The City University Of New York School Of Law: An In-Depth Review
The City University of New York School of Law (CUNY Law) is a public law school that aims to educate lawyers for the public interest and social justice. It was founded in 1983 as a response to the lack of diversity and representation in the legal profession and the need for more lawyers who serve the public interest.
In this article, we will review the history, location, academic programs, admissions, rankings, career prospects, and frequently asked questions about CUNY Law.
Table of Contents
Crucial Facts About City University Of New York School Of Law
Location And Campus
CUNY Law is located at 2 Court Square in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation and is close to several courts, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and law firms that provide opportunities for practical learning and networking.
The campus features a modern building that houses classrooms, offices, a moot courtroom, a cafeteria, a bookstore, and a library. The library has over 200,000 volumes and provides access to various databases and online resources. The campus also has a rooftop garden that offers a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline.
Academic Programs And Curriculum
CUNY Law offers two-degree programs: a Juris Doctor (JD) program and a Master of Laws (LLM) program. The JD program is a full-time program that takes three years to complete. The LLM program is a part-time program that takes two years to complete and is designed for lawyers who want to specialize in international human rights or U.S. constitutional law.
CUNY Law’s curriculum is based on its innovative pedagogical approach that combines doctrinal courses with clinical courses. CUNY Law’s clinical program is ranked among the top ten in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The clinical program exposes students to real-world legal problems and teaches them how to represent clients effectively and ethically.
CUNY Law also offers several partnerships with other institutions for dual degrees or programs. For example, students can pursue a JD/MSW degree with Hunter College School of Social Work or a JD/MPA degree with Baruch College School of Public Affairs. Students can also participate in exchange programs with universities in Canada, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain.
Admissions And Acceptance Rate
CUNY Law’s admissions process is holistic and considers various factors such as academic performance, LSAT scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume, work experience, community service, extracurricular activities, diversity factors, and commitment to public interest law.
The law school at CUNY School of Law has an application deadline of May 15. The application fee is $60 and can be waived for eligible applicants. Applicants can apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.
The acceptance rate for CUNY Law is 40.3%, which is lower than the national average of 45%. The acceptance rate has decreased slightly over the years due to the increased number of applicants. The student profile for CUNY Law reflects its diversity and excellence. The median LSAT score for CUNY Law is 154, and the median GPA is 3.44.
Rankings And Reputation
U.S. News & World Report ranks CUNY Law 156th among the best law schools in the nation and fourth for clinical training. CUNY Law’s reputation is built on its excellence in public interest and social justice law. CUNY Law is the only law school in the nation that requires students to perform 50 hours of pro bono service before graduation. CUNY Law also has a high Bar passage rate of 81.9% for first-time takers.
CUNY Law has received many accolades and recognitions for its achievements and contributions to the legal profession and society. For example, CUNY Law was awarded the John Minor Wisdom Award by the American Bar Association for its leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. CUNY Law was also named one of the best law schools for public service by The National Jurist.
Career Prospects And Alumni
CUNY Law graduates have a strong track record of success in various legal careers. The school boasts impressive job placement rates, with a significant portion of graduates pursuing careers in public interest law, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Many alumni have dedicated their careers to championing social justice causes, working as public defenders, civil rights attorneys, and advocates for marginalized communities. Alumni such as Roberta Kaplan, who successfully argued the Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, and Carmen Yulín Cruz, former Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, highlight the impact CUNY Law graduates have made on the national and international stage.
CUNY Law also provides various opportunities for its students and alumni to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and connect with the law community. For example, CUNY Law offers internships, externships, fellowships, mentorship programs, career fairs, workshops, panels, and alumni events.
Frequently Asked Questions About The CUNY Law School
1. Is CUNY Law School A Good Law School?
CUNY Law School is a good law school for students who are interested in public interest and social justice law. CUNY Law School offers a rigorous and innovative curriculum that integrates theory and practice through its clinical program. CUNY Law School also has a diverse and supportive community of faculty, students, and alumni who share a common vision and mission.
2. What Rank Is The City University Of New York In Law?
City University of New York School of Law is ranked 156th among the best law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
3. What Is The Acceptance Rate For City University Of New York Law School?
The acceptance rate for the City University of New York School of Law is 40.3%. The acceptance rate has decreased slightly over the years due to the increased number of applicants.
Conclusion
The City University of New York School of Law (CUNY Law) stands as a beacon of excellence in legal education, prioritizing public interest and social justice. With its commitment to experiential learning, diverse student body, and renowned faculty, CUNY Law equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to advocate for underrepresented communities and effect transformative change in society. Graduates of CUNY Law go on to pursue impactful careers, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of law and advancing the cause of justice.