Law Program

The law degree program at Cornell University prepares students seeking a future in the independent professional practice of law, which includes instructions for taking state and national bar examinations. Students will also learn advanced research in jurisprudence. Students of the law degree program will have focused on courses in the theory and practice of the legal system, including the statutory, administrative, and judicial components of civil and criminal law. Get more details below including other New York colleges that offer law program.

The Law program at Cornell University is accredited by the American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar for more than 102 years.

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Cornell University

Also known as The Cooper Union

7 East 7th Street, New York, NY

Cornell University is one of the top, public research universities in the United States. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is the State's Land Grant University. As such, it is dedicated to transferring and applying university-based knowledge for practical benefits and economic prosperity in the State.

Research at Cornell is cutting-edge, with research programs being highly interdisciplinary. The academic excellence of Cornell's programs is widely known, as is its renowned faculty. The Cornell programs receiving the highest reviews include its Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Humanities, Sustainability, Law and Technology, Information Science, International Programs and Weill Cornell Initiatives.

Cross college collaborations are the norm at Cornell, encouraging and enabling explorations into new areas that include genomics, advanced materials and nanoscience. There are countless options for majors and minors at Cornell, and students can pursue a course of study that marries diverse interests.

The Liberal Arts at Cornell are as vital as the sciences, with top programs in literature, art history, theatre, dance and music.

History

Cornell University was founded in 1865 as New York State's Land Grant institution. Two founders, Ezra Cornell and Andrew D. White, wanted to establish an institution that married scientific and technical education with instruction in history and literature. Cornell University opened in 1867 with Andrew White as its first president. The goal then, to be the best at whatever it undertakes, continues today.

Academics

The general academic calendar for Cornell University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is a 3-week Winter Session in January, and the summer semester is divided into three short sessions.

Colleges and Schools

Cornell University has seven undergraduate colleges in addition to its graduate school and professional schools. There are also specialized faculty units at Cornell, and nearly 100 academic departments offering a variety of programs. Academic units at Cornell include many centers, institutes and laboratories as well, and interdisciplinary programs, research and study units that help make Cornell distinctive.

Undergraduate Colleges:

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture, Art and Planning
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Engineering
• School of Hotel Administration
• College of Human Ecology
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations 

Special Faculty Units:

• The Faculty of Computing and Information Science 

Graduate and Professional Colleges and Schools:

• Graduate School
• Cornell Law School
• S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management
• Weill Cornell Medical College (New York City and Doha, Qatar)
• Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences (New York City)
• College of Veterinary Medicine 

School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions

Student Life

There are more than 500 student clubs and organizations at Cornell University, covering myriad interests for its diverse student body. For students interested in engaging in public service and social action, there are many opportunities available through the Cornell Public Service Center (PSC). Local chapters of sororities and fraternities are very active, offering additional opportunities for academic success, community involvement and networking.

Cornell offers a range of options for on campus living, from undergraduate and graduate housing on campus to residential initiatives and community centers.  Faculty leadership is part of the residential initiatives, enhancing the first-year residential experience. There are themed living communities that offer students the chance to live in a place where they can learn more about their interests, such as music, languages, cultures and more.

On campus dining offers a wide range of choices from dining halls to cafes, and off campus eateries in Ithaca offer a diverse range of options.

Traditions

The traditional colors for Cornell University are red and white. These colors were established in 1868 on the banner used for decoration at celebrations for the University's Inauguration Day.  The football team has been nicknamed "Big Red" since the early days.

In 1898, the general manager for the Campbell Soup Company attended a Cornell University football game. He was so impressed with the red and white uniforms worn by the Cornell athletes that he insisted the design for Campbell's Soup labels be changed to red and white. The soup cans have had the iconic red and white labels since that time.

The Cornell University mascot is a bear. A university student wears a bear costume and, as "Big Red," performs for the crowds at varsity athletic events.

Athletics

The Cornell University "Big Red" athletic teams compete in 36 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Polo
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Sprint Football
• Squash
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Equestrian
• Fencing
• Field Hockey
• Gymnastics
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Polo
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Squash
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Cornell University has one primary campus in Ithaca, New York, but has medical schools in New York City and Qatar. It also offers the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) programs in 62 counties of New York State, including all five NYC boroughs. The goal of CCE programs is to make the Cornell academic experience and research widely available to improve lives and communities. Programs include agriculture, environment, community development, nutrition and health, and more.

Community Life

Although Ithaca, New York is a college town and often associated with young people, recent news articles have touted Ithaca as the ideal town for retirees. The median home prices are relatively low and retired people can take classes at Cornell University or Ithaca College. There are many activities available for you and old alike, including speeches, concerts, and sports events, day hikes along scenic trails to waterfalls and gorges, and bicycle paths throughout the Finger Lakes region. The Museum of Earth is just one of the many interesting organizations that are available to the public in this idyllic university town full of culture and stimulation.

Students Enrolled in the Law Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. The Cooper Union offers a doctorate degree program in law.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Lawyers

Description

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, lawyers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 7
  • Average Hourly Rate: $60.59
  • Average Annual Salary: $126030
• Newark, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 8
  • Average Hourly Rate: $75.62
  • Average Annual Salary: $157290

Judicial Law Clerks

Description

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Description

Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -3.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 160
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.27
  • Average Annual Salary: $94160
• Newark, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 140
  • Average Hourly Rate: $49.76
  • Average Annual Salary: $103500

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Description

Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 80
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.78
  • Average Annual Salary: $76500

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).