CUNY lawschool in queens

carmen

Has anyone gone? Or known anyone who has? Opinions/thoughts? I'm heavily considering applying there and had researched it a few years ago during my first round of law-school initiative, but I'd love to hear some personal experiences not only with the school but also with the reception into the working world (and yes, I am aware that the focus is the public sector and the chance of ending up in a giant firm making partner in 4 years is slim to none...)

homeowner

I'll preface this by saying its been more than 15 years since I was really around a lot of recent grads. But, from what I remember, it didn't have the best reputation. You'd be better off going to Brooklyn or NYLS if you are interested in either setting up shop for yourself or going into something less than a white-shoe firm.

That being said, the CUNY grads I knew were all competent. None of them would set the world on fire, but good guys and hard workers.

brooklynleather

I have a lot of progressive friends who are super smart and talented and going there. I think it is just really affordable so it is hit or miss, but lots of really driven, smart people go there. It is far as hell from everything though.

vidro3

i have a few lawyer friends and sunday night they were talking about law school over dinner. the consensus was that the "elite" law schools mostly focus on law theory/philosophy while lower tiered schools tend to focus more on practicality.

they all said that first years in lower tiered schools were better prepared for the bar than they were as third years.

not specifically about the school, but i think relevant to your plans.

booklaw

My impression is that CUNY is fine if you are certain you want to go into public service, but fairly useless in terms of helping you find a law firm or corporate position.

I would imagine that few if any Manhattan law firms would go there to interview potential associates or summer associates.