Fordham University School of Law

Fordham University School of Law is a prominent legal institution located in New York City. Founded in 1905, it is the law school of Fordham University, a private Jesuit research university. The school is widely recognized for its strength in corporate law, intellectual property, and international law, leveraging its prime location within a global legal and financial capital. It consistently ranks among the top law schools in the United States and counts numerous influential judges, government officials, and corporate leaders among its graduates.

History

The school was established in 1905, operating initially in Midtown Manhattan before moving to its current Lincoln Square location in the 1960s. Its development was closely tied to the growth of New York City as a center for finance, commerce, and international law. Key historical moments include the founding of the Fordham Law Review in 1914 and the school's formal integration into Fordham University's academic structure. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its curriculum and physical footprint, notably with the construction of the Leonard F. Manheimer Law Library and later the McMahon Hall student residence. The school has maintained its Jesuit educational tradition, emphasizing ethics and public service alongside professional training.

Academics and programs

The school offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, along with Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) programs for advanced study. It is particularly renowned for its programs in corporate law, securities regulation, intellectual property law, and international human rights law. Students can participate in numerous legal clinics, such as the Federal Litigation Clinic and the Immigration Advocacy Clinic, and in moot court competitions including the prestigious Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. The school also houses several research centers, including the Center on National Security and the Feerick Center for Social Justice. Joint degree programs are offered with other divisions of Fordham University, such as the Gabelli School of Business.

Campus and facilities

The law school's primary campus is situated in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan, adjacent to Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus. The main academic building houses the Leonard F. Manheimer Law Library, one of the largest private law libraries in the United States. The complex includes the McNamara courtroom, simulation labs for trial advocacy, and the Costantino student lounge. Student residence is provided at McMahon Hall, located near Columbus Circle. The location provides students with direct access to major legal institutions like the New York Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and countless leading law firms and corporations.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes distinguished scholars such as former Second Circuit judge John M. Walker Jr., and experts like International law professor Thomas H. Lee. Its alumni network is vast and influential in both the public and private sectors. Notable graduates include former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, former United States Attorney General John N. Mitchell, and former White House Counsel John Dean. In the judiciary, alumni include New York Court of Appeals judge Jenny Rivera and numerous federal judges. Corporate leaders include former IBM CEO John R. Opel and Viacom executive Philippe Dauman.

Rankings and reputation

The school is consistently ranked within the top 35 law schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report. It is especially highly regarded for its programs in corporate law, clinical training, and dispute resolution. The school's J.D. graduates historically achieve one of the highest bar examination pass rates in New York and secure employment with elite law firms, notably in the New York City market, as well as in public interest organizations, government agencies, and the judiciary. Its reputation is bolstered by strong showings in moot court competitions and the scholarly output of its faculty and law reviews, including the Fordham Law Review.

Category:Fordham University Category:Law schools in New York (state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1905