| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Location: Long Island City, New York, USA
Founded: 1983
Type: Public Law School
Accreditation: American Bar Association (ABA) & Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
Ranking: Ranked among the Top Law Schools for Public Interest Law & Clinical Training
Learning Approach: Focuses on social justice, hands-on legal training, and public service
Juris Doctor (J.D.) Programs
Full-Time J.D. Program (3 years)
Part-Time J.D. Program (4 years) (For working professionals)
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice (For foreign-trained lawyers)
Legal Clinics & Experiential Learning:
CUNY Law has one of the best clinical programs in the U.S., offering hands-on legal training.
Students work with real clients in public defense, immigration law, civil rights, and human rights cases.
Modern campus in Long Island City, NY, near Manhattan’s legal and financial district.
Law Library, Moot Courtrooms, and Student Legal Organizations.
Strong partnerships with law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
J.D. Tuition Fees (Per Year):
In-State Students: ~$16,000
Out-of-State Students: ~$26,000
LL.M. Tuition Fees: ~$25,000 per year
Scholarships & Financial Aid Available
Top school for public interest law, with graduates working in public defense, human rights, and government law.
Bar Passage Rate: ~85% (Varies by year).
Strong employment outcomes in legal aid, nonprofit law, and social justice sectors.
General J.D. Admission Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited institution)
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test)
Personal Statement & Resume
Letters of Recommendation
LL.M. Admission Requirements:
Law Degree (LL.B. or equivalent from outside the U.S.)
TOEFL/IELTS (for non-native English speakers)
Application Deadlines:
J.D. Program: Rolling admissions, but priority deadline in March/April
LL.M. Program: Apply by June for Fall intake
Program Name |
Degree Type |
Duration |
Learning Format |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Full-Time |
J.D. |
3 years |
On-campus |
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Part-Time |
J.D. |
4 years |
On-campus (Evening Classes) |
|
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights & Social Justice |
LL.M. |
1 year |
On-campus |
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is designed for students who want to practice law in the U.S. and specialize in public interest law, criminal defense, immigration law, and human rights.
Full-time (3 years) and Part-time (4 years) options
Focus on social justice, constitutional law, and civil rights
Includes legal research, litigation skills, and practical training
J.D. Specializations (Elective Courses & Clinics):
Immigration Law & Human Rights
Criminal Defense & Justice Reform
Labor & Employment Law
Environmental Law & Policy
Family Law & Domestic Violence
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights & Social Justice is designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to practice in the U.S. or specialize in international law and advocacy.
1-year full-time program
Prepares students for the New York Bar Exam
Focus on civil rights, human rights litigation, and social justice law
CUNY School of Law is ranked among the top law schools for clinical training in the U.S.
Students work on real cases under faculty supervision
Hands-on experience with public defenders, nonprofit law firms, and government agencies
Notable Legal Clinics:
Immigrant & Refugee Rights Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Family Law Practice Clinic
Community & Economic Development Clinic
Elder Law & Disability Justice Clinic
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
1 year (Full-Time) |
~$25,000 |
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
2 years (Part-Time) |
~$12,500 per year |
Program Name |
Duration |
Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Full-Time |
3 years |
Bachelor's degree + LSAT |
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Part-Time |
4 years |
Bachelor's degree + LSAT |
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
1 year (Full-Time) |
Law degree (LL.B./equivalent) |
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
2 years (Part-Time) |
Law degree (LL.B./equivalent) |
LL.M. students can take courses that prepare them for the New York Bar Exam.
For J.D. Applicants:
Completed Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited institution)
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test)
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
For LL.M. Applicants:
Law Degree (LL.B. or Equivalent) (from a non-U.S. university)
TOEFL/IELTS Score (For Non-Native English Speakers)
Personal Statement (Explaining interest in human rights law)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation
CUNY School of Law offers:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – For students seeking to practice law in the U.S.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights & Social Justice – For foreign-trained lawyers.
Where to Apply?
J.D. Program: Apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website
LL.M. Program: Apply directly via the CUNY School of Law website
Application Deadlines:
Program |
Priority Deadline |
Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
J.D. (Fall Intake Only) |
March |
May 15 |
|
LL.M. (Fall Intake Only) |
June 1 |
July 1 |
CUNY Law does not offer Spring admissions for J.D. or LL.M. programs.
Application Fee:
J.D. Applicants: $60 (via LSAC)
LL.M. Applicants: $60 (via CUNY Law)
Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited institution)
LSAT Score (Law School Admission Test)
Personal Statement (Essay explaining legal career goals and commitment to public interest law)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (2 required)
Character & Fitness Disclosure (if applicable)
GRE scores are NOT accepted for J.D. admissions.
Law Degree (LL.B. or Equivalent) from an accredited institution
English Language Proficiency Test (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers)
Personal Statement (Explaining interest in human rights and social justice law)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (2 required)
Official Transcripts (Evaluated by LSAC or WES for foreign degrees)
LL.M. applicants can take courses to prepare for the New York Bar Exam.
Some J.D. or LL.M. applicants may be invited for an interview with the admissions committee to discuss their qualifications and commitment to public interest law.
Processing Time:
J.D. Applicants: Decisions are sent within 6-8 weeks after submission.
LL.M. Applicants: Decisions are sent within 4-6 weeks after submission.
If accepted, students will receive an official admission letter via email.
Deposit Required: To secure a seat, students must pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit (amount varies by program).
For International Students:
Request Form I-20 from CUNY Law to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Steps for F-1 Visa Application:
Receive Form I-20 from CUNY Law.
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) at.
Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
Attend the visa interview & obtain the F-1 student visa.
Arrive in the U.S. before classes start!
After confirming enrollment, students will receive details on course registration, orientation, and academic advising.
Program |
Intake |
Priority Deadline |
Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Full-Time & Part-Time |
Fall (September) |
March |
May 15 |
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
Fall (September) |
June 1 |
July 1 |
Note: CUNY Law does not offer Spring admissions. Applying early increases chances of admission and scholarship opportunities.
Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited institution)
LSAT Score (Required, no GRE accepted)
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ (Recommended)
Personal Statement (Explaining interest in public interest law)
Resume/CV (Highlighting academic & professional experience)
Letters of Recommendation (2 Required)
Character & Fitness Disclosure (If applicable)
For International Students:
Must have an equivalent foreign bachelor’s degree.
LSAT is required, even for foreign applicants.
Law Degree (LL.B. or Equivalent) (From a recognized institution outside the U.S.)
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ (Recommended)
TOEFL/IELTS Score (For non-native English speakers)
Personal Statement (Explaining career goals & interest in human rights law)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (2 Required)
Official Transcripts (Evaluated by LSAC or WES if foreign degree)
LL.M. students can take courses to qualify for the New York Bar Exam.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CUNY Law Merit Scholarship |
High LSAT score & GPA (J.D. applicants) |
N/A |
J.D. (Full-Time & Part-Time) |
|
Public Interest Law Scholarship |
Commitment to public service & social justice |
N/A |
J.D. & LL.M. |
|
Pipeline to Justice Scholarship |
Underrepresented students in law |
Partial to Full Tuition |
J.D. |
|
Dean’s Public Service Scholarship |
Strong academic performance & leadership |
$5,000 - $10,000 |
J.D. & LL.M. |
|
CUNY Law Foundation Scholarships |
Financial need & academic excellence |
N/A |
J.D. & LL.M. |
|
Maloney Family Scholarship |
Students focusing on labor/employment law |
N/A |
J.D. |
|
Bar Exam Preparation Scholarship |
Graduating students needing financial assistance for bar prep |
N/A |
J.D. (Final Year) |
|
LL.M. International Student Scholarship |
High-achieving foreign-trained lawyers |
N/A |
LL.M. |
|
External & Private Scholarships |
Third-party funding options |
$1,000 - $10,000 |
J.D. & LL.M. |
Campus Name |
Location |
Facilities Available |
|---|---|---|
|
CUNY School of Law |
Long Island City, Queens, NY |
Law library, moot courtrooms, legal clinics, student lounges, career services, and public transportation access |
Key Location Benefits:
Located in New York City, close to courthouses, law firms, and nonprofit organizations.
Near subway lines (easy access to Manhattan and Brooklyn).
State-of-the-art law library, research centers, and legal clinics for hands-on training.
Accommodation Type |
Location (Nearby Areas) |
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 roommates) |
Long Island City, Queens |
$1,200 - $2,000 |
$14,400 - $24,000 |
|
Studio Apartment (Single Occupancy) |
Queens / Brooklyn |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
$24,000 - $42,000 |
|
1-Bedroom Apartment |
Manhattan |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
$42,000 - $60,000 |
|
Homestay (with a family, meals included) |
Queens / Brooklyn |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
$18,000 - $30,000 |
Additional Living Costs:
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Water): ~$200 - $300 per month
Public Transportation (NYC Subway & Buses): ~$127 per month (Unlimited MetroCard)
Food & Groceries: ~$400 - $800 per month
Located in Long Island City, New York, CUNY Law provides students with access to New York’s vibrant legal, political, and nonprofit sectors. The campus features:
A modern law library and moot courtrooms for legal research and advocacy training.
Legal clinics and student resource centers to provide hands-on experience.
Convenient public transportation access, making it easy to reach Manhattan, courthouses, and legal hubs.
The small class sizes and faculty-student mentorship encourage collaborative learning and a strong sense of community.
CUNY Law is nationally recognized for its top-ranked clinical programs, which allow students to work on real legal cases in areas like:
Immigration & Refugee Rights
Criminal Defense & Civil Rights
Family Law & Domestic Violence
Environmental & Community Development Law
Students are encouraged to engage in pro bono work, internships, and externships with legal aid organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit law firms.
CUNY Law students are passionate about activism and public service. There are numerous student-led organizations that focus on different areas of law and social justice, such as:
Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
Latino/a Law Students Association (LLSA)
CUNY Law Review (student-run legal journal)
Immigration Law Society
National Lawyers Guild (NLG)
These groups organize legal workshops, community outreach events, and networking opportunities with attorneys, judges, and policymakers.
CUNY Law does not provide on-campus housing, but students find accommodation in Long Island City, Queens, Brooklyn, or Manhattan.
Queens and Brooklyn are more affordable than Manhattan.
NYC public transit (subway & buses) makes commuting easy and cost-effective.
The diverse and fast-paced lifestyle of NYC provides students with access to legal networking events, cultural experiences, and professional development opportunities.
CUNY Law offers comprehensive career services to help students prepare for legal internships, externships, and full-time employment.
On-campus job fairs & networking events with law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Bar exam preparation workshops & mentoring.
Strong alumni network in public interest law, criminal justice, and human rights law.
Graduates often secure positions in public defense, civil rights organizations, legal aid offices, and policy advocacy groups.
Despite the rigorous law school workload, students at CUNY Law find time for social events and professional networking.
Public Interest Law Conferences & Guest Lectures featuring top attorneys, activists, and policymakers.
Community Service & Legal Clinics providing free legal aid to marginalized communities.
Diversity & Cultural Events celebrating the school’s inclusive and activist-oriented environment.
85-90% of graduates secure employment within 10 months of graduation.
60-70% of graduates enter public interest law, government, or nonprofit organizations.
High placement in legal aid, criminal defense, civil rights, and immigration law.
Bar passage rate: ~85% (varies by year).
Career Path |
Common Job Titles |
Average Salary (USD per Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Interest Law |
Legal Aid Attorney, Civil Rights Lawyer, Nonprofit Counsel |
$50,000 - $80,000 |
|
Criminal Defense & Public Defense |
Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) |
$60,000 - $90,000 |
|
Government & Policy Advocacy |
Legislative Counsel, Human Rights Lawyer |
$55,000 - $95,000 |
|
Immigration & Refugee Law |
Immigration Attorney, Asylum Advocate |
$50,000 - $85,000 |
|
Private Sector (Small Law Firms) |
Associate Attorney, Contract Lawyer |
$70,000 - $100,000 |
Note: Salaries vary based on location, experience, and sector. Public interest law salaries are generally lower than corporate law, but loan forgiveness programs help offset costs.
CUNY Law integrates clinical legal education into its curriculum, giving students hands-on experience before they graduate.
Mandatory legal externships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public defenders’ offices.
Paid and unpaid summer internships with law firms, courts, and advocacy groups.
Judicial clerkships available for high-performing students.
Top Employers of CUNY Law Graduates:
Legal Aid Society (Public Defense & Civil Rights)
New York City Law Department
ACLU & Human Rights Watch
Brooklyn Defender Services (Criminal & Family Law)
Immigrant Justice Corps
International students can gain work experience through:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – Allows part-time work during the program in related fields.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Up to 12 months of work after graduation (LL.M. students preparing for the NY Bar may qualify).
H-1B Work Visa Sponsorships – Some graduates secure jobs in immigration law firms or human rights organizations that offer visa sponsorship.
CUNY School of Law provides extensive career development support:
Resume & Cover Letter Workshops – Helps students tailor applications for public interest roles.
On-Campus & Virtual Career Fairs – Connects students with government agencies, legal aid organizations, and law firms.
Alumni Mentorship & Networking Events – Helps students secure jobs through professional connections.
Bar Exam & Career Counseling – Provides job search guidance and bar preparation resources.
Strong employment rate (85-90%), particularly in public interest law, government, and social justice sectors.
Internships and legal clinics provide valuable real-world experience before graduation.
High placement in nonprofit, legal aid, and human rights organizations.
International students have career pathways through OPT, CPT, and H-1B sponsorships.
CUNY School of Law has an acceptance rate of approximately 34-40%, making it a moderately competitive law school. The school primarily focuses on public interest law, and applicants with a strong commitment to social justice, legal advocacy, and public service have a higher chance of acceptance.
CUNY Law evaluates applicants based on:
LSAT Score – Competitive applicants typically score 150-157.
Undergraduate GPA – A minimum 3.0 GPA is recommended.
Personal Statement – Must demonstrate a commitment to public interest law.
Letters of Recommendation – Strong academic or professional references improve chances.
Work & Volunteer Experience – Prior experience in legal aid, human rights, or social justice is highly valued.
Program |
Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Full-Time |
~34-40% |
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Part-Time |
~40-45% |
|
LL.M. in Human Rights & Social Justice |
~40-50% |
CUNY School of Law
2 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
Located in Queens, NYC, with easy access to courts, law firms, and advocacy organizations.
Minutes from Manhattan, home to major legal institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Near key legal hubs such as New York Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, and legal aid offices.
Surrounded by diverse communities, making it ideal for students interested in immigration law, public defense, and civil rights advocacy.
CUNY Law is highly accessible via New York City's public transportation system:
Subway: E, M, G, and 7 trains stop at Court Square Station, right next to campus.
Bus Routes: Several MTA bus lines connect students to other boroughs.
Taxis & Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are widely available.
Airports Nearby: JFK International Airport (45 min) and LaGuardia Airport (30 min) for international students.
