Columbia University, Columbia Law School

About Columbia Law School

Columbia Law School is renowned for the intellectual rigor of its curriculum and the groundbreaking scholarship of its faculty. Drawing strength from the vast interdisciplinary resources of our distinguished research university—and the global stage of New York City—our students complete their legal training ready to engage the world’s most challenging issues across borders, jurisdictions, subject matters, sectors, and industries.

Renowned Faculty

Our professors are the leading scholars and top practitioners in their fields, shaping public policy and the practice of law around the world.

Innovative Research

Columbia Law School’s research centers and programs reflect the wide range of expertise encompassed by our faculty. Our centers and programs draw upon rigorous faculty scholarship to explore foundational, emerging, and interdisciplinary areas of the law. They convene policymakers, judges, business leaders, and academics from across the globe, and provide students with opportunities to work directly with faculty and experienced research professionals.

A Global Law School

Columbia Law School is at the center of international scholarship and professional activity. Our faculty, centers, and institutes extend their impact beyond campus and into the international community. Our students have access to a range of globally-oriented opportunities based both in New York City and around the world. Our graduates are well-prepared for cross-border careers spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

A Tradition of Public Service

One of the first law schools with a pro bono requirement, Columbia Law maintains a commitment to fostering public service.

Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) provides career services and programming for students and graduates interested in public interest, international human rights, public service/government, and legal volunteer work. SJI also implements and oversees Columbia Law School's Pro Bono Program, which connects students with attorney-supervised projects in the public good, as well as the Law School's Guaranteed Summer Funding Program.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a fundamental way Columbia Law School trains students to become effective, ethical lawyers.

Beginning with the Class of 2019, American Bar Association standards require that every J.D. student earn at least six experiential credits in order to graduate.

The Law School's robust clinical and externship programs enable students to tackle real-world legal problems.

Career Services

Columbia Law graduates are sought after by the world's top employers. Our students have attained leadership roles at eminent social justice organizations, law firms, NGOs, governmental entities and academic institutions.