15 Best Law Schools in Brooklyn in 2024: Requirements, Scholarships

If you are thinking about a career in law, going to a prestigious law school in Brooklyn is essential to your chances of passing the bar exam, being hired, and achieving your professional goals.

Although going to a prestigious law school in Brooklyn is crucial, selecting the best program from which to choose might be difficult.

There is a plethora of options, all of which vary in price, proximity, and status.

Another consideration is being practical about your chances of acceptance.

If you are considering higher education in the state of Brooklyn, you may feel a sense of apprehension.

There are more law schools in Brooklyn per capita than anywhere else in the country, second only to California

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best law schools in Brooklyn, including information on tuition, admissions requirements, and more.

So, follow us closely as we elaborate on the best law schools in Brooklyn that you should consider attending.

How We Chose the Best Law Schools in Brooklyn 

We’ve evaluated the top law schools in Brooklyn based on a few criteria, which we’ll list below:

National Ranking

We use the most widely recognized and exhaustive ranking system in the country, US News, to evaluate schools.

Bar Passage Rate

The “bar passing rate” is the percentage of students who pass the New York State Bar Exam and are subsequently admitted to the Bar Association.

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Post-Graduation Salaries

The smaller number indicates the median compensation of public defenders, while the larger one represents the median salary of private attorneys. 

This figure represents the typical earnings of the school’s alumni.

The Acceptance Rate

the percentage of applicants who are admitted into a particular legal program.

LSAT Range

The LSAT is the primary exam required for admission to any American law school. 

The two figures represent the outside range, while the range given above represents the middle 50% of accepted candidates.

Price

The price shown is the annual tuition for the law school in question.

How Can I Obtain Admission to Law Schools In Brooklyn?

The first step in getting into the best law schools in Brooklyn is taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Though there are no hard and fast minimum LSAT scores needed for admission, you should aim for the median scores offered by the following New York City law schools.

Remember that law schools are looking for the best applicants, so give yourself the greatest shot at acceptance by taking the LSAT.

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Overview of Law Schools in Brooklyn 

Here is the list of the law schools in Brooklyn:

  • Columbia University Law School 
  • New York University School of Law 
  • Cornell Law School 
  • Fordham school of law 
  • Yeshiva law school 
  • SUNNY Buffalo school of law 
  • St. John’s Law School 
  • Syracuse School of Law 
  • Albany college of law school 
  • Hofstra school of law 
  • The school of law CUNY
  • Touro college 
  • Brooklyn Law School 
  • Pace University 
  • New York law school 

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What are the Best Law Schools in Brooklyn? 

Let us now examine the Brooklyn law schools. Each option on our list was carefully selected because of the excellent education it provides.

The American Bar Association recognizes them all for the outstanding quality of their legal education.

The top 15 best Law schools in Brooklyn are as follows:

#1. Columbia University School of Law

They widely regard Columbia Law School as one of the best law schools in Brooklyn. 

Graduates of this program have secured some of the highest-paying and most prestigious legal professions in the country.

Approximately 350 students make up each class at this small private university. If you put in the time and effort to study here, you will almost certainly pass the bar exam.

However, the school’s stellar reputation gives them the right to be picky about who they let in.

To have a reasonable shot at being accepted to law school, you will need an LSAT score of at least 170.

Even if you manage to gain admission, you will still face stiff competition: just 16.8 per cent of applicants are accepted.

If you want to get your application in on time and keep your grades up, you need to prioritize your study.

 They will take activities outside of the regular school day into consideration.

Before applying, it is a good idea to have relevant work experience through volunteering and the like.

Although it is not cheap, the quality of the education you receive is unparalleled in the field of law.

  • National Ranking: 4
  • Bar Passage Rates: 98 per cent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 16.8 per cent
  • LSAT: 170 — 174
  • Price: $69,916

Visit School Here 

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#2. New York University School of Law

Greenwich Village is home to this exclusive college in the heart of Manhattan. 

About 1700 full-time students make it a sizable institution relative to other law schools.

It is slightly less competitive than both Columbia and Cornell due to the school’s strong admittance rate.

The curriculum is very rigorous, therefore students need to put in a lot of time and effort to succeed.

Although there is a lively social scene at this school, students are discouraged from engaging in excessive hedonism by their heavy course loads.

The New York law school is another old institution that has been around since 1831. 

You will need a great application to get in, but the high bar pass rate and excellent post-graduate incomes make the investment worthwhile.

 It is regarded as one of the top law schools in Brooklyn.

  • National Ranking: 6
  • Bar Passage Rate: 97.5 per cent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 23.6 percent
  • LSAT: 167 — 172
  • Price: $66,422

Visiting school Here 

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#3. Cornell Law School

This private institution is among the top 15 law schools in Brooklyn. They have strict requirements for potential participants.

Evidence of your capacity to strike a work-life balance, as well as academic accomplishment, is required.

Being accepted is difficult because only about 20% of applications are accepted.

The fact that slackers lack the freedom to make such a choice is, of course, a good thing.

 If you are serious about becoming a lawyer, you are off to a wonderful start. 

In addition to being more important than the courses offered, the institution’s network is also crucial.

 Alumni are enthusiastic about helping new grads succeed, and they often welcome the opportunity to do so. 

Beautiful historic buildings dot the college grounds and are sure to inspire you. With just over 600 J.D. students, Cornell University is considered a medium-sized institution.

Although the cost of attendance is greater than average, those who do well on the LSAT may be eligible for financial aid.

  • National Ranking: 13
  • Bar Passage Rate: 95.9 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $64,228 to $180,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 21.1 percent
  • LSAT: 164 — 168
  • Price: $65,541

Visit School Here 

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#4. Fordham University School of Law

This Catholic institution has been providing a top-notch education based on the Jesuit tradition since 1841.

These values emphasize deference, perseverance, and ethics. Incomes for Fordham grads are on par with those of the best colleges here.

Although the quality of schooling is high, the LSAT score criteria are more relaxed.

Academic excellence and an interesting application are prerequisites for admission.

There is a healthy rivalry for the best jobs. It is valued as one of the best law schools in Brooklyn.

  • National Ranking: 27
  • Bar Passage Rate: 92.3 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,250 to $180,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 25.9 percent
  • LSAT: 161 — 166
  • Price: $60,406

Visit School Here 

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#5. Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University is another law school in Brooklyn. Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School of Law is a private law school with a significant student population, with around a thousand students enrolled.

The percentage of patrons who successfully pass the bar is smaller than it is at some of the more prestigious venues.

However, if your LSAT score is 157 or higher, there is a good chance that you will get accepted.

Since the degree of competition for admission is below average, your odds of getting in are better than they would be at a school in the top 50.

Many of the students are there for the legal program, and while campus life is active, the focus is clearly on the classroom.

Although the majority of students at this institution are Jewish, only a small percentage practice any form of Judaism.

Although the Jewish community receives a lot of help, the curriculum is not influenced in any way by religion.

Although tuition is quite pricey for a school not in the top 50 in the country, this institution offers more financial aid to its students than any other in the state.

  • National Ranking: 53
  • Bar Passage Rate: 85.6 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $70,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 40.3 percent
  • LSAT: 157 — 162
  • Price: $60,610

Visit School Here 

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#6. St. John’s University School of Law

The name of the institution itself gives away the fact that it is a Catholic institution of higher learning.

 It is a private institution that has a high standing in the legal community and is consistently ranked as one of New York’s best law schools.

The ease with which one can achieve social acceptance is a major benefit. 

Scores on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are less stringent and required than at many other highly selective institutions.

Despite the typical level of competition for admission, there is a very small pool of applicants because there are only 247 students enrolled at the college, less than 100 per class year.

The borough of Queens in New York City is home to the institution in question.

The high expense of living in New York City is a deterrent to students, but the city’s accessibility to a wide range of professional and personal networks can help them land jobs after graduation. 

The needy can also apply for grants and scholarships.

  • National Ranking: 74
  • Bar Passage Rate: 88.6 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $62,500 to $79,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 41.9 percent
  • LSAT: 153 — 160
  • Price: $59,480

Visit School Here 

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#7. SUNY Buffalo Law School

This legal school has a stellar reputation and barely makes it into the top 100 in the country.

Around 500 of the roughly 19,500 students enrolled on campus are eligible to attend.

The high student-to-staff ratio of 5.5 is mitigated somewhat by this measure.

Achieving the minimum score thresholds makes getting accepted a fairly simple process.

Twenty-five per cent of admitted students had SAT/ACT composites below 150, which corresponds to the 40th percentile.

Just get your application in early because they keep turning down over 500 people every year.

The tuition is reasonable and far less than the national average for the top 15 law schools in Brooklyn.

  • National Ranking: 99
  • Bar Passage Rate: 77.5 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $54,000 to $62,500
  • Acceptance Rate: 57.9 percent
  • LSAT: 150 — 156
  • Price: $27,964

Visit School Here 

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#8. Syracuse University College of Law

Graduates and professionals have high praise for this small private university in Syracuse, New York.

There are only 230 spots available in each incoming class, thus competition for entrance is high.

It is easier than applying to Columbia or Cornell, but it is still no guarantee of acceptance.

 A good LSAT score is still required for admission.

The school’s excellent bar passage rate is indicative of its high level of training despite its lenient admissions rules.

Students who do not put in the work in the classroom will not fare well at law school, which is very different from the undergraduate program, which is known for its focus on parties and athletics.

Even though the school’s tuition is more expensive than you might expect for an institution of its repute, scholarships are available to those who need them.

Graduates in Brooklyn face intense competition for entry-level jobs, as evidenced by high starting salaries. 

However, opportunities are more plentiful and less competitive in areas such as Albany and Buffalo.

  • National Ranking: 111
  • Bar Passage Rate: 91.4 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $50,750 to $65,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 52.1 percent
  • LSAT: 152 — 156
  • Price: $51,422

Visit School Here 

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#9. Albany Law School of Union University

If you are looking for more specialized attention, this institution can be a good option for you to consider. 

Out of a total enrollment of approximately 2,200 students at the university, there are 372 students enrolled in the law school.

The admissions process is challenging; therefore, it is essential to take your application and test results seriously if you want to get accepted, even though there is a slightly higher than 50 percent acceptance rate.

The tuition at the private school in Albany is significantly more than the national average. 

A large number of students may be eligible for some form of financial assistance.

A school that is not ranked among the top 100 trends to produce graduates with private sector incomes that are comparatively high and public sector job placement rates that are high with comparatively decent wages.

This has more to do with the staff’s network of help beyond the classroom.

  • Ranking: 118
  • Bar Passage Rates: 70.6 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $59,000 to $73,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 54.6 percent
  • LSAT Range: 151 — 156
  • Price: $47,450

Visit School Here 

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#10. Hofstra University Maurice A. Dean School of Law

At first look, Hofstra University has a poor bar clearance rate.

In light of the other items on this list, it seems even worse. This begs the question: how could Hofstra even get into the top ten?

Overall, it is a good institution. It is very selective, accepting fewer than half of the applicants, and its alums earn more money than those of many other universities.

A lower grade may be justified by easier entry requirements. 

However, we felt it necessary to highlight the institution because of the emphasis it focuses on the application of the law.

If you want to be a lawyer, this emphasis on actual practice is a huge bonus.

Career placement is another benefit, with 81% of graduates gaining jobs within 10 months of graduation.

Is it comparable to a university like Cornell or Columbia? False. Not at all. However, admission to elite schools is not open to everybody.

Overall, the education you are receiving is satisfactory. The school is relatively large, serving around 820 students.

With over 100 instructors, we have the best student-to-staff ratio in the field.

The tuition may seem steep at first, but if you are willing to put in the work, you will be rewarded.

Although not exceptional, the school’s bar pass percentage is comparable to that of similar institutions in the state, and instructors consistently praise and reward students for their efforts.

  • National Ranking: 160
  • Bar Passage Rate: 68.2 percent
  • Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,000 to $70,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 48.1 percent
  • LSAT: 148 — 155
  • Price: $59,214

Visit School Here 

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#11. The School of Law at CUNY

We consider the City University of New York School of Law the best in the country for its emphasis on public service and practical education.

It draws on a history of “radical lawyering” to include people who have been excluded from the legal system due to their marginalization, oppression, or other characteristics.

If you want to make a real impact, CUNY Law School is the place to start.

Among New York law schools, CUNY’s full-time and part-time programs are widely considered to be the best values.

Out-of-state students will pay between $24,500 and $26,203 per year, while in-state students would pay just over $16,000. 

Grants cover more than half of full-time students’ tuition costs, and 2 percent of part-time students’ costs in full.

If you want to start a career in social justice at CUNY School of Law, you would best make sure your application stands out.

The City University of New York Law School is more stringent than some of its higher-ranked rivals, accepting only 34.9 percent of applicants last year.

Selecting recommenders who can write exceptional letters of recommendation and crafting a personal statement that reflects your narrative are two of the most important parts of your application.

  • U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: No. 102
  • Tuition: $26,203
  • Average GPA: 3.45
  • Average LSAT Score: 154
  • Acceptance Rate: 34.5%
  • Bar Passage Rate: 74.5%

Visit School Here 

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#12. Brooklyn University Law School

The law school at Brooklyn University is conveniently close to both the Wall Street district and the rest of New York City.

This esteemed law school in New York City was responsible for creating one of the earliest clinical programs in the country.

Hundreds of state and federal courthouses, government offices, legal firms, and corporations are used as practicum sites for students, making this program one of the greatest and most comprehensive of its kind.

If you are looking for a diverse top law school, you have found it.

When it first opened its doors in 1901, Brooklyn Law School’s mission was to make quality legal education more accessible to everyone.

When other law schools excluded women and people of color, Brooklyn Law School welcomed them with open arms.

More than half of today’s students come from outside the United States.

The cost of attending Brooklyn Law School is more than the average for New York City law schools, but it is still manageable.

Brooklyn Law School has high rates of both bar passage and acceptance, making it a good option for individuals looking to study law in New York (owing to a median 158 LSAT score).

  • U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: No. 81
  • Tuition: $62,046
  • Average GPA: 3.44
  • Average LSAT Score: 158
  • Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
  • Bar Passage Rate: 82.7%

Visit School Here 

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#13. Touro College—Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

The Touro Law Center opened its doors in 1980. The American Bar Association has given its complete approval.

It is a property of the American Association of Law Schools. 

Touro students have frequent interactions with practising attorneys in a variety of contexts, including classroom lectures, mock trials, clinics, externships, and social events.

The Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center has been a part of the Touro community since 1980, and its mission is to provide exceptional legal education.

It encourages students to think about the moral goals of the law while also fostering social justice and volunteerism.

Touro Law is an ABA-approved institution and a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS). Students can choose from a variety of J.D. program options, including daytime, evening, and dual-degree options.

  • Ranking: No. 85
  • Tuition: $55,046
  • Average GPA: 3.34
  • Average LSAT Score: 156
  • Acceptance Rate: 55.6%%
  • Bar Passage Rate: 79.7%

Visit School Here 

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#14. Pace University School of Law

Contextual understanding of abstract concepts is emphasized throughout the Pace Law School program. 

Additionally, it provides an opportunity to conduct thorough research of judicial processes.

As a result of this course, students will have a solid grounding in the workings of the law.

Pace’s environmental law, legal writing and research, and clinical programs are among the best in the country.

Curricula are regularly evaluated to ensure they provide students with the knowledge and abilities to successfully navigate the challenges of the legal field.

  •  Ranking: No. 89
  • Tuition: $50,046
  • Average GPA: 3.50
  • Average LSAT Score: 150
  • Acceptance Rate: 50.9%%
  • Bar Passage Rate: 80.7%

Visit School Here 

#15. New York Law School

The New York Law School opened its doors for the first time in 1891. 

The curriculum is distinctive in that it makes a concerted effort to combine the study of theory and practice and to include the perspectives of legal professionals. 

This makes the curriculum both innovative and distinctive.

Clinics, simulated classrooms, and externships are some of the ways that the innovative Lawyering Skills Center at the law school helps students achieve this goal.

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program at the Law School can be completed in either a full-time daytime or part-time evening format.

 Without a shadow of a question, it is regarded as one of the top legal schools in the state of New York. 

  • Ranking: No. 90
  • Tuition: $40,056
  • Average GPA: 3.15
  • Average LSAT Score: 155
  • Acceptance Rate: 52.6%%
  • Bar Passage Rate: 78.5%

Conclusion 

This list of law schools in Brooklyn makes it quite clear which institutions in the state have earned our highest recommendations. 

The top four all offer exceptional opportunities to further one’s education.

Nevertheless, they have the disadvantage of being difficult to enter and having high-pressure environments.

Lower-tier schools can be just as intellectually rigorous as higher-tier institutions, even though they provide advantages such as improved career placement, and lower tuition.

We hope that by reading this post, you now have a much better understanding of the top law schools in Brooklyn. 

It is totally up to you at this point to decide the school you want to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of scholarships do Brooklyn law schools offer?

Funding opportunities at Brooklyn law schools are plentiful. There is a merit-based $5,000 scholarship available to any accepted student.
They award scholarships based on merit after carefully reviewing each applicant’s credentials.
If you maintain a 3.0 GPA or finish in the top half of your class, you will be re-eligible for this award.

Do Brooklyn law schools offer J.D. application fee waivers?

There is no fee to apply to Brooklyn law schools.

Does having a graduate degree give applicants to Brooklyn law schools an advantage?

The Admissions Committee for Brooklyn law schools does not discriminate based on whether an applicant has completed graduate studies.

Can I defer my admission to law schools in Brooklyn? 

You can request a postponement of your enrollment at a law school in Brooklyn by sending an email with your reasoning to the admissions office at that institution.

Is it hard to get admitted into law schools in Brooklyn? 

Yes. It is not a simple task to gain admission to one of the top law schools. Atlanta. 

References 

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