New York is home to the city that never sleeps. With several top law schools, including at least three which consistently rank among the top 20, it's also filled with its fair share of law students that never sleep. One of the major benefits of going to law school in New York is the access it affords to the New York legal market, which incorporates the heart of the U.S. financial sector, among others. With all of the domestic and international financial transactions taking place in the state, it's no surprise that New York has had the highest number of active attorneys even though it's the fourth largest state in the union.
Unique Law School Opportunities
Studying law in the same jurisdiction that governs Wall Street and some of the largest national and international corporations, not to mention one of the most diverse populations in the world, presents many unique opportunities for students. These opportunities are reflected in the wide range of programs offered in New York's law schools which include, among others, the following centers and institutes:
- Institute for Financial Market Regulation (Albany Law School)
- Center on National Security (Fordham University School of Law)
- Center for International Commercial and Investment Arbitration (Columbia University Law School)
- Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy (Hofstra University School of Law)
- Center for Cybersecurity (New York University School of Law)
- Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies (Pace University School of Law)
- Clarke Business Law Institute (Cornell University Law School)
- Disability Law and Policy Program (Syracuse University College of Law)
- Center for Bankruptcy Studies (St. John's University School of Law)
As you research the law schools you would like to attend, pay special attention to any unique practice areas and courses that you can learn while a student. After all, going to a law school where you can obtain specialized knowledge of particular practice areas is one way to stand out when you graduate and enter one of the largest legal markets in the country.
The Money Factor
Given that five of New York's top law schools are located in New York City, going to one of these schools would mean living in one of the most expensive areas in the country. Before making the move, you should check out the CNN Cost of Living Calculator to get an idea of what it would cost to live in New York. Keep in mind that some of New York's law schools, such as Albany Law School and Syracuse University College of Law are outside of the Big Apple and may be more financially appealing. Also, New York has a decent public transportation system, which may make it possible to attend schools in the city while living in farther, but less expensive areas.
With the potential costs associated with going to law school in New York, it's important to carefully consider all of the financial assistance that may be available to you. Having a good financial plan before law school can make a tremendous difference once you're armed with your degree and ready to take on the world.
ABA-Approved New York Law Schools
To learn more, a list of law schools in New York approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) is provided in the chart below.
| School | Location |
| Albany Law School | Albany |
| Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law | New York City |
| Brooklyn Law School | Brooklyn |
| City University of New York School of Law at Queens College | Flushing |
| Columbia University Law School | New York City |
| Cornell University Law School | Ithaca |
| Fordham University School of Law | New York City |
| Hofstra University School of Law | Hempstead |
| New York Law School | New York City |
| New York University School of Law | New York City |
| Pace University School of Law | White Plains |
| St. John's University School of Law | Jamaica |
| State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law | Buffalo |
| Syracuse University College of Law | Syracuse |
| Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center | Central Islip |
What's Next for You?
Like most prospective law students, you probably have an ever-growing list of questions about law school and the legal profession. FindLaw's lawyers have been in your shoes and can provide you with some of the lessons learned from their law school experiences. Stay tuned to FindLaw for Law Students for more information and resources to guide you as you launch into your legal career.