Choosing the right law school in New York is a pivotal step for aspiring attorneys. With Ivy League law schools NY, strong public interest programs, and top-ranked JD programs, the state offers unmatched opportunities.
But how do you pick the best law school for corporate law, public interest, or intellectual property? This [year] guide ranks the best law schools in New York based on bar passage rates, employment outcomes, and specialized programs, helping you make an informed decision.
What Makes a Law School “The Best” in [year]?
✅ Bar passage rates NY law schools – Critical for licensure.
✅ Employment rates – Placement in BigLaw, federal clerkships, or public interest roles.
✅ Faculty reputation – Professors with Supreme Court clerkships or groundbreaking research.
✅ Specialized programs – Leading corporate law, tech law, and human rights programs.
✅ Affordability – Law school scholarships New York options.
Next, the [year] rankings.
Top 10 Best Law Schools in New York ([year] Rankings)
Here’s how the best JD programs in New York stack up this year:
| Rank | Law School | Bar Passage Rate | Notable Programs | Employment Rate (10 Months After Grad) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Law School | 98% | Corporate Law, International Law | 95% |
| 2 | NYU School of Law | 97% | Public Interest, Tax Law | 94% |
| 3 | Cornell Law School | 96% | Tech Law, Trial Advocacy | 93% |
| 4 | Fordham University School of Law | 92% | Litigation, Intellectual Property | 89% |
| 5 | Cardozo School of Law | 90% | Dispute Resolution, Entertainment Law | 88% |
| 6 | St. John’s University School of Law | 88% | Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Justice | 86% |
| 7 | Brooklyn Law School | 87% | Immigration Law, Health Law | 85% |
| 8 | CUNY School of Law | 85% | Public Interest, Social Justice | 84% |
| 9 | Albany Law School | 83% | Government Law, Cybersecurity | 82% |
| 10 | Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law | 80% | Environmental Law, Land Use | 81% |
Key Takeaways:
- Columbia vs. NYU Law: Both dominate BigLaw placements, but NYU leads in public interest.
- Best law schools for part-time JD programs: Fordham, Brooklyn Law.
- Highest bar passage rates: Columbia (98%), NYU (97%).
Ivy League vs. Non-Ivy League: Which is Right for You?
Ivy League (Columbia, Cornell, NYU)
✔ Pros:
- Prestigious law schools NY with global alumni networks.
- Best for BigLaw, SCOTUS clerkships.
✖ Cons:
- High tuition (~$75K/year).
- Extreme competition (median LSAT scores for NY law schools: 172+).
Non-Ivy (Fordham, Cardozo, CUNY)
✔ Pros:
- Strong regional reputations (great for NYC jobs).
- More affordable (some offer law school scholarships New York).
✖ Cons:
- Less national reach for DC or California jobs.
Best Law Schools for Specialized Fields
🏛 Corporate Law
- #1 Columbia – Best for Wall Street placements.
- #2 NYU – Strong BigLaw pipeline.
- #3 Fordham – Top mid-sized firm feeder.
⚖ Public Interest Law
- #1 CUNY Law – Most affordable law school NYC for public defenders.
- #2 NYU – Full-tuition Root-Tilden-Kern Scholarship.
💡 Intellectual Property Law
- #1 Cornell – Strong tech law program.
- #2 Cardozo – Best for entertainment law NYC.
Affordable Law Schools in New York
If cost matters:
- CUNY School of Law (~$15K/year in-state).
- SUNY Buffalo Law (~$25K/year).
- Scholarships: NYU’s Root-Tilden-Kern, Columbia need-based aid.
How to Get Into a Top NY Law School ([year] Tips)
- LSAT scores for NY law schools: Aim for 165+ (non-Ivy) or 172+ (Ivy).
- Personal statements: Highlight legal internships or activism.
- Letters of recommendation: Get them from law professors or judges.
Career Outcomes
- BigLaw salaries: $215K+ starting.
- Public interest: 60K–90K, but loan forgiveness available.
Conclusion
The best law school in New York depends on your goals:
- BigLaw? → Columbia or NYU.
- Public interest? → CUNY or NYU.
- Affordable JD? → Fordham or CUNY.
Next steps: Compare law school tuition, visit campuses, and apply!