In the past, many individuals gained legal knowledge through an intensive and expensive apprenticeship at a law office. One of America’s founding fathers, John Jay himself learned law this way.
Columbia Law offers ten externship clinics. These programs combine seminars with field experience at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government offices.
Central Park
Columbia Law’s Manhattan campus sits amidst the vibrant Upper West Side neighborhood. Students enjoy access to all that New York City has to offer via its main campus connection as well.
The school is widely recognized for its commitment to clinical education, providing students the chance to practice law under faculty supervision. There are nine clinics at this school specializing in sexuality and gender law law.
Many Columbia alumni have achieved prominent positions within the US government, including two presidents and nine Supreme Court justices whose degrees came from Columbia. Columbia alumni also find great success in business; several Forbes 400 list members hold degrees from Columbia.
Candidates should note that while the school considers all graduate-level students independent in order to determine eligibility for Federal Student Aid, complete financial information from both custodial and noncustodial parents is still needed in order to assess institutional funds eligibility.
Greene Hall
Columbia offers students numerous courses, clinics and seminars designed to give them hands-on legal experience. Students studying environmental or sexuality law clinics benefit from close guidance by faculty members.
Full-time studies at Columbia are certainly not inexpensive, yet still within reach for qualified applicants. Columbia offers generous scholarship, loan, and other financial aid programs to make studies cost-effective for qualified students.
New York City, an international center of culture, politics, media and advocacy is home to Columbia Law School – making this global city an invaluable learning environment. A quick MetroCard swipe can take you from United Nations-style lecture halls at Columbia to actual law firms or public interest organizations – giving its graduates a competitive edge when entering the workforce. Columbia offers various academic centers specializing in topics ranging from European law to gender equality so students can join research projects and events while at school.
Lenfest Hall
Columbia Law attracts curious, resourceful applicants who are dedicated to excellence and motivated to effect change within their fields of interest. Each year, students enroll from an array of backgrounds such as private practice, academia, public service advocacy and human rights activism. Students work closely together in student organizations and clinics while creating lasting friendships through collaboration.
Columbia offers nine clinical programs, such as one dedicated to science law and another on sexuality and gender law. Furthermore, Columbia hosts lectures by prominent legal practitioners as well as discussions. Students also have access to courses offered at other schools within Columbia University as well as opportunities to spend a semester abroad.
Residence Life team of the law school collaborates in building a global community by hosting social events, promoting student health and safety initiatives, and setting guidelines for residential living. In addition, it boasts one of the world’s largest collections of legal literature with extensive collections covering US and international law as well as Roman/comparative libraries.
Student Life
Be ready to lead. Columbia Law students have an opportunity to be seen as leaders by engaging with real world issues through classes, clinics, externships or student organizations; whether in class sessions, clinics or externships as well as pro bono work and student organizations – you will discover many ways in which Columbia’s distinguished faculty challenge you to consider legal matters from new perspectives while the supportive and collaborative environment creates a supportive learning community for you.
At Columbia Law in Manhattan’s historic Upper West Side, you will be immersed in an energetic and diverse community where classroom learning extends far beyond its walls. A quick subway ride connects our UN General Assembly-inspired lecture halls with actual UN buildings; one MetroCard swipe connects you with its worldwide alumni network.
Food trucks to the largest cathedral – there are plenty of ways to spend your free time outside of class! Take advantage of Dodge Fitness Center or one of Columbia University’s libraries, or gather with friends at Lenfest Cafe – there are endless activities that await.
