The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law is a public law school located in Queens, New York. It is one of the most innovative and socially conscious law schools in the United States. The school’s mission is to provide access to legal education for people from diverse backgrounds and to prepare them for careers in public interest law. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about the CUNY School of Law.
A Unique Curriculum:
The CUNY School of Law offers a unique and innovative curriculum that prepares students for a career in public interest law. The school’s curriculum is centered around social justice and focuses on the legal needs of underserved communities. The curriculum includes courses in human rights, immigration law, environmental law, and criminal law. The school also offers clinical programs that allow students to work on real cases and gain practical experience in a variety of legal settings.
A Diverse Student Body:
The CUNY School of Law is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession. The school’s student body is one of the most diverse in the country, with students from a wide range of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its admissions policies, which take into account factors such as community service, work experience, and leadership potential, in addition to academic credentials.
Public Interest Law Center:
The CUNY School of Law is home to the Public Interest Law Center (PILC), which is one of the largest and most comprehensive public interest law programs in the country. PILC provides students with a range of resources and opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and networking events. PILC also hosts an annual Public Interest Legal Career Fair, which brings together students, alumni, and employers from across the country.
Pro Bono Requirement:
The CUNY School of Law requires all students to complete at least 50 hours of pro bono work before graduation. This requirement is designed to encourage students to engage in public service and to provide them with practical experience in a legal setting. The pro bono work can be completed through a variety of activities, including clinics, internships, and volunteer work.
Student-Run Clinics:
The CUNY School of Law has several student-run clinics that provide legal services to underserved communities. The clinics focus on a range of legal issues, including immigration law, domestic violence, and criminal defense. The clinics provide students with practical experience and allow them to work on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
Access to Justice Incubator:
The Access to Justice Incubator is a program at the CUNY School of Law that provides resources and support to recent graduates who are starting their own public interest law practices. The program provides access to office space, mentorship, and training in areas such as law firm management and fundraising. The Access to Justice Incubator helps graduates to build sustainable practices that can make a difference in the lives of underserved communities.
Law Review:
The CUNY Law Review is a student-run publication that publishes articles on legal issues related to social justice and public interest law. The Law Review provides students with an opportunity to develop their legal research and writing skills and to engage in scholarly debate on important legal issues. The Law Review is widely regarded as one of the leading journals in the field of public interest law.
Conclusion:
The CUNY School of Law is a unique and innovative institution that is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession. The school’s curriculum, student body, and programs reflect its commitment to social justice and public interest law. The school provides students with a range of opportunities to engage in public service and to gain practical experience in a legal setting. The CUNY School of Law is a valuable resource for the community, providing legal services to underserved communities and preparing future lawyers to be leaders in public interest law. The school’s commitment to social justice and public interest law sets it apart from other law schools and makes it a valuable asset to the legal profession and the community as a whole.
