Alma Mater statue seen from west with autumn leaves behind it

Why Columbia

Admissions
Why Columbia

The world looks to Columbia Law School as a leader in legal education and scholarship. As a graduate, you’ll be ready when the world looks to you. During your time here, you’ll be part of an environment that fosters collaboration, support, and lasting friendships, and you'll develop strong networks through classes, clinics, externships, pro bono work, and a vast array of extracurricular activities and organizations.

Below, explore Columbia Law's interdisciplinary approach to a modern legal education, get to know the campus and members of the community, find key facts and statistics about the current class, and take the next step on your Columbia Law journey.

Pursue Excellence

Why Columbia Law School?

Learn to think like a lawyer. Immerse yourself in an intellectually challenging environment, leverage the benefits of a world-class faculty and university, and learn to think critically about the law, its evolution, and its impact on society. Columbia Law students are independent, active, open-minded, and eager to take advantage of all that the Law School and New York City have to offer. The connections you forge here will fuel a lifetime of personal, professional, and intellectual success.

The word QUESTION superimposed over students sitting in a lecture hall

Ask the Right Questions

Design your experience around robust pathways of study and broaden your knowledge through experiential learning, pro bono and public interest/public service, and dual and international degree program opportunities.

Academic Experience

The word REASON superimposed over a picture of Professor Elora Mukherjee holding a sheet of paper

Connect With Faculty

The Law School’s distinguished faculty challenge students to engage with complex social, political, and legal issues and devise solutions that have real-world impact.

Faculty Experts

The word EXCELLENCE superimposed over a picture of two students studying

Meet Your Classmates

At Columbia Law, you'll find a supportive, student-centered environment and become part of a diverse and inclusive community where you can learn from viewpoints and experiences different from your own.

Student Spotlights

The word COMMUNITY superimposed over a crowd of students attending a Columbia sporting event

Find Yourself Here

Live and study in Morningside Heights on Manhattan's historic Upper West Side and join a community bound together by a fierce sense of camaraderie and fortified by countless activities on and off campus.

Community Life

The word PRACTICE superimposed over a picture of three students studying together

Choose Your Career Path

Long-standing relationships with top employers around the world—from law firms and Fortune 500 companies to social justice organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions—lay the groundwork for you to chart your own path.

Career Opportunities

The word CONNECT superimposed of a picture of students wearing graduation robes.

Make Lifelong Connections

Build relationships with classmates and network with alumni around the world. Law School graduates include U.S. Supreme Court justices, CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, and law firm partners.

Alumni Network

At a Glance

Columbia Law Facts and Statistics

Get to know the current J.D., LL.M., and E.LL.M. entering class and find information about career outcomes, tuition and financial aid, and more key facts and stats.

The word LEAD superimposed over a picture of a statue holding a book at the university gates

J.D. Entering Class Profile

Artists. Activists. Scholars. Entrepreneurs. Columbia Law School students come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Learn more about the J.D. class.

J.D. Class Stats

The word ADVANCE superimposed over a picture of College Walk in autumn

LL.M./E.LL.M. Entering Class Profile

Lawyers from around the world enroll in Columbia Law School’s graduate degree options (LL.M., Executive LL.M., and J.S.D.) to achieve their academic and career goals.

LL.M./E.LL.M. Stats