By So, you want to be a lawyer? Great decision. But let’s get real. Now, you have decided to pursue a career in law. Maybe it was watching Suits one too many times. Or perhaps you’ve always had that fire — the one that burns when someone says, “You can’t argue your way out of this!”
Meanwhile, you are staring at a list of the best law schools in New York, wondering which one will be the right one.
Spoiler: There is no perfect answer. However, there are smart ways to make a choice. Therefore, read on to get a better idea of the best law schools in New York.
What Makes a Law School Great?
In general, people throw around rankings as if they were gospel. However, they do not realize this simple truth: Something that is working for one student might be a total mismatch for another.
Of course, Columbia and NYU are top-tier institutions. No one is denying that. However, just because a college is prestigious, it does not mean you will fit into it. This is because you have your own preferences and the way you consume information.
That is why, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want big city vibes or a quieter campus?
- Are you chasing corporate law or dreaming of public interest work?
- Will you be able to handle the tuition fees? Or, is it possible that you might end up drowning yourself in debt?
At the outset, you will have to fully answer these questions if you want to study law.
Best Law Schools in New York: What Makes Them Stand Out?
The following law schools are some of the best in New York:
| SL. No. | Law School | What Does It Offer? |
| | Columbia Law School | Ivy prestige Global reach Insane networking. Intense Pricey Competitive. |
| | NYU Law | Progressive Diverse Strong in public interest and international law Big city energy. |
| | Fordham Law | Balanced Ethical Great location Strong alumni base. |
| | Brooklyn Law | Practical Connected to courts Good for internships. |
| | Cardozo Law | Creative Strong in IP and entertainment law. |
| | CUNY Law | Affordable Mission-driven Public interest powerhouse. |
Hence, it is evident from the table above that each law school has its own flavor. That is why you must taste-test.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Law Schools in New York
The following are some of the major factors you must take into account when you are looking for the best law schools in New York City:
1. Location Is a Must
It is New York. You have schools in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and upstate. Hence, each comes with its own flavor. The following table consists of the location details of some of the best law schools in New York:
| Law School | What Does It Offer? |
| NYU School of Law | Smack in Greenwich Village. Fast-paced High-energy Expensive. In fact, you will be rubbing shoulders with future SCOTUS clerks and Wall Street sharks |
| Fordham Law | Midtown Manhattan Catholic roots Strong ethics focus Solid for corporate and public interest law. |
| Brooklyn Law School | Artsy Edgy Close to the courts Great for internships and clerkships. |
| St. John’s University School of Law | Queens More suburban Tight-knit community Strong alumni network. |
| Albany Law School | Upstate. Less hustle More breathing room. Good for government and policy work. |
Essentially, location isn’t merely about geography. Rather, it is about lifestyle, access, and vibe.
2. Let’s Talk Money
Of course, law schools come with high levels of tuition fees. Moreover, you are talking about New York. Hence, do not expect anything to be cheap.
When it comes to law, tuition at top schools can reach $70,000 per year or more. Apart from that, include living expenses, books, fees, and other relevant costs. Now, you are looking at six figures easily.
However, don’t panic – scholarships do exist. Hence, consider loan forgiveness programs (especially if you go into public service).
Tip: Don’t just look at sticker price. Rather, dig into the following:
- Average debt at graduation
- % of students receiving aid
- Loan repayment options
- Bar passage rates (because failing the bar means wasted money)
3. Reputation vs. Reality
This is where things get really worse. For instance, everyone wants to go to the “best law schools in New York.” But what does that even mean?
At the outset, reputation matters for jobs, clerkships, and networking. Apart from that, the following things matter as well:
- Faculty accessibility
- Class size
- Career services
- Alumni support
Sometimes, a mid-tier school with exceptional mentorship might be more beneficial than a top-tier school where you’re just a number. That is why you should talk to current students, read forums, and visit campuses if possible. This way, you will be able to get the real story..
4. Career Goals: Know Thyself!
You don’t need to have your whole life mapped out. But having some idea helps.
Do you want BigLaw? Choose NYU, Columbia, or Fordham. This is because they have pipelines.
Are you thinking government or policy? You have Albany Law close to the Capitol.
Are you into Public interest? CUNY School of Law is built for that.
Do you want to pursue Entertainment law? Cardozo Law’s got strong IP programs.
Hence, the point is that different schools shine in different areas. Therefore, you must match your goals to their strengths.
5. Always Check the Vibe
No one talks about this. Just think! You are going to spend three intense years here. So, obviously, you need to feel good about it.
That is why, visit the place if you can. Also, sit in on a class, talk to students, and ask dumb questions. This way, you will get an idea of how people treat you.
To be honest, culture matters a lot.
6. Don’t Sleep on the Data
Numbers don’t lie. Well, sometimes they do. However, they are still useful. Hence, always check the following while applying to a law school:
- Bar passage rates
- Employment stats (9 months after graduation)
- Median starting salaries
- Clerkship placements
- Diversity stats
This way, you will get a better idea of how well a school prepares you for the real world.
Trust Yourself
Choosing a law school among the best law schools in New York is part logic and part instinct. Sometimes, you will get advice from everyone, like parents, professors, and Reddit strangers. Listen, but don’t let them drown out your own voice.
Obviously, you know what you want. Or at least, what you don’t want. This is where you must start.
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