Celebrating over 90 years of excellence in legal education, St. John’s School of Law has produced lawyers who have distinguished themselves in practice, government, and the judiciary.
Student to Faculty Ratio
of 2018 graduates in full-time, long-term law-related jobs
nationwide for placing graduates in the 100 biggest law firms
Mission
Consistent with the Vincentian Mission of St. John’s University, St. John’s School of Law seeks to: Achieve academic excellence through a commitment to rigorous teaching, scholarly research, and innovative application of knowledge; Foster a diverse community emphasizing respect for the rights and dignity of every person; Engage students to search out the causes of economic and social injustice and to find adaptable, effective, and concrete solutions; Endow graduates with the skills and values required for successful participation in a global legal profession.
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Dean's Message
The Law School is focused on placing our students on the path to a rewarding career so they can follow our alumni, who have reached the highest levels in law firms, government, business and nonprofit organizations.
Our History
St. John's University School of Law opened its doors on September 28, 1925. Founded 55 years after the opening of St. John's University by the Vincentian Community, the school initially dedicated itself to educating the children of individuals who had been denied access to economic and educational opportunities. In the Law School’s first year, classes were held in the Terminal Building at 50 Court Street, Brooklyn. Classes filled so quickly that expansion was necessary almost immediately. In August 1926, the school leased additional space in neighboring buildings. Soon, even they overflowed and the school needed a new facility in which to grow. It subsequently moved into a new fourteen-story building at 96 Schermerhorn Street in downtown Brooklyn.
As college and graduate school applications skyrocketed in the late 1960s, the entire University began to once more feel confined. In 1970, the Law School held a ground- breaking ceremony for its new building on the Queens Campus, where most of the University stands today. The School of Law moved into its new home in 1972—finding space for more classrooms, an expansive law library, and offices for the growing faculty. St. John’s Law later expanded again, thanks to the generosity of benefactor Leon Finley ʼ29, ʼ85HON, creating Finley Hall. Through the generosity of Jerome ʼ48, 84HON and Maxine ʼ98HON Belson, the older building was renovated. The combined buildings, Belson and Finley Halls, provide an attractive and spacious facility for the Law School.
The Law School currently boasts more than 15,000 living graduates and attracts students from over 200 colleges and universities throughout the world. The current student body of approximately 800 represents students from many backgrounds, all of whom have excelled in undergraduate institutions, and many of whom have been employed prior to starting their law studies.
St. John’s Law provides an exceptional education, grounded in the fundamentals of legal reasoning, writing, skills, and ethics. Students gain experience through the School’s 19 centers and clinics, learn cutting-edge subjects that will help them succeed in today’s global and technological profession, study abroad at St. John’s campuses in Europe, and contribute to the production and dissemination of legal scholarship through journals and publications, all while being guided and mentored by a dedicated faculty, administration, and staff.
The Law School is relentlessly focused on outcomes that matter most to students, their families, and alumni. St. John’s is ranked high in the state for bar passage and employment, and alumni donate generously of their time and resources to help current students. The full-time faculty of 43 publish in the top journals of the country and have authored books on a variety of subjects, all while winning praise from students for the quality of their teaching and mentoring. The adjunct faculty, which consists of over 100 attorneys and judges, teach cutting-edge subjects and infuse the curriculum with skills training.
From its humble beginnings in Brooklyn, St. John’s School of Law continues to provide educational opportunity, graduating students well-suited for the challenges of the 21st Century.
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are recognized authorities in their scholarly fields, and they all bring experience in legal practice to their classrooms. While these men and women have varied teaching styles, they share a commitment to engaging their students in active learning. Faculty research important and timely legal issues and author noteworthy books, articles and commentaries.
Contact Us
Main Number
718-990-6600
J.D. Admissions Office
718-990-6474
[email protected]
LL.M. Admissions Office
01-718-990-8335
[email protected]