4.5 out of 5 Stars
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excellent resources to succeed in big law, especially in New York, and to make friends who will join you there
Downersif you are not interested in big law or New York, a good chance you'll end up there anyways
CommentsExcellent resources for students willing to seek them out, otherwise excellent for big law regardless
Would You RecommendYes
Columbia has great name recognition. The name opened a lot of doors for me.
DownersThe atmosphere was a bit competitive. I attended when jobs were more scarce, though. Current students don't seem to have issues with that.
CommentsIt's a good choice. It will open doors for you.
Would You RecommendYes
Excellent international double degree programs; ability to study in Paris, London, Switzerland, and many more locations.
DownersThe grading system. I believe Columbia is the highest-ranked school that still assigns grades, making it tougher than Harvard and Yale in terms of academic grading.
CommentsIt's hard to think of a better school to attend if your ambition is to work at a firm in the near future. Also, I believe there are more CLS grads working abroad in the private sector than from any other school.
Would You RecommendYes
Best professors I've ever encountered. Incredible career services department that will break their back to get you a job. Really easy to find employment after law school. Generally nice people and not cut throat competition wise.
DownersOverwhelmingly corporate. Good for some, can be tough for public interest folks to find their spot. That said, everyone interested in public interest here has endless opportunities to pursue that track and plenty of support from the faculty if they need it.
CommentsYou will find your niche here despite the overwhelming corporate vibe to it. New York is awesome, the work is manageable, and most importantly you will be fully prepared afterwards in whatever area of the legal field you seek to pursue.
Would You RecommendYes
Leading professors; bright classmates; great professional network. I "learned to think like a lawyer" and had my way paved to a good job.
DownersWhile the other students were very bright, some of them were aggressive, or, more frequently, aggressively annoying.
CommentsTry to get financial aid; CLS, like most high-end law schools is super expensive. While you are there, be a positive force -- don't be mean, be patient, be funny, be kind. It all will work out.
Would You RecommendYes
The name recognition of Columbia Law School has afforded me significant opportunities.
DownersThe price, the price, the price, the price, the price.
CommentsThe cost of tuition is admittedly high but if you do well, it will be worth it.
Would You RecommendYes
The other students are incredibly intelligent and friendly.
Corporate law best in the country
DownersColumbia Law allows first years to do pretty much anything, and sometimes this can feel a bit overwhelming, like you're always behind.
Expensive.
CommentsThe other students are incredibly intelligent and friendly.
Corporate law best in the country. Columbia Law allows first years to do pretty much anything, and sometimes this can feel a bit overwhelming, like you're always behind.
Would You RecommendYes
Prestige, location, and professors -- all open doors. That's pretty much it.
DownersIn my experience, the administration does not care about its students. They just see tuition dollars. Not an atmosphere that fosters collaboration, independent thought, or intellectual curiosity.
And if you do not want to do BigLaw, then you are out of luck.
CommentsHonestly, unless you want a career in corporate BigLaw then you would be better served elsewhere.
Would You RecommendNo
Career Prospects, top jobs, good alumni network. You will not regret the decision.
DownersWorkload--law school in general. You will not regret the decision.
CommentsColumbia is a great law school. You will not regret the decision.
Would You RecommendYes
Corporate/business law oriented
Various student event
Great professors
Great location (NYC)
DownersHigh tuition fee
A little safety concerns
Generally no other complaints
CommentsIf you are planing to be a corporate lawyer, Columbia Law School is the place for you.
Would You RecommendYes