Brooklyn Law School: A Comprehensive Guide 2025

Brooklyn Law School is a respected private law school located in downtown Brooklyn, New York City. It offers both full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (JD) programs, along with joint degrees and specialized legal tracks that let students focus on their career goals. Known for its academic strength and flexible study options, the school’s location puts students close to top law firms, courts, and public interest groups, giving them valuable real-world legal experience.

The campus includes modern classrooms, a top-tier law library, and student housing right in the center of Brooklyn. Brooklyn Law School acceptance rate of 54.3% remains competitive while still being accessible to strong applicants. In the next part of this blog, we’ll explore Brooklyn Law School’s academic programs and the admissions process.

Brooklyn Law School: An Overview

Founded in 1901 by William Payson Richardson and Norman P. Heffley, Brooklyn Law School began with just five students and five faculty members. It quickly made history as the first law school on Long Island and earned its charter from the New York State Board of Regents within its first year. More than a century later, it remains a proud, independent institution.

Today, Brooklyn Law School is home to a diverse and inclusive student body of 1,166 students. In the 2023 incoming class, 66% were women and 38% identified as members of historically underrepresented groups, reflecting a strong commitment to equity. Students come from 42 states and 7 countries, bringing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the classroom. Alumni of Brooklyn High School for Law and Technology often go on to pursue higher education in law and related fields.

Student life in Brooklyn is a mix of hard work and city adventures. Between classes, study sessions, and networking events, students still find time to relax and enjoy the neighbourhood. Some of the best bars in Brooklyn are just a short walk from Brooklyn Law School.

Brooklyn Law School Ranking at a Glance:

• A+ in Practical Training – preLaw Magazine
• 8x Go-To Law School – National Law Journal, for the highest percentage of grads hired by top firms
• #11 in Part-Time Law Programs – U.S. News & World Report
• 89% of graduates employed 10 months after graduation
• #117 in Best Law Schools (tie) – U.S. News & World Report
• #38 on Go-To Law Schools – National Law Journal

Brooklyn Law School Courses

Brooklyn Law School offers a wide range of academic programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring legal professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you're just starting law school or pursuing advanced legal studies, Brooklyn Law combines strong academic foundations with practical training and real-world experience in the heart of New York City.

Undergraduate Programs

Brooklyn Law School offers two pathways to earn the Juris Doctor (J.D.), providing flexibility for students with different schedules and goals. Both programs follow the same admissions process and offer access to the full curriculum of over 200 courses.

• Standard 3-Year J.D. Degree Program
• Extended 4-Year J.D. (Part-Time) Program

Graduate Programs

Brooklyn Law School also offers advanced degrees for international and domestic lawyers looking to deepen their expertise or specialize in key areas of law. Students use the Brooklyn Law School academic calendar to plan their coursework, exams, and breaks effectively.

• LL.M. Program (Master of Laws)
• International Dual Degrees (J.D./LL.M.)

Brooklyn Law School Admissions

Among the law schools in Brooklyn NY, Brooklyn Law School stands out for its experienced faculty and strong alumni network. If you're considering applying to Brooklyn Law School, it's helpful to understand the admissions requirements before you begin your application.

Undergraduate Requirements

Before applying to a law program, it's important to meet certain undergraduate requirements. Brooklyn Law School looks for candidates with a solid academic background, regardless of their major. Below is an overview of what you should have completed at the undergraduate level.

• A bachelor’s degree from a college or university approved by the New York State Education Department (must be completed before enrollment).
• A valid Brooklyn Law School LSAT or GRE score.
• Two Brooklyn Law School letters of recommendation (up to four accepted).
• Resume
• Personal Statement (1–3 pages)
• Optional Essays
• Explanation for any affirmative responses to character and fitness questions
• Dean’s Certification Form (if required)
• Letter of Standing (mandatory if you've previously attended any law school, even for one day)
• A strong record of academic achievement, writing ability, and professional promise.
• Evidence of good character and fitness—applicants should show traits like perseverance, curiosity, leadership, and integrity.

Graduate Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the LL.M. program, applicants must:

• Hold a first degree in law from a recognized foreign university that is substantially equivalent to a U.S. legal education.
• Meet English language proficiency standards with one of the following:
  
  • TOEFL iBT score of 95 or higher (with at least 23 in each section)
  • IELTS score of 7.0 or higher
• $70 non-refundable application fee
• Resume or CV
• Personal Statement (1–3 pages explaining academic and professional goals)
• Two letters of recommendation (submitted via LSAC or sent directly to LSAC)
• Official law school transcript, with certified English translation (if needed), sent to LSAC
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score reports, sent directly from testing agencies to LSAC

What is the Application Process at Brooklyn Law School

Applying to Brooklyn Law School involves several important steps that ensure your application is complete and ready for review by the Admissions Committee. Here's a clear breakdown of the process:

1. Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org. This service collects and sends your transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters to the law school.
2. Take either the LSAT or GRE. Both tests are accepted, and scores must be valid and sent directly through LSAC.
3. Complete and submit your application online via LSAC. You’ll need to include your personal statement, resume, and answers to character and fitness questions.
4. Pay the non-refundable $70 application fee. If eligible, you may apply for a fee waiver.
5. Submit at least two letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional references. Up to four letters will be considered.
6. Submit the required materials.
7. Wait for the admission decision.

The Brooklyn Law School Simplicity portal is an essential tool for students managing their career development.

Brooklyn Law School Deadlines

Brooklyn Law School follows a rolling admissions process for both its J.D. and LL.M. programs, meaning applications are reviewed as they become complete. While there is no universal deadline, applying early is strongly encouraged to ensure priority consideration and adequate time for processing standardized test scores, transcripts, and supporting materials.

Below is a summary of key deadlines and recommendations for each program:

Brooklyn Law School Tuition Fees

Understanding the Brooklyn Law School tuition fees is an important step. Below is a breakdown of the tuition rates for the upcoming academic year.

3-Year (Standard) J.D. Program

4-Year (Part-Time) J.D. Program

LL.M. Program for Internationally Trained Lawyers

Brooklyn Law School Scholarships

Brooklyn Law School offers a range of scholarships and grants to help reduce the financial burden of legal education.

Student Housing Near Brooklyn Law School

Brooklyn Law School is located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill—areas known for their cultural diversity, lively streets, and easy access to public transportation. The school guarantees affordable housing for all first-year students who apply by the May 1 deadline, with Feil Hall just a short walk from campus.

For students seeking additional or alternative housing options, amber helps connect students with verified, comfortable, and affordable student housing near Brooklyn Law School. Whether you're looking for a private suite or a shared apartment, Amber makes finding the right home easier.

Here are some popular student accommodation choices near Brooklyn Law School:

• Bernard Brooklyn Home, Brooklyn
• Williamsburg Meserole Home, New York
• St. George Towers, New York
• New York Friends Home, New York