excellent resources to succeed in big law, especially in New York, and to make friends who will join you there

if you are not interested in big law or New York, a good chance you'll end up there anyways

Excellent resources for students willing to seek them out, otherwise excellent for big law regardless

Yes

Columbia has great name recognition. The name opened a lot of doors for me.

The atmosphere was a bit competitive. I attended when jobs were more scarce, though. Current students don't seem to have issues with that.

It's a good choice. It will open doors for you.

Yes

The professors are brilliant. They really push back against your ideas, in a way that forces you to consider all the angles. Attending school here opens a lot of doors.

Costs a ton -- I'm in a lot of debt now. Class sizes are pretty large. Not a great building.

I wouldn't hesitate to come to CLS. Going to school in New York is amazing, and that itself creates a lot of opportunities as well. And the name goes far.

Yes

Location. Proximity to New York law firms allowed for access and exposure for informed decisions.

Class can be competitive and high-strung. Facilities are second-rate. Lack of group study spaces.

Don't underestimate the advantages of being in New York. Living there for 3 years allows for much more informed decisions as to post-school career choices and law firm selection.

Yes

The professors are top-notch. The Columbia brand opens doors. Columbia has great international law courses. LLMs, who make up 25% of enrollment, bring interesting experience and a much more laid back attitude (than the JDs) to the school.

Incoming class is composed mostly of straight-throughs from college. If you've done a few things in between college and law school, you will find it hard to relate to most of your peers, though the older students and LLMs are great. Classmates seem homogeneously interested BigLaw.

If you need career help beyond the well-oiled machine of the on-campus interviewing process, the career office is only so-so.

Yes

The corporate law opportunities are amazing. The professors are great.

The students can sometimes be pompous. The curve is annoying. They still use a grading system that is not P/F.

On balance, CLS is great. You will be taught by some of the best lawyers in the field. Employment opportunities are great.

Yes

Awesome reputation

Intelligent and well-connected faculty

Top-tier classmates but not overly intense or competitive

Diligent career services

Needs to get better at preparing students for the ever-changing legal market

Bring your A+ game and be ready to foster a sense of community because your classmates will be your future colleagues

Yes