Cardozo Law School
Thomas Zhang | April 3, 2025

Cardozo Law School – Must Know Facts

Cardozo Law School, established in 1976 as part of Yeshiva University, is a prestigious legal institution named after the esteemed Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo. With a focus on legal ethics, social justice, and professional responsibility, Cardozo School of Law offers a secular curriculum that prepares students for success in the legal profession.

Located in the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, the school provides a diverse and dynamic environment for students to pursue their legal education. This article will explore the Cardozo School of Law acceptance rate, the Cardozo Law School LSAT requirement, and much more.

Overview Of Cardozo Law School

YearAcceptance RateNumber of ApplicationsNumber AdmittedAverage LSAT ScoreAverage GPA
202333.8%3,4141,1541643.43
202240.3%3,2821,3281623.42
202141.1%2,9971,2351613.40
202044.2%2,7131,2061593.38
201948.1%2,5181,2111583.37

Cardozo Law School Programs

Cardozo Law School Programs

JD Program

This is like becoming a “super expert” in law. Like you have different grades in school, people who want to be lawyers go to law school and work towards getting a JD, which stands for Juris Doctor. It’s a fancy way of saying they’re learning all about laws and how to use them.

LLM Options

After someone gets their JD and becomes a lawyer, they might want to learn even more about a specific kind of law, like a special kind of study. That’s where the LLM comes in. It stands for Master of Laws, and it’s like getting an extra gold star for learning about law. Lawyers can choose to learn more about a specific area, like business law or human rights law.

Dual Degrees

Imagine if you could study two different subjects simultaneously, like math and science. Dual degrees are like that. At Cardozo, students can study law and other subjects simultaneously. This helps them to be really good in two different areas. For example, they could study law and business together.

Specializations

Just like you might have a favorite subject in school, lawyers sometimes like to focus on one particular area of law. Cardozo offers specializations, which means students can learn a lot about one part of the law, like learning a lot about the environment, technology, or how to help people solve disagreements.

Current Ranking And Reputation

CategoryRatingCategoryRating
Best Law Schools69 (tie)Environmental Law81
Part-time Law5Health Care Law80
Law School Specialty RankingsRankIntellectual Property Law14
Business/Corporate Law21International Law84
Clinical Training83Legal Writing52
Constitutional Law64Tax Law82
Contracts/Commercial Law52Trial Advocacy81
Criminal Law100
Dispute Resolution5

Cardozo Law School's Current Ranking And Reputation

Cardozo School of Law has achieved a commendable ranking of 69th among the best law schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 rankings.

This highly ranked law school’s excellence extends beyond its overall ranking, as it also excels in several specialty areas. Cardozo School of Law ranks 5th in Dispute Resolution, 14th in Intellectual Property Law, 83rd in Clinical Training, 5th in Part-time Law, and 84th in International Law. These high rankings reflect the school’s commitment to providing exceptional education and training in various legal disciplines.

The outstanding reputation of Cardozo School of Law extends beyond rankings, as it has received recognition from reputable publications and organizations. The Princeton Review recognized Cardozo School of Law as one of the best law schools for practical training and career placement in 2021. Additionally, the National Jurist ranked the school as one of the top law schools for public interest law and pro bono service in 2020. In 2019, PreLaw Magazine awarded Cardozo School of Law an A+ grade for its business law curriculum and an A grade for its criminal law curriculum, acknowledging its commitment to comprehensive and quality legal education.

Academic Programs And Faculty

Cardozo Law School's Academic Programs And Faculty

Cardozo School of Law offers a comprehensive legal education through various academic programs. The school’s curriculum covers diverse legal disciplines, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest.

Notable programs include the highly-ranked Dispute Resolution Program, which focuses on conflict resolution skills through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. The Intellectual Property Law Program prepares students for legal matters related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and technology law. The Clinical Training Program provides practical experience working on real cases under the guidance of experienced faculty, while the Part-time Law Program offers flexibility for students with other commitments.

With accomplished faculty members, this reputed law school ensures a rigorous and engaging academic experience, fostering a dynamic learning environment. The school’s programs and faculty contribute to its reputation as a leading institution that prepares students for success in the legal profession.

Admissions

Cardozo Law School is selective and competitive, ensuring that admitted students have the potential for success in the legal field. Admissions decisions are based on several factors, including LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and professional achievements. Prospective students must showcase their academic capabilities and commitment to a legal career. The application deadlines vary for J.D. and LL.M. programs, so applicants should stay updated and prepare their materials carefully.

LSAT Score Expectations

The LSAT score is a critical factor in the Cardozo admissions process. To be competitive, applicants should aim for a score of 160 or higher. The median LSAT score for the 2023 class was 164, and the 25th percentile score was 159. While Cardozo has occasionally admitted students with scores as low as 154, higher scores significantly improve the chances of acceptance. The school values the LSAT as a predictor of a student’s ability to handle the rigorous legal curriculum.

GPA And Academic Prerequisites

An applicant’s undergraduate GPA is another essential component of the admissions process. For the 2023 entering class, the average GPA was 3.43. Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher are generally competitive, but a strong personal statement and impressive letters of recommendation can offset a slightly lower GPA. Cardozo looks for well-rounded candidates who have excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to their goals.

Acceptance Rate

Cardozo Law School’s acceptance rate reflects its selective admissions process. For the 2023 academic year, the acceptance rate was 33.8%. Out of 3,414 applications, 1,154 students were admitted. This percentage has decreased over recent years, highlighting the increasing competition for a spot at the school. With its prestigious reputation and location in New York City, Cardozo continues to attract a high number of qualified applicants annually.

Tuition And Financial Aid

Cardozo Law School understands the financial challenges of pursuing a legal education. The school strives to make its programs accessible through transparent tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options. Students can explore scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help offset the costs of attendance. The financial aid office is dedicated to guiding students through the process of securing assistance, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue financial stress.

Current Tuition Costs

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Cardozo Law School is $69,862 for both J.D. and LL.M. students. This amount does not include additional costs like housing, textbooks, or other fees. While tuition is substantial, Cardozo’s strong academic programs and location in New York City offer significant value. Prospective students are encouraged to review the most recent tuition updates on the school’s official website, as rates may vary from year to year.

Scholarships And Grants Offered

Cardozo Law School provides numerous scholarship and grant opportunities to help students manage tuition costs. These awards are based on merit, need, or a combination of both. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements or high LSAT scores, while need-based grants aim to support students facing financial challenges. Cardozo also offers specialized scholarships for students interested in specific fields of law, such as public interest or intellectual property.

Work-Study Opportunities

Work-study opportunities at Cardozo Law School allow students to gain valuable experience while earning income to support their education. Students can work in various roles, such as research assistants, administrative positions, or within the school’s legal clinics. Work-study programs are designed to be flexible, ensuring students can balance their academic workload with their responsibilities. These opportunities not only ease financial pressures but also enhance students’ professional skills and networks.

Campus And Facilities

Cardozo Law School offers a modern and well-equipped campus in the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. The facilities are designed to provide a supportive and dynamic environment for legal education. From state-of-the-art classrooms to advanced legal technology, the campus promotes both learning and collaboration. Students benefit from resources that enhance their academic experience while preparing them for the practical demands of the legal profession.

Modern Classrooms And Libraries

Cardozo Law School’s classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences. Moot courtrooms provide a realistic setting for students to practice advocacy skills. The law library is a cornerstone of the campus, offering an extensive collection of legal texts, journals, and online databases. With quiet study areas and group workspaces, the library supports both individual research and collaborative projects.

Access To Legal Tech Resources

The campus provides access to advanced legal technology that prepares students for the evolving demands of the profession. Students can utilize software tools for legal research, document management, and trial preparation. The school’s focus on technology integration ensures that graduates are adept at using modern tools essential for legal practice. Workshops and training sessions help students maximize the benefits of these resources throughout their academic journey.

Collaborative Study Spaces

Cardozo Law School offers a variety of collaborative study spaces to foster group learning and teamwork. Dedicated lounges, seminar rooms, and breakout areas provide comfortable environments for students to engage in discussions, prepare for mock trials, or work on group assignments. These spaces are designed to encourage interaction among peers and facilitate the exchange of ideas, contributing to a vibrant academic community.

Admissions

Cardozo School of Law is a selective law school that admits students based on their academic performance, LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, resume, and other factors that demonstrate their potential for success in law school and beyond.

For the class entering 2022, the Cardozo School of Law acceptance rate was 33.80% of applicants, with 27.12% of those accepted enrolling. The average Cardozo School of Law LSAT was 164. The average enrollee had a 3.76 undergraduate GPA.

The application deadline for the J.D. program is March 1 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester. The application deadline for the LL.M. program is May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. Applicants can apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.

Tuition And Financial Aid

Regarding tuition fees, Cardozo Law School strives to provide a valuable legal education while considering many students’ financial constraints. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition for J.D. and L.L.M. students is $69,862. It’s important to note that tuition rates are subject to change, so prospective students should refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Cardozo School of Law understands the financial burden law school can impose and offers various financial aid options to eligible students. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance are available to help alleviate the financial strain and make legal education more accessible. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and engage with the school’s financial aid office for further guidance.

In comparison to other law schools in the same tier, this prestigious Law School remains competitive in terms of tuition fees. Its commitment to providing a high-quality legal education at a reasonable cost makes it an attractive option for many aspiring law students.

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Campus And Facilities

Cardozo Law School is situated in the heart of New York City, offering students a vibrant and dynamic environment for their legal education. The campus provides modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, moot courtrooms, and seminar spaces.

Additionally, the law school offers various student facilities such as study areas, lounges, and a dedicated career services center. The law library at Cardozo School of Law boasts an extensive collection of legal resources, research materials, and online databases. It is a valuable asset to students, providing them a conducive environment for studying and conducting research. The library also offers specialized research assistance to support students throughout their academic journey.

Career Prospects And Bar Passage Rates

Cardozo Law School has consistently maintained impressive bar passage rates, demonstrating its commitment to preparing students for successful legal careers. The bar passage rate for graduates consistently exceeds the national average, with 84.5% of students passing the bar exam on their first attempt. In terms of employment prospects, Cardozo graduates have a strong track record. Within ten months of graduation, a significant number of students secure employment in various sectors of the legal industry.

Cardozo alumni often find employment in prestigious law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and corporate legal departments. The strong network and reputation of the law school open doors to diverse career opportunities for its graduates.

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Alumni And Networking Opportunities

Cardozo Law School boasts distinguished alumni who have significantly contributed to the legal field. Notable alumni include prominent judges, successful attorneys, legal scholars, and public figures who have excelled in their careers. These alumni serve as a source of inspiration and provide valuable networking opportunities for current students and fellow graduates. The law school actively fosters networking opportunities through various events, guest speaker series, and alumni gatherings. Students have access to an extensive network of legal professionals, allowing them to establish connections and seek mentorship within their desired practice areas.

FAQs

1. Is Cardozo Law School Hard?

Cardozo Law School is challenging, like many law schools. It demands dedication and hard work. Students must read a lot, understand complex legal concepts, and think critically. However, with effort and support, many succeed and excel in their legal studies.

2. What Is Cardozo Law School Known For?

Cardozo Law School is known for its focus on legal ethics and social justice.. It has strong programs in dispute resolution, intellectual property, and part-time law. The school offers excellent academic opportunities, practical training, and networking for students pursuing diverse legal careers.

3. How Strong Is Cardozo’s Intellectual Property Program?

Cardozo’s intellectual property program is one of the best in the country, ranked 14th nationally. It provides specialized courses, hands-on training, and expert faculty. The program covers areas like patents, copyrights, trademarks, and technology law, preparing students for successful careers in this field.

4. Is Cardozo Law School Part Of NYU?

Cardozo Law School is not part of NYU. It’s a separate school, part of Yeshiva University in New York City. It offers law degrees and has its own campus. NYU has its own law school, the NYU School of Law, which is different from Cardozo.

5. Is Cardozo Law Prestigious?

Yes, Cardozo Law is prestigious. It’s known for innovative programs and strong legal education. Located in New York City, Cardozo has a diverse student body and notable alumni. Its focus on practical skills and theory attracts many aspiring lawyers. It’s well-respected in the legal community.

Conclusion

Cardozo School of Law has established itself as a leading legal institution with a strong reputation, distinguished faculty, and comprehensive programs. Its commitment to academic excellence, access to financial aid, and robust career prospects make it an attractive choice for aspiring law students. Through its rich history and dedication to providing a valuable legal education, Cardozo School of Law continues to shape the future of the legal profession.

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