Few places shape legal careers the way New York does. The state hosts some of the most competitive law schools in the country, feeding talent into federal courts, global firms, financial institutions, and public interest organizations.
Students study in classrooms led by scholars and practitioners who are actively shaping the law.
Outside those classrooms, internships, clerkships, and networking opportunities unfold in one of the most influential legal markets in the world. Finding the right law school is a decision that can influence training, access, and long-term career direction.
For aspiring lawyers weighing prestige, specialization, and professional reach, New York remains one of the most strategic places to begin.
New York Law Schools Ranking
| New York Rank | Law School | Location | National Rank (Research And Teaching, 2026) | National Rank (Job Outcomes, 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York University School of Law | New York City | 2 | 8 |
| 2 | Columbia University School of Law | New York City | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | Cornell Law School | Ithaca | 14 | 18 |
| 4 | Fordham University School of Law | New York City | NA | 38 |
| 5 | Syracuse University College of Law | Syracuse, New York | 42 (Band 201 to 250) | NA |
| 6 | Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) | New York City | NA | NA |
| 7 | St. Johns University School of Law | Queens, New York | NA | NA |
| 8 | Brooklyn Law School | Brooklyn, New York | NA | NA |
| 9 | CUNY School of Law | Queens, New York | NA | NA |
| 10 | Albany Law School | Albany, New York | NA | NA |
Note: National Rank (Research and Teaching, 2026) uses the Times Higher Education US law schools list dated January 21, 2026. National Rank (Job Outcomes, 2025) uses the Above the Law outcomes-focused ranking, referenced via the 7Sage rankings database. NA means the school is not listed in that specific ranking set or banded list.
New York University (NYU) School of Law
New York University School of Law has built its reputation on results. Located in Manhattan, it attracts students seeking serious academic training and direct access to one of the country’s most competitive legal markets.
Getting in is difficult. Recent admissions data show more than 10,000 applicants competing for a class of roughly 450 students. The median LSAT score sits at 172, and the median GPA is close to 3.9. The acceptance rate is around 13 percent, placing NYU among the most selective law schools in the United States.
- Median LSAT: 172
- Median GPA: 3.9
- Acceptance rate: about 13 percent
- Class size: roughly 450 students
- Annual tuition (2025–2026): about $83,000
NYU is especially strong in international law, tax, criminal law, and public policy. Students interested in global affairs, regulatory work, or complex financial matters often find the curriculum aligned with those goals.
Research centers such as the Institute for Policy Integrity and the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice allow students to work on live policy issues while still in school.
Career outcomes remain one of the school’s strongest selling points. The vast majority of graduates secure employment within ten months of graduation, many in positions that require bar passage. Large law firms, federal clerkships, government agencies, and public interest organizations regularly recruit from NYU.
For applicants weighing cost against opportunity, NYU represents a significant investment with a strong track record of placing students in competitive legal roles. The school combines academic intensity with proximity to courts, regulators, and global firms, making it a strategic choice for students who want both prestige and access.
Columbia University School of Law
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Columbia Law is closely tied to the upper end of corporate legal practice in the United States. A large share of its graduates go straight into major New York firms that handle mergers, financial regulation, cross border disputes, and high value litigation.
Admission standards are among the highest in the country. The median LSAT for recent entering classes is about 173, with a median GPA near 3.9. The acceptance rate typically falls in the low teens, meaning only a small fraction of applicants receive offers.
- Median LSAT: about 173
- Median GPA: close to 3.9
- Acceptance rate: low teens
- Annual tuition (2025 to 2026): roughly $78,000 to $80,000
The academic program places strong weight on corporate law, securities regulation, banking law, and international arbitration. Students who want to work in large firms often concentrate on transactional courses and complex commercial litigation. Advanced seminars focus on global markets, financial oversight, and multinational disputes.
Employment data show that a significant portion of each graduating class enters large law firms within months of finishing school. Federal clerkships also remain a consistent outcome for top students. For many applicants, that track record is the central reason to consider Columbia.
The investment is high, and the workload is demanding. In exchange, the school offers a clear pathway into some of the most competitive segments of the legal profession.
Cornell Law School
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Cornell Law School stands apart for one reason: results. Despite its smaller size and location outside New York City, the school consistently places a large share of graduates into major law firms and federal clerkships. Employers treat it as a national school, not a regional one.
The class is intentionally small, which shapes the academic experience. Students work closely with faculty, seminars tend to be tight rather than crowded, and access to professors is more direct than at many larger programs.
- Primary strengths: Constitutional Law, Business Law, corporate transactions, and litigation.
- Class size: Approximately 200 students per entering class.
- Annual tuition (2025–2026): About $77,500.
- Financial aid: Need-based and merit scholarships, plus loan programs.
- Clinics and externships:
- Immigration and asylum advocacy.
- Business and regulatory counseling.
- Environmental and community-based legal projects.
Employment data regularly show strong placement into large law firms, especially in New York and other major markets. Federal clerkships remain a notable outcome for high-performing students. That combination of small class size and national reach is a defining feature of the school.
Cornell’s location in Ithaca creates a different pace from Manhattan, but graduates compete successfully in the same hiring markets as students from larger urban programs. For applicants who want elite placement with a more contained academic environment, Cornell offers a serious alternative.
Fordham University School of Law
Fordham University School of Law has built a strong reputation for its emphasis on Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, making it a prime choice for students looking to excel in courtroom and negotiation skills.
Ranked 29th nationally, the school has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of modern legal practice.
Fordham’s part-time program is a notable feature, providing flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments. This program ensures that students can pursue their legal education without sacrificing their existing responsibilities.
- Ranking: 29th nationally, indicating consistent recognition for academic and professional excellence.
- Tuition: $72,282 annually, with financial aid opportunities available to support students with varying financial needs.
- Part-time program: A flexible option designed for students balancing education with other commitments.
Fordham’s legal clinics are a cornerstone of its educational approach, offering hands-on experience in a variety of fields. Students work directly with real clients under the guidance of experienced faculty, gaining invaluable practical knowledge.
- Focus on real-world application in areas such as criminal defense, environmental law, and community economic development.
- Provide students with the chance to develop their litigation and appellate advocacy skills in a competitive setting.
The school also emphasizes career readiness, with robust networking opportunities, career services, and alumni connections. Fordham graduates are highly sought after in the legal market, particularly in New York and other major legal hubs.
St. John’s University School of Law
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St. John’s University School of Law is a standout institution that emphasizes practical education and career readiness. Its focus on skill-building equips students with the tools they need to excel in competitive legal environments. The school’s Trial Advocacy program is widely recognized as one of its key strengths, preparing students for courtroom success.
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- Tuition: $70,170 per year.
- Specialization: Trial Advocacy with high placement rates in litigation and related fields.
- Financial Support: Scholarships and grants are available for qualified students to make education more accessible.
The school’s commitment to career success is reflected in its robust career services department. This team connects students with leading law firms, government agencies, and corporations, offering a pathway to valuable internships and post-graduation employment.
- Career Services Highlights:
- Personalized career counseling to help students navigate their professional goals.
- Regular job fairs and networking events with potential employers.
- Mock interviews and résumé workshops to ensure students are prepared for job applications.
St. John’s also offers various clinics and externship programs where students gain hands-on experience by working on real cases. This practical approach not only sharpens their skills but also provides exposure to different areas of law, including family law, criminal defense, and transactional law.
Yeshiva University (Cardozo) School of Law
Cardozo School of Law has built a reputation for excellence in Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property. Known for its student-centric approach, the institution fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment where individuals can thrive academically and professionally.
The school’s emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning prepares students for real-world challenges in the legal field.
- Strong programs in Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property, attracting students with a passion for these areas of law.
- Annual tuition is $69,826, with a variety of scholarships and grants designed to support qualified students.
- Cardozo offers robust clinical programs and externships, allowing students to gain practical legal experience while contributing to meaningful cases.
- The school prioritizes creating an academic community that values mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
Brooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Law School excels in preparing students for successful careers through its exceptional Business and Corporate Law programs. These programs equip students with the skills needed to thrive in competitive legal fields.
The institution also emphasizes clinical training, enabling students to work on real legal cases and gain hands-on experience. Graduates leave with practical skills and the confidence to navigate the legal profession effectively.
Students secure impressive employment outcomes, with many landing positions at prestigious law firms, corporations, and other legal organizations. The school prioritizes career readiness by offering a dedicated career services team that actively guides students in finding internships, building networks, and securing job placements.
Tuition costs $70,356 per year, but the school provides scholarships and financial aid to help students manage their expenses. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the school gives students direct access to a bustling legal environment, internships, clerkships, and invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
CUNY School of Law
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CUNY School of Law is widely regarded for its dedication to public interest law and social justice, making it an excellent choice for students passionate about advocacy and community-focused work.
Its mission is to prepare lawyers who will use their skills to improve access to justice, often working with marginalized and underserved populations.
The institution emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring students graduate with practical experience and a strong sense of professional purpose.
- With in-state tuition at $8,006 per year, it provides an accessible option for students who may otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing a legal education.
- The school’s clinical programs are highly respected, giving students opportunities to handle real cases under the supervision of experienced professionals. These programs are central to its hands-on approach to legal education.
- Students have the chance to work on issues such as immigration, housing rights, environmental justice, and criminal defense, equipping them with the tools to effect meaningful change.
- Situated in Long Island City, Queens, it offers proximity to courts, public interest organizations, and government offices, enhancing networking and internship opportunities.
- The school fosters an inclusive environment where students collaborate to address pressing societal issues.
CUNY Law’s commitment to affordable education and real-world experience ensures graduates are prepared to excel in roles that prioritize service and advocacy.
Syracuse University College of Law
Syracuse University College of Law provides students with an excellent platform to grow academically and professionally. The school emphasizes practical training, enabling students to gain real-world experience during their studies.
Its commitment to fostering connections and hands-on learning makes it a valuable option for aspiring legal professionals. The tuition rate of $59,880 per year makes it a more accessible choice compared to some other institutions in New York.
- Students benefit from regular networking events, guest lectures by industry professionals, and connections facilitated by the school’s extensive alumni network.
- Syracuse Law ensures access to internships in a wide range of legal fields, including corporate law, criminal justice, and public interest law.
- The school’s externship program allows students to gain direct legal experience by working with:
- Government agencies.
- Judicial offices and courts.
- Private law firms.
Other Highlights:
- Clinics and simulated courtroom experiences help students build confidence and refine their legal skills.
- Syracuse Law incorporates modern legal technology into its curriculum, preparing students for the evolving demands of the profession.
- The school offers specialized services supporting veterans, showcasing its focus on service and advocacy.
With a strong emphasis on preparing students for the realities of legal practice, Syracuse University College of Law equips graduates with the tools needed to succeed in competitive environments.
Albany Law School
Albany Law School is a prominent institution recognized for its focus on Environmental Law and Clinical Training. It offers students a practical and engaging legal education that emphasizes real-world applications.
With a tuition fee of $58,044 per year, the school provides extensive financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to support students in managing their educational expenses.
Located in Albany, the state capital, the school offers unparalleled access to New York’s legislative and regulatory institutions. Students benefit greatly from proximity to government agencies, courts, and advocacy organizations, which enhances their legal education and career prospects.
- Specializations: Environmental Law and Clinical Training programs equip students with critical skills to address modern legal challenges effectively.
- Tuition and Financial Aid:
- Annual tuition: $58,044.
- Availability of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.
- Loan forgiveness programs for public interest law graduates.
- Proximity to Government Institutions:
- Close to the state legislature, regulatory agencies, and the New York Court of Appeals.
- Offers students hands-on experience in legal processes and policymaking.
- Experiential Learning:
- Clinical programs allow students to work on real cases under faculty supervision.
- Internship and externship opportunities in legislative, judicial, and non-profit settings.
- Albany Law School fosters a supportive and career-oriented environment, preparing students for successful careers in various legal fields.
The Bottom Line
New York concentrates an unusual number of serious law schools in one state. At the top, Columbia, NYU, and Cornell compete nationally for the same students and the same employers. Below that tier, schools like Fordham, Cardozo, and St. John’s feed directly into the New York legal market. Public options such as CUNY offer a different model, focused on access and advocacy.
The differences are not cosmetic. They show up in class size, tuition, employment outcomes, and the types of careers graduates typically enter. Some schools send large portions of their class into national firms and federal clerkships. Others emphasize trial work, public service, or regional practice.
Rankings matter, but so do cost, debt load, and the kind of work you want to be doing five years after graduation. A law degree from New York can open powerful doors. The smarter move is choosing the institution that lines up with the career you actually intend to build.