Why CUNY School Of Law Stands Out For Aspiring Public Interest Lawyers

Thinking about law school but worried about costs, diversity, and real-world impact? CUNY School of Law might be the perfect fit for you. Located in Long Island City, Queens, CUNY Law is more than just a public law school—it’s a mission-driven institution focused on public interest, civil rights, and community justice. Founded in 1983 with a clear vision, it aims to make legal education accessible while training lawyers who use the law as a tool for positive change.

So, what makes CUNY Law different from other schools? For starters, it's the nation’s number one public interest law school, with a strong emphasis on clinical education and social justice. Whether you’re interested in civil rights, immigration law, or policy reform, CUNY Law offers a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.

From flexible JD programs to dual degrees and a commitment to diversity, this law school is designed for students who care about more than just courtroom wins—they want to make a difference in the world. Let’s dive into what makes CUNY Law a standout choice for future lawyers.

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Table of Contents

• What Is CUNY School of Law?
• Why Choose CUNY Law?
• Academic Programs at CUNY Law
• Affordability and Financial Aid
• Campus and Community
• Admissions Process
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is CUNY School of Law?

CUNY School of Law is a public law school based in Queens, New York, and part of the City University of New York system. Established in 1983, it was created to expand access to legal education and promote diversity in the legal profession. Unlike traditional law schools, CUNY Law was founded with a unique dual mission: to train public interest lawyers and to make legal education more affordable and accessible.

As the top-ranked school for public interest and government jobs, CUNY Law offers a curriculum centered around social justice, advocacy, and real-world legal experience. Its graduates often go on to work in nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based legal services, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to public service.

Why Choose CUNY Law?

There are plenty of law schools out there, so why pick CUNY? For one, it’s the only school in the country founded specifically to promote diversity and public interest law. It’s also among the most affordable, making it a great option for students who want to avoid crushing student debt.

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Here are some reasons students choose CUNY Law:

• Public Interest Focus: The school emphasizes using law for social good, with clinics and programs in immigration, housing, labor rights, and more.
• Top-Ranked Clinical Education: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks CUNY Law as one of the best for clinical law education.
• Strong Commitment to Diversity: The student body reflects a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Flexible Learning Options: Whether you're working or raising a family, CUNY offers part-time and evening programs to fit your schedule.

Academic Programs at CUNY Law

CUNY Law offers a range of academic programs designed to align with its mission of justice and public service. The Juris Doctor (JD) program is the most popular, but there are also dual degree options for those looking to combine law with another field.

JD Program

The JD program at CUNY Law is built around experiential learning. Students start working with real clients during their first year through the school’s mandatory Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop. From there, they dive into clinics and externships that give them real-world legal experience.

Dual Degrees

CUNY Law offers several dual degree programs, including:

• J.D./M.P.A.: For students interested in public administration and policy.
• J.D./M.S.W.: Combines law with social work for those interested in community advocacy.
• J.D./M.A. in Urban Studies: Ideal for those focusing on city policy and urban justice issues.

Clinical Programs and Centers

One of the standout features of CUNY Law is its clinical program. Students can work in areas like immigration, housing, workers’ rights, and more. The school’s clinics include:

• Community and Economic Development Law Clinic
• Domestic Violence Litigation Clinic
• Immigrant Justice Clinic

These clinics offer hands-on experience and often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Law school can be expensive, but CUNY Law is one of the most affordable options in the country, especially for in-state students. The school is committed to making legal education accessible and offers generous scholarships and financial aid packages.

Key financial highlights:

• In-State Tuition: Around $20,000 per year
• Out-of-State Tuition: Around $35,000 per year
• Scholarships: Available for both merit and need-based applicants
• Work-Study Programs: Offered for students who qualify

For students looking to avoid high debt, CUNY Law can be a smart choice. Plus, graduates often land public interest jobs that qualify for loan forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Campus and Community

Located in Long Island City, CUNY Law’s campus is part of a vibrant and diverse urban environment. Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the U.S., and the school’s student body reflects that diversity.

Some key points about the campus and community:

• Public Safety: The campus has 24/7 public safety services to ensure a secure environment.
• Student Organizations: There are dozens of student-led groups focused on everything from civil rights to environmental law.
• Community Engagement: CUNY Law students are actively involved in local advocacy and legal aid work.

If you're looking for a law school that feels more like a movement than just a classroom, CUNY Law’s community-driven approach might be exactly what you're after.

Admissions Process

Applying to CUNY Law is done through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The process includes submitting your LSAT or GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Key admissions info:

• LSAC Application: Required for all prospective students
• Personal Statement: Should reflect your interest in public interest law
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically two are needed
• Interview: Not always required but encouraged

CUNY Law looks for students who are passionate about social justice and committed to public service. While academic performance matters, the admissions committee also values life experiences, community involvement, and a clear vision for using law to make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CUNY Law a good school?

Yes, CUNY Law is ranked #107 by U.S. News & World Report but is consistently ranked #1 for clinical education and public interest law. It’s a top choice for students focused on justice and community impact.

How much does CUNY Law cost?

In-state tuition is around $20,000 per year, and out-of-state is about $35,000. Scholarships and financial aid are widely available to help reduce costs.

What makes CUNY Law unique?

CUNY Law was founded to expand access to legal education and promote diversity. It’s the only law school with a core mission centered on public interest and social justice, and it offers some of the best clinical training in the country.

Learn more about how to apply and explore scholarship opportunities on our site. You can also visit this page to see what current students are saying about their experience at CUNY Law.