St. John's University. in New York Law Schools
St. John’s University School of Law
Introduction:
St. John’s University School of Law is a prominent private law school located in Queens, New York City.
Founded in 1925, it is part of St. John’s University, a Catholic, Vincentian institution.
The law school is known for its strong emphasis on practical legal training, ethics, and public service.
It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
Significance in New York’s Legal Education Landscape:
St. John’s Law is among the largest law schools in New York and serves a diverse student population.
It offers Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and joint degree programs.
The school has a particular reputation for its trial advocacy, legal writing, and clinical programs.
It emphasizes access to justice and encourages students to engage in public interest and community service.
The school maintains strong connections with the New York legal community, providing extensive internship and placement opportunities.
Academic Strengths and Programs:
Trial Advocacy and Clinical Programs:
St. John’s boasts nationally recognized trial advocacy teams and a robust clinical program that includes clinics in immigration law, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
Legal Writing:
The law school is renowned for its comprehensive legal writing curriculum designed to prepare students for the practical demands of legal practice.
Public Interest Law:
There is a strong focus on public interest law and social justice, aligning with the university’s Vincentian values.
Bar Preparation:
The school offers dedicated programs to help students prepare for the New York State Bar Exam.
New York Law Schools Context:
New York hosts many prestigious law schools, including:
Columbia Law School
New York University (NYU) School of Law
Fordham University School of Law
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Brooklyn Law School
While Columbia and NYU tend to be nationally ranked at the top, St. John’s holds a strong regional reputation, particularly noted for practical legal skills training and diversity.
Relevant Case Law Context:
St. John’s University School of Law, like most academic institutions, is not typically party to landmark cases itself, but many important New York legal cases relate to areas of law taught extensively at the school:
1. People v. Goetz (1986)
A landmark New York Court of Appeals case on self-defense and the use of force in criminal law.
This case is widely studied at St. John’s and other New York law schools in criminal law and trial advocacy courses.
2. Ricci v. DeStefano (2009)
Although a federal case involving New Haven, Connecticut, it is frequently cited in New York legal education on employment discrimination and affirmative action.
St. John’s legal clinics and courses discuss such cases to prepare students for civil rights litigation.
3. In re Estate of Rockefeller (2006)
A New York Surrogate’s Court decision involving estate law and the administration of trusts.
Important for courses on trusts and estates, a staple of St. John’s curriculum.
4. New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
A foundational U.S. Supreme Court case based on New York law principles about freedom of the press and defamation.
It forms part of the core constitutional law curriculum at St. John’s.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1925 |
| Location | Queens, New York City |
| Type | Private, Catholic, Vincentian |
| Accreditation | ABA Accredited, AALS Member |
| Specializations | Trial advocacy, legal writing, public interest law |
| Regional Reputation | Strong regional presence in NYC legal community |
| Notable Case Law Context | People v. Goetz (self-defense), NY Times v. Sullivan (free speech), Ricci v. DeStefano (discrimination) |
Conclusion:
St. John’s University School of Law plays a vital role in the New York legal education ecosystem, offering students a solid foundation in practical lawyering skills, ethical practice, and public service. While it may not have the same national ranking as some Ivy League or other elite schools in New York, its commitment to experiential learning and diverse legal education makes it a respected institution in the region.
The school’s curriculum prepares graduates to engage with significant areas of law relevant to New York’s dynamic legal environment, including criminal law, civil rights, estates, and constitutional law, supported by strong clinical and advocacy programs.
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