Whether you go upstate or to the middle of Manhattan, some of the top law schools in the U.S. are in New York. Many famous and prestigious lawyers came from New York law schools, and it’s easy to see why.
New York City is the crossroads for many industries, including finance, technology, government, and fashion. There are countless opportunities for legal externships and to gain general experience. New York state also has a lot of law schools, second only to California.
There are plenty of law schools to choose from in the state, but we wanted to make sure you know what the top law schools in New York are. Each of these law schools made it onto this list thanks to their high bar passage rates, top law programs, and other stand-out features.
Here’s a list of the top law schools in New York*, based on rankings obtained from U.S. News and World Report.
*All data in this post was obtained from U.S. News and World Report.
Best Law Schools in New York (State)
1. New York University (NYU Law)
2. Columbia University (Columbia Law School)
3. Cornell University
4. Fordham University
5. St. John’s University (Tie)
5. Yeshiva University (Cardozo) (Tie)
7. University at Buffalo—SUNY
8. Syracuse University
9. Albany Law School (Tie)
9. Brooklyn Law School (Tie)
Best Law Schools in New York City
1. New York University (NYU Law)
2. Columbia University (Columbia Law School)
3. Fordham University
4. St. John’s University (Tie)
4. Yeshiva University (Cardozo) (Tie)
6. Brooklyn Law School
1. New York University School of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #8
Tuition: $83,152
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.91
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 172
Acceptance Rate: 16.7%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 96.6%
New York University School of Law is an international beacon of excellence and ensures its students receive a holistic legal education from day one. 1L law students are enrolled in NYU’s Lawyering Program, which teaches the real-world skills (including financial literacy) that all lawyers need. Each class size is small, averaging about 26 law students, allowing the professors to develop a closer relationship with each student. If you’ve ever been in a giant lecture hall with hundreds of other students, you can understand the benefits of a smaller class.
Student involvement is also a major push at New York University. There are more than 100 student groups to join across different interests. The Law School offers more than 40 clinics and guarantees summer funding for law students working in government and nonprofit organizations. Law students can also apply to join the law review.
If you’ve always wanted to study abroad, you’ve come to the right place. Situated in the middle of the gateway to the world, NYU Law has many opportunities across the globe, including law programs in Buenos Aires and Paris.
If you’re ready to apply to New York University, make sure your application is up to par. Your GPA and LSAT score need to be nearly pristine to compete with nearly 8,500 applicants.
2. Columbia University Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #10 (Tie)
Tuition: $84,820
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.9
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 173
Acceptance Rate: 11.8%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 95.5%
Columbia University Law School offers a quintessential Ivy League education. With its rich history, prestigious law review, esteemed faculty, and notable alumni, Columbia easily ranks as one of the top law schools in New York and best law schools in the U.S.
Its Contracts/Commercial Law program is ranked #4 in the country, while Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, International Law, Criminal Law, and Environmental Law are all placed in the top 10. It comes as no surprise that Columbia Law School graduates are well prepared for the real world, with 95.5% passing the bar their first time and easily finding a job by graduation.
Understandably, many pre-law students wonder how to get accepted into Columbia Law School. It’s not an easy task. The median LSAT score of program entrants is 173 (that’s the 98th percentile) and the median GPA of program entrants is 3.9. However, since many high-achieving students apply to Columbia, you’ll need more than good numbers to stand a chance. Make sure your application is well-rounded and your personal statement clearly shows who you are and the value you would bring to one of the best law schools in New York.
Once you’re in, you’ll be set up for success. Columbia pushes the boundaries of legal education with an innovative curriculum and courses in emerging subject areas. While it’s not the most affordable law school, financial aid is available: nearly 58% of full-time students receive grants.
3. Cornell University Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #18
Tuition: $81,416
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.89
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 173
Acceptance Rate: 23.1%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 94.9%
If you’re looking for a small law school with a distinguished reputation, then Cornell Law School should be at the top of your list of best law schools in New York. The school does a great job at nurturing a small community among its law students and faculty, allowing students to engage with their professors even outside the classroom.
As an Ivy League and one of the top law schools in New York, Cornell attracts leaders in their fields to teach the next generation of lawyers and give them the education they need for the competitive job market. Their first-time bar passage rate of 94.9% blows away New York State’s rate of 57% for February of 2025. It’s no wonder Cornell is ranked fifth in the nation for job placement at big law firms.
However, you certainly get what you pay for. Cornell has one of the highest tuition rates in the area at $81,416. The median grant amount is $30,000 and 2% of students receive grants of full tuition.
4. Fordham University
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #38 (Tie)
Tuition: $75,728
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.76
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 167
Acceptance Rate: 22.2%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 87.8%
Fordham Law, one of the largest law schools in the nation, is a staple in the Manhattan legal scene. Its trial advocacy program is ranked #5 in the nation and the program offers five distinct concentrations: business and financial law, intellectual property and information law, comparative and foreign law, litigation and dispute resolution, and public interest.
Fordham graduates practice all over the world. This New York law school has a high employment rate with the top law firms, and 89.5% of its students graduated with full-time legal jobs (according to LawHub). Its first-time bar passage rate is higher than the statewide rate, so you know you’ll graduate with all the tools you’ll need.
Most students go to law school full-time, as not many schools offer part-time programs. Fordham Law’s part-time program is ranked third in the nation and its average LSAT score and GPA are competitive (164 and 3.61, respectively).
5. St. John’s University Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #63 (Tie)
Tuition: $74,136
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.74
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 162
Acceptance Rate: 30.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 87.1%
If you’re looking for a top law school in New York with Roman Catholic affiliations, look no further than St. John’s University Law School. Located in Queens, it’s just a quick train ride into Manhattan, providing easy access to the city’s big law firms.
This New York law school prides itself on sending out graduates who are ready to hit the ground running. The curriculum emphasizes legal theory and research, experiential learning, and legal skills training. Law students also get exposed to different types of law so they can find one they’re passionate about.
Getting accepted to St. John’s University Law School isn’t an easy feat, but a high LSAT score will come in handy here and perhaps balance out a lower GPA. With an acceptance rate of 30.6%, it’s a school you can put on your target list with some degree of confidence, though gaining admission is by no means guaranteed.
5. Yeshiva University Cardozo Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #63 (Tie)
Tuition: $73,440
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.8
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 164
Acceptance Rate: 37.5%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 83.9%
Cardozo Law School boasts nationally recognized dispute resolution and intellectual property law programs. However, you might have heard about its most acclaimed program, The Innocence Project, an initiative that aims to assist prisoners who could be proven innocent through DNA testing. To date, they have helped exonerate 203 people in the U.S. through DNA testing. The Innocence Project was founded in 1992 at Cardozo Law, cementing its commitment to social justice and protecting civil rights.
Over the years, Cardozo Law School has continued to add specialized clinics in other concentrations. Most recently, they added the Intellectual Property Program, the Fashion, Arts, Media & Entertainment Law Center, and the Cardozo Data Law Initiative. Law students flock to this top law school in New York to receive real-world experience before they even graduate.
With a high acceptance rate and a modest average LSAT scores, Cardozo Law is an incredible top law school in New York. You’ll receive practical, hands-on training while connecting with faculty and outside lawyers to give you an advantage during the job hunt.
7. University at Buffalo—SUNY
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #94
Tuition: $29,390
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.71
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 156
Acceptance rate: 44.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 81.1%
As the only law school in the State University of New York system, the University of Buffalo School of Law offers students a variety of unique experiences. They can take advantage of domestic and international law opportunities across North America, thanks to this law school’s proximity to the Canadian border.
And while most law students look forward to winter break before the spring semester, Buffalo law students can enroll in short January courses on a diverse array of topics. These include buying and selling businesses, choosing the right jury, and the direct and cross-examination of expert witnesses, among many others.
If you’re looking for an affordable law school in a city with a low cost of living, then the University of Buffalo Law School should be at the top of your list.
8. Syracuse University College of Law
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #107
Tuition: $64,417
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.62
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 158
Acceptance Rate: 39%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 74.6%
Do you look good in orange? Because you will be seeing a lot of it if you go to Syracuse University College of Law. The campus is visually stunning and houses one of the 50 most impressive law buildings in the world, Dineen Hall.
Syracuse Law students jump into the job market with a competitive edge. Nearly 75% of the Syracuse graduates pass the bar their first time, a much higher percentage than the state’s 57% average for February of 2025.
This New York law school offers 13 joint-degree programs, ranging in everything from a joint MBA to an MS in Forensic Science. Whatever you’re passionate about, you can chase it at Syracuse Law while pursuing a law degree.
9. Albany Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #117 (Tie)
Tuition: $60,946
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.47
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 156
Acceptance Rate: 47.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 82.1%
Located in the capital of the Empire State, it’s no surprise that Prelaw Magazine ranked Albany Law School #1 in preparing students for government jobs. If you want to be a lawyer that has a real impact on your community, this school is an excellent choice. Here you can make connections, develop your leadership abilities, and pursue your passion for public service.
That passion will serve you well at Albany, as it’s what compels students to do extensive pro bono work for people in upstate New York. In fact, the class of 2025 completed over 50,000 hours of pro bono advocacy! Administered through the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center, pro bono projects are a key part of your training at Albany Law School. They’ll help you become the legal leader you aspire to be by giving you an opportunity to solve real problems out in the community.
9. Brooklyn Law School
U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #117 (Tie)
Tuition: $72,592
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.54
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 160
Acceptance Rate: 54.3%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 78.8%
Brooklyn University Law School is minutes away from the center of Wall Street and all that New York City has to offer. This top New York City law school pioneered clinical programs, creating one of the first in the nation. Brooklyn University’s clinical program is still regarded as one of the finest, and it places students in hundreds of state and federal courthouses, government agencies, law offices, and businesses throughout New York City.
If you’re looking for a great law school with diversity, you’re in the right place. Brooklyn Law School has been committed to increasing accessibility to a legal education for everyone since its founding in 1901. During a time when some law schools excluded women and minorities, Brooklyn Law School opened its doors to any qualified student. Today, more than half of the student population is female and students come from a variety of backgrounds.
Although Brooklyn Law School isn’t the most affordable law school in New York City, it’s not a terrible value. Its high bar passage rate and acceptance rate (thanks to a median 160 LSAT score) makes Brooklyn Law School a good option for students who want to go to law school in New York.
How Do I Get Accepted to a Top New York Law School?
Applying to law school calls for proper planning. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Register and Prepare for the LSAT
Whether you’re applying to the best law school in New York City or one of the top law schools in New York state, the first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, all these law schools in New York have median LSAT scores you should aim to reach or surpass. Remember, law schools want to attract the strongest applicants, so make sure you give yourself the best chance by getting a high LSAT score.
2. Find the Right Law School for You
Some applicants would look for a particular program of study or where they can get the most financial support. Others would prefer to stay in a close location because of family or work. The idea of the “right law school” depends on your own preferences and needs.
3. Get To Know School Recruiters in Person
Go to law school recruiting events and speak to the representatives there. This is a great way to obtain information about their programs that’s not readily available on their websites. Also consider joining forums and workshops.
4. Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Almost all ABA-approved law schools require the use of CAS reports in the admission process. CAS standardizes the information needed in making admission decisions.
5. Get All Required Transcripts
Request official copies or approved electronic transcripts from your undergrad institution. Make sure all are complete and accurate.
6. Ask for Letters of Recommendation
It’s essential to review each institution’s guidelines carefully, as letters of recommendation can play a pivotal role in the admissions process. Letters from faculty members are highly regarded, but the specific requirements for them differ from school to school.
7. Submit Your Application
The sooner you do this, the better. Many law schools use a rolling admissions process, which means they evaluate/accept applicants as they come in. Applying to school early could pay off. But never send in an application if it’s not ready. Double-check everything and make sure the application is of high quality before clicking send.
Which Law School in New York Is Right for Me?
We know choosing a law school is extremely difficult, especially when law schools in New York have impressive stats and so many appealing features. If you have the drive, you’ll become a great lawyer no matter where you go to law school, but these are some of our top New York law school picks, based on best offerings:
- New York Law School with the Highest Bar Passage Rate: New York University School of Law
- New York Law School with the Highest Acceptance Rate: Brooklyn Law School
- Most Affordable New York Law School: University of Buffalo School of Law
Ultimately, you need to decide what you’re looking for in a law school and what factors matter to you most.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re applying to the best law school in New York or Florida, the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Remember, law schools want to attract the best of the best, so make sure you give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high LSAT score.
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