City University of New York - CUNY School of Law

It’s rather easy to understand why students might want to enroll in CUNY Law: the school smartly combines “great facilities” with “affordability” and a strong “commitment to social justice.” Moreover, the administration does an admirable job of fostering a “community atmosphere.” They strive to make themselves “accessible” and really aim to “accommodat[e] and work with the varying needs of the student body.” As if that wasn’t enough, many also note that the staff is extraordinarily “friendly” to boot!

Importantly, students report that their academic and research experience is “amazing.” They feel very fortunate to have access to a library that’s “state of the art.” And they are quick to note that the school is especially strong for “public interest” law. CUNY students are also greeted by “phenomenal” and “very informed” professors. What’s more, these teachers “genuinely [want their] students to succeed.” As one individual confidently declares, “I have always had the support of my professors and the staff at my school.” Best of all, the coursework really helps to produce “practice ready lawyers.”

Of course, a handful of students opt to enroll in CUNY thanks to its “part-time” and “evening” programs, which provide people with much needed flexibility. However, some point out that “the evening program is still fledgling and needs a lot of fine tuning.” The individuals who run it don’t seem to fully “understand...the needs of working older adults.” This student further explains, “The academic schedule should be better organized” as there are “too many gaps in the schedule [which make] it hard to [find] work/internships” that fit with people’s already packed calendars. And, overall, students feel as though it could “use a little more administrative support.”

Finally, some students admit that Career Services “could use some work” as well. All too often, the office “seems to just funnel information [versus] actually working with students one on one and [helping them] create a plan moving forward.” Several individuals also mention that they’d love access to “more...job connections/fairs.” And while they are great at helping students who want to pursue “criminal defense work,” a handful of people would love for Career Services to expand their focus. Indeed, many wish the office would “advocate for student[s] to [pursue] whatever career field interest[s] them...[including areas such as] real estate [law], digital privacy [law], Jag and corporation law.”

For the most part, law students at CUNY find the school environment to be “friendly and collaborative.” They are able to tap into a “great community” filled with individuals who are more than willing to “help each other out.” Additionally, there are “a lot of student organizations” in which to participate and these clubs certainly help facilitate friendships. However, many students do acknowledge that political affiliation has created some friction. A number of individuals report that a large portion of the student body is “extremely liberal.” And this can make it “difficult and very uncomfortable for moderate to right-leaning students to voice their own opinions.” Or, as this individual bluntly states, “Conservative students are not allowed to speak or share any opinions…[They] should always walk with their heads down because the student body will start WWIII if they open their mouths.” Even a self-identifying “really liberal” student agrees adding, “A lot of the community, including staff, has ostracized students who lean right or have conservative viewpoints. Friends that are law enforcement have experienced despicable comments because of their profession as [have] other students who choose the field of prosecution.”