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 2025 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 2025?
✅ 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 2025 rankings.
Top 10 Best Law Schools in New York (2025 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 (2025 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!
