Fordham University School of Law is one of the strongest law schools in New York City outside the T14, and its Lincoln Center campus puts students at the center of one of the largest legal markets in the world. Known for its strength in corporate and financial law, public interest law, intellectual property, and international law, Fordham has a large and active alumni network that dominates the New York legal scene. The full-time day class of ~375 students makes it one of the larger law schools nationally, but its placement into BigLaw, government, and public interest in the NYC market is consistently strong.
This guide walks you through how to get into Fordham Law.
1. Fordham Law Admissions Numbers and Statistics
Fordham Law Class of 2028:
- LSAT: 75th percentile: 170 | Median: 168 | 25th percentile: 165
- GPA: 75th percentile: 3.88 | Median: 3.79 | 25th percentile: 3.60
Fordham Law Class of 2027:
- LSAT: 75th: 169 | Median: 167 | 25th: 165
- GPA: 75th: 3.84 | Median: 3.76 | 25th: 3.57
Fordham’s LSAT median rose from 167 to 168, with the 75th percentile hitting 170. GPA moved up across the board as well. The full-time day class stayed nearly the same size (375 vs. 367). These are steady, upward moves that reflect Fordham’s strengthening position.
If you are at or above both medians, you are competitive. Fordham’s LSAT range (165-170) indicates the school values strong test scores, but a 165 at the 25th percentile means applicants in the mid-160s with strong applications still have a path. GPA expectations are slightly lower than peer schools, which can benefit splitters.
For context on how medians affect your strategy, see How to Build a Smart Law School List.
2. Fordham Law Application Essays
Personal Statement (required)
Fordham’s prompt is open-ended. Two double-spaced pages, 11- or 12-point font. The school notes that the most successful personal statements develop a sense of the applicant and their values, aspirations, and concerns. As Fordham’s motto is “In the Service of Others,” the school is also interested in hearing about contributions you would like to make to the student body, the legal profession, and the larger society.
Best Practices:
- Lead with a real experience
- Show insight, growth, or legal thinking
- Connect to why law
- Write with voice
Personal Statement Examples | Personal Statement Guide
Diversity / Perspective / Identity Statement (optional)
Fordham frames its optional essay around its mission of educating lawyers to represent clients from a wide range of life circumstances. The prompt asks: discuss how your life experiences or aspects of your personal identity have motivated or inspired you, posed challenges, helped you build skills, and/or taught you valuable lessons. The school wants to learn how these experiences have shaped who you are and prepared you for the study and practice of law. Two double-spaced pages, 11- or 12-point font.
Diversity Statement Examples | Diversity Statement Guide
Addenda and Character & Fitness (if applicable)
Standard: brief, factual explanations for any issues.
3. Fordham Law Resume Requirements
One page is preferred, but longer resumes are acceptable. Focus on professional and academic achievements, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular involvement.
4. Fordham Law Letters of Recommendation
Fordham requires two letters of recommendation through LSAC. You may submit up to four letters.
5. Fordham Law Interview Process
Fordham does not conduct formal admissions interviews as part of the standard application process.
6. Fordham Law Deadlines and Early Decision
Note: The deadlines below are based on the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Applicants should verify all dates on the school’s official admissions page, as deadlines may shift slightly from year to year.
- Accepted Tests: LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next. A GRE or JD-Next score will only be considered if you have not taken and do not intend to take the LSAT; any reportable LSAT scores on file will take precedence. That said, I strongly recommend taking the LSAT regardless of what else a school accepts. LSAT vs. GRE for Law School: Why the GRE Is a Bad Choice
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: October 15. Applicants with a completed application by this date receive a decision around December 15. The last LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next accepted for Early Action is October.
- Regular Decision Deadline: March 15. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying earlier is advantageous.
- Last Eligible Test Date: February 2027 (LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next Session 4)
Fordham’s Early Action program is non-binding, meaning you are not committed to attend if admitted. This is a significant advantage: you get an early read on your candidacy without giving up the ability to compare offers.
Fordham also offers a four-year part-time evening JD program, ranked among the top part-time programs in the country. Evening students take classes Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 9:45 PM and have access to the same clinics, journals, and student organizations as full-time students. The application process is the same for both divisions; applicants choose full-time or part-time when applying.
For a full breakdown of early decision strategy, see Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
7. Fordham Law Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merit Scholarships
All admitted applicants are automatically considered. Fordham offers a range of merit awards, including several named scholarships.
Stein Scholars Program
The Stein Scholars Program is Fordham’s premier public interest program, offering mentorship, skills training, summer stipends, and a structured public interest career development track. Approximately 20-22 students are selected each year.
For more on scholarship strategy, see How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships.
8. Fordham Law Dual Degree Programs
Fordham Law offers dual degree programs with other Fordham graduate schools:
- JD/MBA with the Gabelli School of Business (four years)
- JD/MA in International Political Economy and Development with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (four years)
Fordham also offers year-long international double-degree programs with Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, Comillas (Madrid), LUISS (Rome), and Fudan (Shanghai).
Students must apply and be admitted to each program separately.
9. Fordham Law Employment Outcomes (Class of 2024)
Fordham Class of 2024 employment outcomes (reported to the ABA, measured 10 months after graduation):
- Full-time, long-term bar-passage-required employment (ABA): 89.5%
- BigLaw (firms with 100+ attorneys): 54.9%
- Federal clerkships: 3.3%
- Public service: 13.6%
Fordham places overwhelmingly into New York’s legal market. The 54.9% BigLaw rate is strong for a school outside the T14 and reflects Fordham’s deep ties to NYC firms.
10. Fordham Law Areas of Study and Specializations
Corporate and Finance Law: Fordham’s location in Manhattan and deep ties to New York’s legal market drive strong placement into corporate, securities, and finance law. The Corporate Law Center supports programming and recruitment.
Litigation: Fordham is known for producing skilled litigators. The Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Center and strong clinical programs in civil and criminal litigation reflect this emphasis.
Public Interest and Government Law: Fordham’s public interest programs and proximity to state and federal courts in Manhattan support placement into government, legal aid, and advocacy.
Intellectual Property and Media Law: NYC’s media, entertainment, and technology sectors create strong opportunities for students pursuing IP, trademark, and media law. Fordham’s Fashion Law Institute is one of a kind.
International Law: The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice supports human rights work, and Fordham’s international programs in Europe and Asia provide study-abroad and dual-degree options.
11. Fordham Law Clinics and Experiential Learning
Fordham operates a robust clinical program. Key clinics include:
- Securities Litigation Clinic: Students litigate securities arbitration cases for individual investors, one of the few such clinics nationally.
- Family Advocacy Clinic: Students represent parents in child welfare proceedings.
- Community Economic Development Clinic: Transactional work for nonprofits and small businesses.
- Immigrant Rights and Civil Practice Clinic: Representation of immigrants in NYC.
- Criminal Defense Clinic: Students handle cases in New York City courts.
- Entrepreneurial Law Clinic: Legal services for startups and entrepreneurs.
- Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic: International human rights litigation and advocacy.
Fordham is also home to the Feerick Center for Social Justice, a hub for public interest programming, community partnerships, and student engagement in social justice work.
Pro Bono and Experiential Learning
NYC provides one of the deepest markets for externships and pro bono work in the country. Fordham students extern at federal and state courts, the Southern District of New York (one of the most important federal trial courts in the country), major firms, and public interest organizations.
12. Fordham Law Notable Faculty and Journals
Faculty
- Joseph Landau: Dean of Fordham Law and Paul Fuller Professor of Law. Constitutional law, civil procedure, and immigration rights.
- Bruce Green: Louis Stein Professor of Law. Professional responsibility and legal ethics. Director of the Stein Center for Law and Ethics.
- Zephyr Teachout: Professor of Law. Anti-corruption, constitutional law, and antitrust. Author of “Corruption in America.”
- Susan Block-Lieb: Professor of Law. Bankruptcy, consumer protection, and commercial law.
- Catherine Powell: Professor of Law. International human rights, constitutional law, and foreign affairs.
Journals
- Fordham Law Review: Highly regarded general law review.
- Fordham International Law Journal
- Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal
- Fordham Urban Law Journal
- Fordham Environmental Law Review
- Fordham Journal of Corporate and Financial Law
13. Fordham Law Culture and Student Life
Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus puts students in Manhattan’s cultural heart. The school has a strong sense of community despite its size, in part because of its Jesuit tradition of service and ethical reflection. The student body skews towards students who want to practice in New York.
New York City needs no introduction as a legal market. For students who want to work in NYC, Fordham’s alumni network, firm connections, and proximity to legal institutions provide a direct path.
14. Tips for Your Fordham Application
Leverage NYC connections. If you want to work in New York, say so, and explain why Fordham specifically (not just “it’s in NYC”). The corporate law connections, the SDNY externships, and the Fashion Law Institute are examples of things only Fordham offers.
The Stein Scholars program is a differentiator. If public interest is your path, the Stein program should be on your radar. Mention it if you are applying for it.
Do not overlook Fordham’s unique centers. The Fashion Law Institute, the Securities Litigation Clinic, and the Feerick Center for Social Justice are all distinctive. If your interests align, make the connection.
Want Help Getting Into Fordham Law?
Fordham is a school where NYC-specific goals and genuine school-specific research make a real difference. The large class means many applicants are admitted, but standing out in terms of fit is what drives scholarships and early admission.
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Note: While this guide is kept up to date, always verify deadlines, requirements, and policies at the Fordham Law website before applying.
Related Reading
→ How to Build a Smart Law School List
→ Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
→ How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships
→ 6 Proven Steps to Get Off a Law School Waitlist
→ How to Get Into Law School Below Both Medians
→ What Holistic Law School Admissions Really Means
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