Columbia Law School
Columbia Law School is the law school of Columbia University, a prestigious Ivy League university located in New York City. Established in 1858, Columbia Law School is one of the oldest and most renowned law schools in the world. It is widely regarded for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and its leadership in areas such as corporate law, international law, constitutional law, and public interest law.[1]
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Established | 1858 |
| Endowment | $1.3 billion (2023) |
| Dean | Gillian Lester |
Academic staff | 130+ (faculty) |
| Students | 1,300 (J.D. students) |
| Location | New York City , New York , |
| Campus | Urban |
| Mascot | None |
| Website | Columbia Law School Official Website |
History
changeColumbia Law School was founded in 1858 as the law school of Columbia University. It is the oldest professional school within the university, which was founded in 1754. The school was established with the goal of providing a legal education that emphasized practical training and public service. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for its rigorous academics and its distinguished alumni who have gone on to lead in law, government, business, and public service.[2][3]
In the early 20th century, Columbia Law School was instrumental in shaping American legal education, establishing an influential faculty and developing the casebook method that became a hallmark of modern legal teaching.
Academics
changeColumbia Law School offers several degree programs, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.).
The Law School is known for its challenging curriculum and for fostering a strong sense of academic community. Students at Columbia Law are encouraged to engage in intellectual discourse, and the school provides a wide range of resources for research and professional development.[4]
The school offers over 300 courses across various areas of law, including constitutional law, international law, intellectual property, environmental law, and human rights law. Additionally, Columbia Law is home to numerous academic centers and institutes, such as the Eric Holder Initiative for Social Justice and the Human Rights Institute.[5][6]
Notable Programs
changeColumbia Law School is particularly well-regarded for its programs in corporate law, international law, and constitutional law. The school is also known for its strong clinical programs, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in legal practice.
One of the most renowned programs at Columbia is the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law, which focuses on global legal issues. Additionally, the school runs various fellowship programs, offering students the opportunity to work in public interest law, human rights law, and environmental law.[7][8]
Admissions
changeAdmission to Columbia Law School is highly competitive. The school typically admits around 1,200 students per year out of tens of thousands of applicants. Columbia is known for its high academic standards, and candidates are evaluated based on their undergraduate performance, LSAT scores, recommendations, and personal achievements.[9]
The school offers substantial financial aid through both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Columbia Law School is also known for its efforts to support students pursuing public interest careers through loan forgiveness programs.[10]
Notable Alumni
change- Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
- Jeffrey Sachs, economist and director of the Earth Institute
- Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State
- Ken Starr, former independent counsel in the investigation of Bill Clinton
Campus and Facilities
changeColumbia Law School is located on Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan. The law school’s facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and student lounges, as well as several research centers and institutes.
The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library is one of the largest law libraries in the United States and serves as a major resource for both students and faculty. The library offers extensive collections on international law, legal theory, and other areas of study.
Notable Faculty
change- Diane Wood, U.S. Court of Appeals judge
- Michael J. Graetz, expert in tax law
- Tim Wu, expert in antitrust and internet law[11]
- Jack Goldsmith, expert in constitutional and international law
Rankings
changeColumbia Law School consistently ranks among the top law schools in the United States and the world. According to U.S. News & World Report, Columbia Law School is regularly ranked in the top 5 law schools in the country.
References
change- ↑ "Faces of the Class of 2027". www.law.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "2024 Ambedkar Law Lectures on Public Law and Political Thought". www.law.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ Hutchens, Neal H. (2024-06-12). "Columbia Law Review article critical of Israel sparks battle between student editors and their board − highlighting fragility of academic freedom". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ https://president.columbia.edu/news/daniel-abebe-appointed-dean-columbia-law-school
- ↑ "Panel Examines Eisenhower's Civil Rights Legacy to Mark 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education". www.law.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "Jerome L. Greene Foundation Honors Dean Gillian Lester With $5 Million Gift". www.law.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/no-jew-is-safe-until-columbia-law-students-warning-amid-anti-israel-stir-101714966968169.html
- ↑ https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/columbia-law-resumes-finals-with-pass-fail-option-amid-war-protests-2024-05-02/
- ↑ "Beyond Unprecedented: The Post-Pandemic Economy—Season 4". www.law.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "Daniel Abebe to Lead Columbia Law School". Columbia Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ Quinn, Ryan. "'Unprecedented Steps': Board Pulls Plug on Columbia Law Review Website". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2024-11-11.