Introduction to Cornell Law School

Cornell Law School is a close-knit, collegial community of learners, with about 600 J.D. students. The school prides itself on being serious but not stuffy, elite but not elitist.

J.D. Program

The J.D. program at Cornell Law School is a highly-rated national law curriculum leading to the three-year J.D. degree. The professional curriculum conforms to American Bar Association Standard 302 for Approval of Law Schools, offering a rigorous program of legal education designed to prepare students for admission to the bar and for effective, ethical, and responsible participation in the legal profession at the highest levels.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, Cornell Law School graduates will:

• Possess knowledge of the substantive and procedural law required for effective participation in the legal profession
• Engage in legal research, analysis, and problem-solving
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form as counselors and advocates
• Possess the practical skills fundamental to exceptional lawyering and client representation
• Conduct themselves with the highest moral and ethical standards

Curriculum

The program offers substantial opportunities for live-client or other real-life practice experiences, student participation in pro bono activities, and small group work through seminars, directed research, small classes, or collaborative work.

First-Year Curriculum

As a first-year student, you will be taught by gifted faculty members. First-year students are divided into sections, which foster a cooperative and close environment. You will have classes with other sections, except for lawyering courses and one small section doctrinal class, allowing you to get to know the rest of your class while maintaining the close-knit network of your section.

Courses

All first-year law classes are required, including:

• Civil Procedure (6 credits)
• Constitutional Law (4 credits)
• Contracts (4 credits)
• Lawyering (4 credits)
• Torts (3 credits)
• Criminal Law (3 credits)
• Property (4 credits)
• Professional Development (1 credit, S/U grading)

Second-Year Curriculum

In contrast to the first-year curriculum, there are no required courses during a law student’s second and third years of study, but there are requirements that must be met.

Courses

The second year provides students an opportunity to broaden the foundation laid in the first year. Although these core courses are not required, the faculty strongly recommends that students take four core courses during the second year:

• Administrative Law
• Business Organizations
• Evidence
• Federal Income Taxation

Third-Year Curriculum

In the third year, students diversify or specialize through the pursuit of individual interests reflected in a wide range of elective courses, including many seminars and problem courses.

Requirements

All students must satisfy three specific upper-class course requirements:

• A course which satisfies a writing requirement
• A course dealing with issues of professional responsibility
• Six credits in experiential learning courses

Concentrations

The third year also permits concentration through the in-depth study of a single field. Cornell Law School offers the opportunity to focus your studies in one of seven areas:

• Advocacy
• Business Law and Regulation
• Conflict Resolution
• General Practice
• Law, Inequity and Structural Exclusion
• Public Law
• Technology and Law

Concentration Details

Each concentration has a list of courses that can be used to fulfill the requirements, which can be found in the Student Handbook.

Clinical Program

Since the launch of the first clinic in 1960, Cornell Law School has helped students move beyond the classroom into the world of practice. Today, through more than 20 clinics and practicum courses, Cornell Law students develop as client counselors, litigators, and transactional lawyers while serving the public interest locally and around the world.

Clinics

Some of the clinics offered include:

• 1L Immigration Law and Advocacy Clinic
• Entrepreneurship Law Clinic
• Gender Justice Clinic

Other Degree Options

Cornell Law School also offers international degrees and specializations, joint degrees, and a J.D. semester at Cornell Tech.

International Programs

The school offers study abroad opportunities and international degrees and specializations, including the Clarke Initiative for Law & Development in the Middle East & Africa.