu.edu.

            The Hildebrandt Institute is the executive education division of Hildebrandt International, a multidisciplinary consulting firm helping professional service organizations plan, implement, and achieve their management and strategic goals.  The company, which is part of Thomson Legal & Regulatory Corporation, is the undisputed leader in management consulting to the legal market.  For more information about Hildebrandt, visit www.hildebrandt.com.