Brooklyn Law School Profile

Founded in 1901, Brooklyn Law School has a rich history and continues to stand as one of the largest and oldest independent non-profit law schools in the United States. Over the years, it has evolved into a prestigious institution that attracts students from across the country and around the world, offering a comprehensive legal education that blends academic rigor with practical experience. As one of New York City's prominent law schools, Brooklyn Law School has developed a reputation for its commitment to excellence, both in the classroom and in the professional world.

Brooklyn Law School offers an extensive range of academic programs designed to prepare students for the diverse and dynamic legal landscape. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is at the heart of the school’s offerings, providing a solid foundation in legal theory, critical thinking, and practical skills. In addition to the standard J.D. track, the school offers several joint degree programs that allow students to pursue legal education alongside other fields of study. These joint programs are structured to help students combine legal training with specialized knowledge, thus enhancing their ability to work in interdisciplinary fields. Among the joint degrees available are the J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA), J.D./Master’s in City and Regional Planning, J.D./Master’s in Library and Information Science, J.D./Master’s in Political Science, and J.D./Master in Urban Planning. These programs are an excellent opportunity for students looking to broaden their expertise and make themselves more competitive in fields that intersect with law, such as business, public policy, urban development, and information management.

Brooklyn Law School is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) through the Council of the Section on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. This accreditation is essential for any law school, as it ensures that the institution meets the rigorous standards set forth by the ABA and that its graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam in most states. Moreover, Brooklyn Law School is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), an organization that represents the nation’s law schools and promotes the highest standards in legal education. The school’s curriculum is registered with and approved by the New York State Education Department, providing further assurance that students receive an education that aligns with both state and national requirements.

The strong academic and professional credentials of Brooklyn Law School are reflected in its ranking profile. As of the 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report, Brooklyn Law School was ranked 61st among the top 100 law schools in the United States. This ranking places the school among respected institutions in legal education, offering a comprehensive and competitive program that is designed to prepare students for success in the legal field. However, beyond the overall ranking, the school’s specific strengths in student quality and professional outcomes are particularly noteworthy. In the 2009 Brian Leiter survey, which is one of the most respected and comprehensive assessments of law school performance, Brooklyn Law School was ranked 39th in terms of student numerical quality. This ranking is based on the average LSAT scores and GPAs of students admitted to the school, which suggests that Brooklyn Law consistently attracts high-caliber candidates with the academic ability and motivation to succeed in the legal profession.

In terms of professional success, Brooklyn Law School has a strong track record. The school was ranked 5th in the number of graduates included on the Metro New York list of Super Lawyers, a recognition that highlights the school’s commitment to producing quality lawyers. Super Lawyers magazine annually ranks attorneys based on their professional achievements and peer recognition, and Brooklyn Law’s inclusion on this list underscores the caliber of its graduates. This ranking is particularly significant given that it places Brooklyn Law School behind only the nation’s top law schools—New York University (NYU), Columbia, Harvard, and Fordham—highlighting the institution’s ability to produce lawyers who go on to achieve notable success in the legal profession.

Moreover, Brooklyn Law School’s graduates are highly sought after by leading law firms. According to the 2008 Leiter Report, the school ranked 4th in New York City for the number of its graduates hired as new lawyers by 15 of the nation’s most elite law firms. This is a testament to the school’s reputation among employers, particularly those in the highly competitive New York City legal market. Law firms recognize the quality of the legal education provided by Brooklyn Law School and seek out its graduates for their expertise and skills. Furthermore, the 2008 Leiter Report ranked Brooklyn Law School 25th in the "Most 'Prestigious' Law Firm Placement" category, reflecting the school’s continued success in placing graduates in top-tier law firms, which are often considered the pinnacle of legal practice.

In addition to its academic excellence, Brooklyn Law School is known for its vibrant and dynamic community. The school’s location in the heart of Brooklyn, one of New York City’s most diverse and rapidly growing boroughs, provides students with ample opportunities for internships, clerkships, and networking with professionals in a wide range of legal fields. The school’s proximity to the legal, financial, and business centers of Manhattan further enhances these opportunities, offering students a unique advantage in gaining hands-on experience during their studies. Brooklyn Law School has developed strong connections with the local legal community, and students benefit from the school’s extensive alumni network, which includes some of the most successful and influential lawyers in the country.

Brooklyn Law School also offers a variety of specialized programs that allow students to gain expertise in specific areas of law. The school’s clinics and externships provide students with practical, real-world experience in fields such as criminal law, civil rights law, and immigration law. Additionally, the school’s focus on providing students with opportunities for pro bono work further reflects its commitment to public service and social justice. Through its clinics, students have the chance to represent clients who might not otherwise have access to legal representation, providing them with valuable experience while contributing to the community.