This program prepares students for a career in law through LSAT prep, mentorships, legal studies seminars, and more.
Honors Program
in Legal Studies
The Honors Program prepares students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented communities for successful legal careers that will enrich and diversify the legal profession. Our alumni practice law across the U.S. in all areas, including public interest, criminal, civil rights, corporate law, intellectual property, tax law and in government agencies.
Our students receive free LSAT prep, merit scholarships, mentoring by alumni lawyers, special legal studies seminars, targeted advising, and membership in a cohort of ambitious, supportive, like-minded students.
If you aim to go to law school, we are your home at CCNY.
Merit scholarships
Mentoring
LSAT Prep
Legal Seminars
Program Details
Our two-year program accepts rising juniors (students who have completed approximately 50 to 70 credits), and offers merit scholarships, mentoring by alumni lawyers, special legal studies seminars, and LSAT preparation. We also provide students and alums with practical and financial help in the law school application process. Students are selected through a competitive application process. Applications are due by March 15, and the program begins in the fall semester.
We also have a shorter program which provides students with less than 3 semesters left in college many of the same benefits. Applications are due by October 31, and the program begins in January.
City College or transfer students interested in pursuing a law degree who have a strong academic record as assessed by GPA, personal statement, writing sample and letters of recommendation. All majors are Welcome.
- Merit scholarships – scholarships and additional financial support for law school applications.
- Receive free and extensive LSAT Preparation
- Strengthen Critical Thinking Skills essential to law school through our Summer Institute and intellectually engaging seminars
- Improve your Writing Skills through weekly meetings with an instructor.
- Broaden your Understanding of the legal profession by meeting lawyers from a wide variety of practice areas.
- Receive Pre-Law Advising & Assistance with your law school application.
- Membership in a rapidly expanding network of successful law students and lawyers who started out where you are.
Our History
In 2008, CCNY and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP launched the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies with a commitment of nearly $10 million over 10 years. The effort was led by former Skadden partner Joseph Flom, who attended City College in the late 1940s and was inspired by his own journey to support social mobility and expand the legal profession. As Flom told the ABA Journal at the time, “[CCNY] gave me my chance, so why shouldn’t other people have a chance?”
The program provides scholarships, specialized seminars, LSAT preparation, mentoring, and advising to prepare students for legal careers. Skadden solely supported the program for its first 12 years, during which more than 130 students attended law schools across the country. These alumni now practice law throughout the United States in a wide range of fields, including intellectual property, criminal defense and prosecution, civil legal services, corporate law, family law, bankruptcy and tax law, as well as in government agencies.
Beginning with the fall 2021 cohort, the program partnered with an expanded group of corporate law firms and individual donors and changed its name to the Honors Program in Legal Studies at the Colin Powell School. Skadden continues to sponsor students, and Fried Frank, Milbank, Paul Hastings, and Winston & Strawn, among others, have joined these efforts. The program’s mission remains the same: preparing students from CCNY’s diverse student body for law school and legal careers.
Contact Us
Have any questions?
We’re here to assist! Whether you’re a student, alumni, or part of the community, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or support.
Honors Program in Legal Studies
North Academic Center, Room 4/134
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
p. 212.650.8704
Office Hours: Schedule an Appointment via Email
📍Campus Map
NAC 6/134
Jennifer Light
FAQs
No. We welcome students from any major. So do law schools!
Yes! Email Jen Light, jlight@ccny.cuny.edu, to arrange a convenient time to meet.
Yes, unless the other program does not allow it.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. If you have a lower GPA, we will look at your transcript to assess your recent academic progress. You can also speak with us prior to completing the application and explain anything unusual that is on your transcript.
Please email all recommendations to jlight@ccny.cuny.edu.
Yes. At the end of our LSAT prep class, the entire cohort takes the LSAT.
