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 dedicated to preparing lawyers for public service, social justice, and community advocacy. Established in 1983, the school was created to address the lack of diversity within the legal profession and to expand access to legal education for students committed to serving underrepresented communities.
CUNY Law is widely known for its mission-driven education, strong clinical programs, and focus on practical legal training. This article provides an in-depth review of the school’s history, location, academic programs, admissions process, rankings, career opportunities, and frequently asked questions to help prospective students better understand what CUNY Law offers.
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Crucial Facts About City University Of New York School Of Law
The City University of New York School of Law is a public law school established in 1983 and located in Queens, New York. It is widely recognized for its strong focus on public interest law, social justice advocacy, and hands-on clinical legal education.
Location And Campus
The location and campus of CUNY School of Law are at 2 Court Square in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. The campus sits in a vibrant and growing neighborhood near Midtown Manhattan. It is easily accessible through several major subway lines, buses, and regional transit systems, allowing students from across New York City and surrounding areas to commute conveniently.
CUNY Law’s location provides close access to many courts, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and law firms throughout New York City. This proximity offers valuable opportunities for internships, externships, and networking. Students benefit from being near one of the world’s most active legal environments, which supports practical learning experiences and strengthens professional connections in public interest and community-focused legal fields.
The campus features a modern, environmentally sustainable building that opened in 2012 and is LEED Gold certified. The facility includes classrooms, faculty offices, collaborative learning spaces, and a moot courtroom used for advocacy training. Students also have access to study areas and a law library that provides print materials along with extensive digital legal research databases and academic resources.
Academic Programs And Curriculum
The academic programs and curriculum at CUNY School of Law are designed to prepare lawyers committed to public interest and social justice. The school’s primary degree is the J.D. (Juris Doctor), offered as a full-time three-year program or a part-time evening program that typically takes four years to complete. Both options provide a strong foundation in legal theory while emphasizing practical legal training and professional development.
The curriculum integrates traditional doctrinal courses with CUNY Law’s distinctive Lawyering Program and experiential learning model. Students complete foundational courses such as contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, and property while developing skills in legal research, writing, negotiation, and client advocacy. Practical training is reinforced through clinics and externships where students work on real cases under faculty supervision.
CUNY Law also offers several dual-degree opportunities in partnership with other CUNY institutions. These include programs such as the J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration) in Law and Public Accountability, J.D./M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and J.D./M.I.A. (Master of International Affairs). These interdisciplinary programs allow students to earn two degrees while gaining specialized knowledge in law, public policy, and related professional fields.
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
The career prospects and alumni of CUNY School of Law reflect the institution’s strong commitment to public interest and social justice careers. Many graduates pursue positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, legal aid groups, and public defense offices. The school is widely recognized for producing lawyers who focus on advocacy, civil rights, community development, and policy work.
CUNY Law alumni have made meaningful contributions in the legal profession and public service. One notable graduate is Roberta A. Kaplan, a prominent civil rights attorney who successfully argued the landmark United States v. Windsor case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which played a key role in advancing marriage equality in the United States.
The law school also supports students and graduates through career development resources and professional networks. Students gain practical experience through internships, externships, and fellowships while studying. In addition, career counseling, networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni connections help graduates build strong professional relationships and advance their careers in the legal field.
Frequently Asked Questions About The CUNY Law School
1. Is CUNY Law School A Good Law School?
Yes, CUNY Law School is a good law school for students who are interested in public interest and social justice law. The school offers a rigorous curriculum, strong clinical training, and practical legal experience. It also fosters a diverse, supportive community committed to advocacy and public service.
2. What Rank Is The City University Of New York In Law?
The City University of New York School of Law is ranked 156th among the best law schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. While not among the highest-ranked schools, it is widely recognized for its strong commitment to public interest law and social justice.
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 approximately 40.3%. Admission has become slightly more competitive in recent years as applications have increased. Despite this, the school remains accessible to many qualified applicants interested in public service law careers.
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.