Fordham Law School

Fordham was an amazing place to spend my law school years. Even in the old building (I have yet to see the new), there were plenty of free food/​drink events to get you through at least three days a week without spending any money (and you need to save because this school is crazy expensive).
The professors I had were incredibly accessible, qualified, and intelligent. Even adjuncts – who were often partners at large corporate type law firms – made time for their students. Shoutouts to Professors Squire, Lane, Bender, and (former Dean) Martin for making my first and second years of law school particularly interesting, educational, and awesome.
Fordham Law School also provides world-​class moot court, dispute resolution, and journal groups, as well as plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the most valuable part of the Fordham Law School experience – FU Law Softball. From 2007-​10 our rivalry with Columbia kept things entertaining, and our trips to UVA for the all law school softball tournaments were the highlights of my law school experience.
I graduated at the worst possible time to be a law graduate and my friends and I all ended up finding jobs in the legal field that we love (most of us in firms, and a few in prestigious public sector positions).
A Fordham Law degree commands respect in New York and beyond, and even though I’ll be in debt forever (probably), I do not regret my decision to go here one bit.

To the young lawyer, Abraham Lincoln once advised: «An exorbitant fee should never be claimed.» (#justsayin)
I never did quite understand how a university that prides itself on a Jesuit tradition could charge so much mulah. (I mean aren’t Jesuits supposed to take a vow of poverty or something?)
This is particularly frustrating when it seems the bulk of $$$ is spent on flashy amenities and sparsely attended symposiums.
Re: student diversity… I had one professor repeatedly assure me of the many POC, LGBT, etc. within his circle… (That’s wonderful! But could we please discuss my exam?)
Also, for my POC students… discussions on affirmative action in your con law lectures might cause some discomfort… (but then again litigation is one long series of awkward moments, soooo…)
Aside from these peeves… FLS is packed with sharp professors. These legal eagles KNOW their stuff. Yep, the environment is competitive but then again FLS heightens the standard… do not be surprised if you know more than your boss once you start practicing (#awkward).
Your professors will have you versed in New York State legal principles but also expose you to how things go down in the rest of the country (generally).
Considering FLS?
Go for the education… brace yourself for the other stuff.

In a word: Amazing. I also have to give it a rave review, for the following reasons that come immediately to mind:
PROS:
+ Dynamic, diverse/​out-​bred and noted professors that, in more cases than not, authored the books which you are reading;
+ Incredibly intelligent, yet public interest focused student body (the person to your left or right typically went to an elite undergrad and did well, and expects that you did too — so this last aspect is mixed pro and con; in some way);
+ A new law school building by Pei Cobb Freed, and a $ 1.7 billion new campus in the works overlooking Lincoln Center and the lush Center Park (which would not have been possible, but for the generous support from the law school alumni);
+ An alumni base that is hands-​down one of the most zealously loyal, out-​reaching and truly dedicated to students and their long term success;
+ Being part of a school that is intensely interested in and focused on the public interest (a guiding ethos of a Jesuit institution, ‘being a person for others’, which is not lost on/​in the school) and offers innumerable hands-​on clinics to do ‘good works’ throughout NYC and even globally (Leitner Center for International Law and Justice, as an example);
+ Extremely competitive atmosphere (which means no rubber stamping, or class-​sailing once accepted environment, and you must be on your Socratic A-​Game with each class, every day if you want to do well), yet the students are not cut throat and overall convivial;
+ The school’s name and alumni being very helpful in landing my present position;
+ Option of breaks at The Shops of Columbus Circle /​Time Warner Center;
+ Option of catching a show at Lincoln Center (when you have time);
+ The cupcakes given during exams, and Fordham Law Flip Flops given out before summer vacation.
CONS
+ One of the more expensive law schools in the country (and slated to get exponentially more expensive each year looking at the recent reports) and not known, by any means, for its largess in offering merit scholarships. This is something must change immediately.
Above — plus a NYC cost of living which can be brutal on a law student in this economy.

By far one of the best new york law schools in terms of:
a) professor/​academic excellence;
b) quality of the student body;
c) NYC BigLaw placement.
Source: Am long time NY attorney with many colleagues, friends, and family in the profession.

Rave review for Fordham from one elated 1L… I walk past Lincoln Center on my way to class every day, and once I arrive, awesomeness ensues. The dean of the admissions office is extraordinarily helpful, and so far, my professors have been challenging but helpful. Here’s to a wonderful year.

Great location, Great profs!