Admitted Student Handbook: Class of 2022

ADMITTED

STUDENT

HANDBOOK Class of 2022

Important Dates and Deadlines FEBRUARY

JUNE

15

TBA

Deadline to apply for the Tony Patiño Fellowship

1

Deadline to submit written request for deferral to the Office of Admissions

15

Deadline to submit Dean’s Certification(s) to the Office of Admissions

Deadline for Columbia Law School Need-Based Grant and Loan Applications to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office

18

“Mondays at Columbia”

19

First day of Guided Tours of the Law School

27–28

Admitted Student Program

MARCH

JULY

18–22

Spring Break (no classes held; no guided tours)

18–22

Off-Campus Events

1

Deadline to submit written request for a $150 tuition deposit refund, if withdrawing acceptance

1

Deadline for international student grant recipients to submit approved loan and visa documentation to the Financial Aid Office

Mid-July

Deadline to submit medical documentation to Health Services Office. Forms can be found on the main Columbia University website at health.columbia.edu

By End of Month

Columbia University’s Student Financial Services to finalize 2019–2020 cost of attendance, as well as deadlines and options for submitting payment

APRIL 2 “Perspectives”

(hosted by members of the Black Law Students Association, Latino/a Law Students Association, and Native American Law Students Association) 3–4

Admitted Student Program

18

Last day of Guided Tours of the Law School

22

“Mondays at Columbia”

MAY 1

Last day of Law School classes

1

Deadline to submit enrollment decision

15

Deadline to submit Columbia Residential application

15

Application deadline for loan borrowers

AUGUST 1

Deadline to submit final, official academic transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions

19–21

Orientation

Table of Contents WELCOME FROM THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Housing Guarantee and Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

INVITATION TO VISIT CAMPUS . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Admitted Student Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Admitted Student Program Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Other Opportunities to Visit Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Additional Information for Your Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Off-Campus Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Getting to Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Graduate Housing Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

STUDENT LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Law School Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Office of Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 New York City and Morningside Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Campus Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Important Buildings at the Law School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Where to Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Financial Assistance for Travel Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

ENROLLING AT COLUMBIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Your Enrollment Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 International Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

ACADEMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The First-Year Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Columbia’s Enduring Approach to a Rich Legal Education . . . . . . . . 17

FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Dual and Joint Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Financial Aid Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Journals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Standard Cost of Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

International Study Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Apply for Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Experiential Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Financial Aid Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Our Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Additional Sources of Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Veterans Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 International J.D. Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Summer Programs in Public Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pro Bono Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Financial Aid Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 The Columbia Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) . . . . . 68 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Postgraduate Employment Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Social Justice Initiatives Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

CAREERS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Finding a Career After Law School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

2019–2020 ACADEMIC CALENDAR . . . . . . . . 69

MAP OF MORNINGSIDE CAMPUS . . . . . . . . . 70

Private Sector: The Office of Career Services and Professional Development . . . . 35 Public Interest Law and Government Service: Social Justice Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Careers in Law Teaching Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The Judicial Clerkships Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

law.columbia.edu/admit

1

Congratulations!

We have enjoyed learning about you through your application and now look forward to getting better acquainted with you. In doing so, we hope to provide you with various platforms to learn more about the opportunities and resources available to you at Columbia Law School.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or to discuss your aspirations and considerations for your law school education.

The Admissions Team

Seated: Scott Cutrone, Director of Admissions; Nkonye Iwerebon ’93, Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions; Victoria Ng, Admissions and Enrollment Officer. Standing: Kory Hawkins, Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion; Joy Brandon, Admissions Office Assistant; Maritza Sanchez, Administrative Assistant; Josh Davis, Associate Director of Admissions; Christina Ross ’87, Recruitment Advisor; Patrick Dwyer, Web Content and Communications Officer; Katherine Cartusciello, Admissions Assistant; Susan Cersovsky ’93, Associate Director of Admissions; Stephanie Vasquez, Admissions Assistant; Winston Moguel, Administrative Assistant.

Welcome from the Office of Admissions Dear Admitted Student, Congratulations on your admission to Columbia Law School!

We have assembled this handbook to provide you with a comprehensive guide of important and relevant information about visiting and enrolling, student life, housing, curriculum, financial aid, and career resources.

This handbook complements the Admitted Student Website, which has more detailed and interactive information. We encourage you to visit the website often to learn more and receive the latest updates throughout the upcoming months. To access the Admitted Student Website, please activate your Admitted Student Account by following the instructions provided in the accompanying letter of admission.

In addition to exploring physical and online materials, the best way to see whether Columbia Law School is the right fit for you is to come to campus and experience the community for yourself. We hope you will be able to join us for an Admitted Student Program, a two-day experience designed to provide you with an in-depth look into the Law School’s community, including opportunities to personally connect with our administrators, distinguished faculty, and dynamic student body—your future classmates. We hope you can join us on February 27–28 or April 3–4. Please see the enclosed invitation for more information. Registration is required—you can RSVP via the Admitted Student Website.

Within this handbook, you will find information on ways to reach out with any pertinent questions. In addition, on the Admitted Student Website, you will be able to gain access to lists of Admissions Student Ambassadors and Alumni Ambassadors who are eager to hear from you and will be happy to serve as resources as you learn more about the Law School.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 212-854-2674, or email us at admit@law. columbia.edu. We look forward to keeping in touch and welcoming you to campus in August!

Warmest regards,

Nkonye Iwerebon ’93

Scott Cutrone

Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions

Director of Admissions

Susan Cersovsky ’93

Kory Hawkins

Josh Davis

Christina Ross ’87

Associate Director of Admissions

Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion

Associate Director of Admissions

Recruitment Advisor

law.columbia.edu/admit

3

You Are I February 27–28, 2019

Invited April 3–4, 2019

ADMITTED STUDENT PROGRAM FEBRUARY 27–28, 2019 or APRIL 3–4, 2019

The two-day Admitted Student Program on February 27–28 or April 3–4 is an extraordinary opportunity to preview the unique academic, cocurricular, and social environments at Columbia Law School.

It is important to attend both days of the Admitted Student Program, as each day differs thematically: • On Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to meet our faculty and students and learn more about the programs and resources that make the Columbia Law School experience so valuable.

• On Thursday, you will be able to deepen conversations with students, faculty, and administrators in less formal settings, as well as to view university student housing options.

Our hope is that you will leave campus with many newly formed friendships and a rich and robust perspective on the Columbia Law School community.

RSVP via law.columbia.edu/admit at least one week prior to your visit.

6

Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27 OR APRIL 3) 9:00–9:50 a.m.

Registration and Light Breakfast

9:50–10:30 a.m.

Section Meet and Greet with Current Students

10:35–11:05 a.m.

Welcome and Discussion with Dean Gillian Lester

11:10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Discussion: Social Justice Law at Columbia and Beyond

12:20–1:30 p.m.

Lunch with Administrators and Current Students

1:40–2:40 p.m.

Mock Classes

2:50–4:10 p.m.

Discussion: Contemporary Legal Issues

4:20–5:15 p.m.

Guided Tours and Open Houses

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception for the Class of 2022

THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 28 OR APRIL 4) 8:15–9:30 a.m.

Registration

8:30–10:00 a.m.

Breakfast Reception

10:10 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Coffee Chats with Faculty and Administrators

10:40 a.m.­–8:10 p.m.

Opportunity to Visit Classes

12:10–1:10 p.m.

Lunch with Current Students

1:15–2:00 p.m.

Student Panel

2:00–2:20 p.m.

Housing Presentation

2:30–3:15 p.m.

Financial Aid and LRAP Session

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Academic and Professional Development Office Hours

2:30–4:00 p.m.

Guided Tours of the Law Library

2:30–4:00 p.m.

Housing Office Hours

2:30–4:30 p.m.

University Apartment Viewing

4:00–5:00 p.m.

Wine and Cheese Reception

5:00 p.m.

After Hours with Student Organizations

Note: As details become finalized, the schedule may change. Please check the Admitted Student Website for the most current information.

Additionally, attendees will receive a program with more information at registration.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2: “PERSPECTIVES” Members of the Black Law Students Association, Latino/a Law Students Association, and Native American Law Students Association invite interested admitted students to “Perspectives,” a half-day program specifically designed to introduce students to the Columbia Law School community through the diverse perspectives of these student organizations. More information about “Perspectives” will follow via email.

7

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT COLUMBIA We understand that your schedule may not allow you to join us for an Admitted Student Program. We offer a number of additional ways in which you can visit campus. Please visit the Admitted Student Website for the most current information and to register.

MONDAYS AT COLUMBIA (FEBRUARY 18 OR APRIL 22) 9:00–9:45 a.m.

Registration

9:10 a.m.–8:10 p.m.

Opportunity to Visit Classes

9:45 –10:50 a.m.

Guided Tour of the Law School

11:00 a.m.–Noon

Brunch with Administrators and Current Students

Noon–12:25 p.m.

Welcome and Discussion with Dean Gillian Lester

12:25–1:15 p.m.

Student Panel

1:30–3:45 p.m.

University Apartment Viewing

1:30–4:00 p.m.

Coffee Chats with Administrators

4:00–5:00 p.m.

Wine and Cheese Reception

Note: As details become finalized, the schedule may change. Please check the Admitted Student Website for the most current information.

Additionally, attendees will receive a program with more information at registration.

Guided Tours and Office Hours with Student Ambassadors Dates: Time:

Location:

Monday–Thursday, February 19–April 18 Tours: 12:30–1:15 p.m.

Student Ambassador Office Hours: 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Office of Admissions, William & June Warren Hall 1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 5th Floor

The Law School offers guided tours for admitted students, which begin at the Office of Admissions. In addition, Student Ambassadors will hold informal office hours, during which they will answer questions about their Law School experience.

Note: Tours and office hours will not be offered on Fridays or during Spring Break (March 18–22). Also, tours offered during Admitted Student Programs and Mondays at Columbia do not follow the schedule above.

Class Visits Every semester, the Office of Admissions compiles a list of classes that are open to admitted and prospective students. The complete list is available in our office, as well as on the Admitted Student Website (law.columbia.edu/admit).

Note: Generally, there is a limited number of classes offered on Fridays, and the Office of Admissions is not responsible for changes to the availability of classes.

Open Visitation Admitted students are welcome to visit the Office of Admissions at any time during normal business hours and meet with staff from Admissions and other administrative offices, and/or to take a self-guided tour of the Law School. If possible, please notify us in advance by calling 212-854-7701, or email us at admit@law. columbia.edu, though you are welcome to stop in at any time.

Note: We strongly recommend visiting when the Law School is in session.

University Tours The Columbia University Visitors Center offers guided tours of campus every Monday and Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. The Center can also provide materials for a self-guided tour of the main campus at your convenience, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the Center’s website at www.columbia.edu/content/visitors-center.html or call 212-854-4900.

Student Hosts On the Admitted Student Website, we have listed current students who have volunteered to host admitted students during their visits to the Law School. Please contact the student host(s) directly, either by phone or email, to confirm availability and arrangements. The list of hosts can be found on the Admitted Student Website under “Visit Campus.”

Note: The Office of Admissions does not facilitate this process and cannot guarantee availability for every admitted student who wishes to stay with a student host.

8

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT • Spring Break takes place March 18–22. Classes will not be in session, and guided tours will not be offered.

Very few students will be on campus at this time.

• The last day of classes is Wednesday, May 1. The week prior to the end of classes usually consists of review sessions, and classes are generally not open to visitors.

• There is no dress code for campus visitation, though business casual attire is recommended.

• Should you have any questions as you are planning your visit, please contact us at 212-854-7701 or admit@law.columbia.edu.

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS The Office of Alumni Relations together with our alumni host annual receptions in various cities to enable admitted students to develop deeper connections within the Law School community. Please note that dates and locations are subject to change, and additional receptions may be added. For the most current information and to register, please visit the Admitted Student Website under “Off-Campus Events.”

Washington, D.C.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Los Angeles, CA

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

San Francisco, CA

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Boston, MA

To be determined

law.columbia.edu/admit

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You Are Invited GETTING TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY law.columbia.edu/visit

Columbia Law School is located at 435 West 116th Street (and Amsterdam Avenue) in New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. There are a number of transportation options to get to campus.

AIRPORTS

PUBLIC TRANSIT

LaGuardia Airport, located approximately 10 miles away, is the nearest airport to campus. The John F. Kennedy International Airport is located approximately 20 miles from campus, and the Newark Liberty International Airport is located approximately 30 miles from campus.

Subway

RIDE-HAIL APPS AND TAXIS Taxis and select ride-hail and ride-share apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft, and Via) are available at all three airports. Within Manhattan, a variety of ride-hail and ride-share apps are supported. In addition, cabs can be flagged from most city streets at any time of the day or requested through the Curb app.

To access the campus via subway, take the 1 train to the 116th Street-Columbia University stop (at 116th Street and Broadway). From the train station, walk east, and the Law School is located just past the gates of College Walk.

Bus The M4, M104, and M60-SBS buses stop at 116th Street and Broadway. The M11 bus stops at 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

For more information and to best plan your trip via public transit, visit mta.info.

The Henry Hudson Parkway is nearest to campus. Take the 96th Street exit and head east to Amsterdam Avenue.

PARKING Should you plan to drive to campus, please allow at least 30 minutes to secure a parking space. There may be street and metered parking available near campus, but please note that most parking meters have a two-hour limit.

The following parking garages are open to visitors and are near the Law School:

GGMC Parking: Lionsgate

512 West 112th Street 6:00 a.m.—1:00 a.m.

646-584-7622 | ggmcparking.com

OUT-OF-STATE BUSES AND TRAINS

GMC Parking

Train service to Manhattan arrives at Grand Central Station and Pennsylvania Station (commonly referred to as Penn Station). Bus service to Manhattan arrives at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

All three landmarks are located in the Midtown area, approximately 30 minutes from campus.

ProPark America

532 West 122nd Street 6:00 a.m.—12:00 a.m.

212-961-1075 | gmcparking.com

Avalon Morningside 401 West 110th Street 212-864-7164 | propark.com West 125th Street Garage 121 West 125th Street 212-531-3418 | propark.com Note: Parking rates may vary, and the Law School does not validate parking.

CAR

10 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

IMPORTANT LAW SCHOOL BUILDINGS The Law School is located on the main campus of the uUniversity. To help prepare you for your visit, we would like to highlight a few important buildings. For a more comprehensive map of the Morningside Campus, please refer to the inside back cover.

JEROME L. GREENE HALL

N W

435 West 116th Street

E

The main Law School building where most classes and activities take place.

S

Classrooms Clinical Program Offices Diamond Law Library Faculty Offices Study Spaces

West 118th Street Amsterdam Avenue

WILLIAM & JUNE WARREN HALL 1125 Amsterdam Avenue

Houses many administrative offices of the Law School, and some classes and events take place here.

Office of Admissions Financial Aid Office (FAO) International Programs Office of Career Services and Professional Development (OCS) Registration Services Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) Student Services and Housing Office

Faculty House Jerome L. Greene Hall

WILLIAM C. WARREN HALL 410 West 116th Street

Houses the Business Office and the Columbia Law Review.

Some classes are held here as well.

West 116 Street th

William & June Warren Hall

West 115 Street th

Morningside Drive

William C. Warren Hall

The Greenhouse

FACULTY HOUSE

64 Morningside Drive adjacent to Jerome Greene Hall Some events during the Admitted Student Program may take place here.

THE GREENHOUSE 424 West 116th Street

Home to some of the Law School’s 14 academic journals,

including the Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems and the Columbia Business Law Review.

law.columbia.edu/admit

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You Are Invited WHERE TO STAY Columbia University has negotiated rates with a number of local hotels for campus visitors. Additionally, there are other lodging options near campus.

Please note that the information found below is meant to serve as a resource and does not represent a recommendation of these establishments by either Columbia University or 154th St the Law School. Please visit campustravel.com/university/columbia for a complete list of preferred lodging options, including rates and instructions for making reservations at 145th St participating hotels. The Bronx STUDENT HOSTS B CColumbia

University

116th St

First Ave

CAMPUS ACCOMMODATIONS International House

96th St

Upper East Side

I D

Madison Ave

Central Park

G

86th St

A

72nd St

B

Lexington Ave

Upper West Side

H FDR Drive

F

Third Ave

110th St

Fifth Ave

Broadway Amsterdam Ave Columbus Ave

Riverside Drive

116 St Station Columbia University

Park Ave

A

On the Admitted Student Website, we have listed current students who have volunteered to host admitted students during their visits to the Law School. Please contact the student host(s) directly, either by phone or email, to confirm availability and arrangements. The list of hosts can be found on the Admitted Student Website, under “Visit Campus.� Note: The Office of Admissions does not facilitate this process and cannot guarantee availability for every admitted student who wishes to stay with a student host.

125th St

E

Pennsylvania Train Station

Third Ave

Fifth Ave

Park Ave

ay adw Bro

42nd St Grand Central Station

Tenth Ave

Times Square Port Authority Bus Terminal

First Ave

59th St

Columbus Circle

C

23rd St

E

14th St

Greenwich Village Houston

Little Italy

Canal

Chinatown

Street 12 Columbia Law School AdmittedWall Student Handbook

Teachers College Guest Housing

517 West 121st Street (between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway) 212-678-3235

Union Theological Seminary Guestrooms 3041 Broadway (and 121st Street) 212-280-1313 | landmark@uts.columbia.edu

HOTELS NEAR CAMPUS Excelsior Hotel NY

D

34th St

500 Riverside Drive (and 122nd Street) 212-316-8454 | guestrooms@ihouse-nyc.org

F

45 West 81st Street (and Columbus Avenue) 212-362-9200 x7167

Hotel Beacon NYC 2130 Broadway (and 75th Street) 212-787-1100

Hotel Belleclaire 250 West 77th Street (and Broadway) 212-362-7700

G H I

Hotel Newton 2528 Broadway (and 96th Street) 212-678-6500

NYLO

2178 Broadway (and 77th Street) 800-509-7598

The Lucerne

201 West 79th Street (and Amsterdam Avenue) 212-875-1000

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRAVEL COSTS Columbia believes it is important for admitted students to fully experience the Law School in order to decide whether it is the right fit. The Office of Admissions offers qualifying students a travel subsidy of up to $300* to attend an admitted student event before the May 1 enrollment decision deadline.

ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE A TRAVEL SUBSIDY •

Eligible candidates are applicants admitted in the current cycle and for whom expenses incurred traveling to Columbia’s campus will cause a financial strain.

•

A travel subsidy will be provided one time only to admitted students who are visiting campus for an Admitted Student Program or “Mondays at Columbia” event.

•

To receive any reimbursement for the Admitted Student Program, attendance is required from 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning through 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.

• •

To receive any reimbursement for “Mondays at Columbia,” attendance is required for the entire day of the event.

As funds are limited, eligible candidates must receive written approval before the pertinent event that they wish to attend. To request consideration for a travel subsidy, candidates should email admit@law.columbia.edu.

Note: All approvals for travel subsidies will be confirmed in writing by the Office of Admissions. If you submit your travel expenses after visiting campus, but were not granted a travel subsidy, you will not be reimbursed. Also, should you be granted a travel subsidy, and you visit other law schools during your trip to Columbia, your reimbursement from Columbia will be made on a pro rata basis. *The actual amount of the subsidy approved for each eligible admitted student varies and is contingent upon a number of factors.

law.columbia.edu/admit

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Academics Since 1858, Columbia Law School has been a world leader in legal education.

Our faculty members are highly accomplished practitioners and scholars, and our vast curricular offerings provide students with unmatched opportunities to engage in the law.

Columbia’s location in New York City, a truly international capital and one of the largest legal markets in the world, has served its students as a classroom, laboratory, and community to serve.

Additionally, Columbia Law School and the greater university offer a broad range of courses and experiential opportunities that allow for a truly interdisciplinary and hands-on approach to a modern legal education.

Academics THE FIRST-YEAR CURRICULUM CIVIL PROCEDURE

LEGAL METHODS I AND II

Students are introduced to the principal elements of the civil litigation process, including the major phases of a lawsuit, issues of standing and jurisdiction, the effects of prior adjudication, the role of the jury, and alternatives to formal adjudication. This course also covers pleadings, discovery, pretrial adjudication, pre- and post-trial motions, and remedies such as injunctions and punitive damages.

Legal Methods is an intensive course that is a unique feature of Columbia Law School. Legal Methods I offers an intensive introduction to the legal system and case analysis. All students take Legal Methods I, and each section shares a virtually uniform curriculum. Legal Methods II builds upon that introduction, exposing students to important legal methods and jurisprudential, ethical, social, or cultural perspectives relevant to different areas of the law. Students have the opportunity to choose which section of Legal Methods II they take, depending on their own intellectual and professional interests.

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW This course explores the architecture of the Constitution, the American tradition of judicial review, and theories of constitutional interpretation and enforcement. Students learn about the individual and group rights afforded by the Constitution, its amendments, and two centuries of judicial interpretation, and they consider the foundations of constitutional consent, authorization, and limitations on states and the federal government, including separation of powers.

CONTRACTS Contract law examines the nature of promises. Students explore how contracts are formed, interpreted, breached, and enforced.

Contracts are considered within a range of contexts, such as the sale of goods or land and employment or family agreements. The legal doctrines governing contracts are also discussed in light of theories of justice, economic analysis, and other frameworks for evaluating public policy.

CRIMINAL LAW Defining and administering the penal code is at the forefront of policy debates across the United States. This course considers crimes and defense strategies in light of the purposes of punishment (e.g., deterrence or retribution), the application and adjudication of law by the judicial system, and the role of criminal sanctions in modern society. The course also addresses the intersection of criminal law with criminology, jurisprudence, and social theory.

FOUNDATION-YEAR MOOT COURT To help students develop the core skills of legal practice, such as writing and delivering an argument, the Foundation-Year Moot Court requires each student to write a legal brief and argue the case orally in front of a panel of judges. Students also may choose to participate in one of many approved extramural moot court competitions in specialized areas of law, such as international or intellectual property.

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LEGAL PRACTICE WORKSHOP I AND II In the fall semester, students are given intensive training in critical research, writing, and analytical skills needed through written assignments situated in practice contexts, seminar discussions, and personal conferences. The second part of the workshop, in the spring, emphasizes appellate advocacy.

Students research, write, and argue an appellate brief through the Foundation-Year Moot Court program or one of the alternative extramural competitions.

PROPERTY As a core social institution, property law poses fundamental questions about efficiency, fairness, the distribution of wealth, and the tension between public and private rights. This course examines the history and theory of ownership, government regulation, and the legal devices for allocation and development of resources. Questions about ownership of intellectual property (such as artistic and digital creations) are considered, and emerging issues, such as the ownership of body parts and cyberspace are also explored.

TORTS Tort law focuses on the common-law doctrines and precedents that assign duties of care and liability for non-contractual wrongs. This course considers negligence, the role of custom, malpractice, emotional and economic harm, causation, strict liability, products liability, nuisances, damages, defenses, and alternatives to litigation.

COLUMBIA'S ENDURING APPROACH TO A RICH LEGAL EDUCATION law.columbia.edu/courses

Columbia Law School encourages students to embrace interdisciplinary studies. The Law School offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum that includes more than 300 courses in over 25 areas of study. Notable strengths include: • • • • • • • •

Administrative Law and Public Policy Civil Rights and Human Rights Law Corporate, Securities, and Transactional Law Environmental Law Gender and Sexuality Law Intellectual Property Law International and Comparative Law National Security Law

In addition to attending discussions and lectures, students can work on a law journal; pursue a dual or joint degree; study in a program abroad; and participate in clinics, seminars, and externships.

BROWSE CURRENT COURSE OFFERINGS: law.columbia.edu/courses law.columbia.edu/admissions/jd/learn/curriculum

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Academics DUAL AND JOINT DEGREES law.columbia.edu/joint-degrees

In addition to the rich curricular offerings at the Law School, students enjoy access to various joint-degree programs with other graduate programs at the university, as well as with the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Also, students have the option to design their own joint-degree programs, provided they receive approval from both respective schools.

With exceptions, students can apply for a joint degree during their first or second year at the Law School.

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DUAL AND JOINT-DEGREE PROGRAMS

Business School MBA, three- and four-year programs

School of International and Public Affairs M.I.A., M.P.A., and special programs

Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation M.S. in urban planning

School of Social Work M.S.W.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences M.Phil. or Ph.D. in select programs Journalism School M.S.

School of the Arts M.F.A. in theater management and producing Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University J.D., M.P.A.

Mailman School of Public Health M.P.H.

JOURNALS

law.columbia.edu/journals Journals enable students to actively participate in the scholarship and commentary central to the American legal culture and tradition. Columbia Law School is home to 14 law journals, including many of the leading scholarly publications in their fields.

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JOURNALS AND LAW REVIEWS The American Review of International Arbitration Columbia Business Law Review

Preeminent among Columbia’s and the nation’s law journals is the Columbia Law Review. Founded in 1901, the Law Review is edited and published entirely by students at the Law School and is one of the most widely distributed and cited law reviews in the country.

Columbia Human Rights Law Review Columbia Journal of Asian Law Columbia Journal of Environmental Law Columbia Journal of European Law Columbia Journal of Gender & Law

As Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Law Review, Tomi Williams ’19 is working to ensure that “the scholarship and the voices that we’re pulling in are diverse in terms of ideology and topics and in terms of where our contributors are in their professional lives: whether they’re fellows, or assistant professors, or full professors.”

18 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

Columbia Journal of Law & Social Problems Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts Columbia Journal of Race and Law Columbia Journal of Tax Law Columbia Journal of Transnational Law Columbia Law Review Columbia Science and Technology Law Review

INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAMS law.columbia.edu/international-programs

GLOBAL ALLIANCE PROGRAMS University of Paris: J.D./Certificate in Global Business Law and Governance Columbia Law School students earn a J.D. from Columbia and a Certificate in Global Business Law and Governance from the University of Paris 1 (Panthéon, Sorbonne) and Sciences Po. The International Court of Arbitration, UNESCO, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are headquartered in Paris. In addition, the partner schools in Paris enjoy close ties with French courts and law firms, the European Commission in Brussels, and the WTO in Geneva.

University of Amsterdam: J.D./LL.M. in International Criminal Law Columbia Law School students earn both a J.D. from Columbia and, separately, an LL.M. from the University of Amsterdam. This partner school’s relationship with the International Criminal Court, other international tribunals, and the law firms that specialize in international criminal law creates unique advantages for internships and networking.

Oxford University: Columbia-Oxford Alliance in Law and Finance Columbia Law School students earn a J.D. from Columbia and attend courses in the Masters of Law and Finance Program at Oxford University during the spring semester of their third year.

INTERNATIONAL DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS In 1994, Columbia established the first U.S. law school international joint-degree program, providing participants with both a U.S. Juris Doctor and a foreign law degree—the French Maîtrise en Droit. Since then, the Law School has remained a leader in providing overseas study opportunities to its students. Our portfolio of offerings is regularly reviewed with an eye on academic excellence, student interest, and relevance to professional advancement. Students can choose from more than two dozen programs in 14 countries—a range of dual degree, certificate, and conventional study abroad options that are some of the broadest of any U.S. law school. Students also have the opportunity to create independent programs at many other universities around the globe.

Augmenting its more traditional study abroad programs, Columbia has forged a unique and innovative new model for international education. Partnering with preeminent foreign law schools, Columbia’s Global Alliance Programs feature full-year­­—one semester at Columbia and the other at the partner school—English language programs with intense focus on a particular international field of law. Faculty members from Columbia Law School and its partner schools collaborate to create compelling, integrated programs that combine scholarship with experiential learning and the opportunity to join overseas counterparts in a cohort.

The offerings to the right are regularly reviewed and revised. For the most current list of international study opportunities, visit law.columbia.edu/internationalprograms.

Paris, France J.D./M1 in French Law (four-year program) University of Paris 1—Panthéon, Sorbonne

French language

J.D./Master in Economic Law with a Global Studies specialization (three-year program) Sciences Po French or English language J.D./LL.M. in Transactional Arbitration and Dispute Settlement (three-year program) Sciences Po English language London, England J.D./LL.M. (three-year program) London School of Economics University College London School of Oriental and African Studies, King's College

English language English language English language

J.D./LL.B. (four-year program) London School of Economics University College London School of Oriental and African Studies, King’s College

English language English language English language

Frankfurt, Germany J.D./LL.M., Frankfurt, Germany (three-year program) Institute for Law and Finance, University of Frankfurt

English language

SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS University of Buenos Aires FGV Direito, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Fudan University Peking University Bucerius Law School Humboldt University Central European University Hebrew University European University Institute Sapienza University Hitosubashi School of International Corporate Strategy Waseda University University of Luxembourg University of Amsterdam ESADE Law School University of Neuchâtel Independent Study Abroad

Argentina Brazil China China Germany Germany Hungary Israel Italy Italy

Spanish language English/Portugese language Chinese/English language Chinese/English language English language German language English language Hebrew/English language English language Italian/English language

Japan Japan Luxembourg The Netherlands Spain Switzerland Various Countries

English language English/Japanese language English/French language English language English/Spanish language French language

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Academics EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING law.columbia.edu/experiential

Whether through courses, journals, centers, study abroad, or joint-degree programs, the entire academic experience at Columbia is built around providing our students with the best practical legal education. While experiential education is ubiquitous in almost every aspect of the Law School’s curriculum, there are specific programs, such as Clinics, Simulation Courses, and Externships, where this is especially true.

Clinical legal education is an intensive study of law and lawyering through representation and advocacy. Clinics focus on a range of public interest legal issues, from the struggles adolescents face as they age out of foster care to the promotion of human rights, the pursuit of economic justice, and environmental protection. Students learn the practical art of lawyering by assuming primary responsibility for cases and matters involving individuals, communities, and organizations that otherwise might be unable to secure law.columbia.edu/clinics assistance.

Clinics

The clinical program at Columbia Law School is open to all secondand third-year students. Faculty provide personalized feedback and reinforce skills, such as interviewing and counseling clients, mediating among parties with disparate interests, and drafting legal documents.

We currently offer 11 clinics that provide our students with a wide range of experiences, from litigating cases to writing policy papers and amicus briefs. For example, students who participate in the Environmental Law Clinic represent clients on a broad array of issues including clean water, wetlands preservation, endangered species, environmental justice, “smart growth,” and clean air. In the Human Rights Clinic, our students have successfully advocated for mine workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as for juvenile offenders in the state of Michigan.

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C LINICS Adolescent Representation Challenging the Consequences of Mass Incarceration Entrepreneurship and Community Development Environmental Law Health Justice Advocacy Human Rights Immigrants’ Rights Lawyering in the Digital Age Mediation Securities Litigation and Arbitration Sexuality and Gender Law

“I participated in the Adolescent Representation Clinic because I’ve always been interested in working with youth populations. Becoming an effective advocate takes commitment and dedication to learning things outside of your comfort zone. The clinic prepared me to think critically and creatively about resolving issues, skills I know will be crucial in my future practice.”

—Ademisola Ijidakinro ’18

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Columbia Law School offers a series of 15 simulation courses and policy labs that lets students tackle hypothetical and real-world legal challenges and policy development with hands-on, collaborative learning.

Upper-level students can enroll in advanced simulation courses that expand on earlier lessons or delve deeper into a specific practice area. For instance, in Law and Theater, students draft the contracts necessary to mount a Broadway show. In the popular Deals Workshops, students learn how to structure complicated financial transactions, often using real-life deals as a starting point.

Through these simulation courses students step into the role of a lawyer and develop the foundational skills law.columbia.edu/experiential they will need to thrive in any aspect of the legal profession.

Simulations and Policy Labs

Policy labs transcend the traditional boundaries between types of legal work and academic disciplines, and encourage the rapid iteration of new ideas through interactions among a wide variety of experts, stakeholders, and communities. The Structural Change in Public Education lab is an immersive full-semester program bringing together graduate and professional students from around the country to study and gain hands-on experience helping public education systems achieve the systemic legal and policy change needed to improve educational equity in the U.S. and Brazil.

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SIMULATIONS AND POLICY LABS Advanced Bankruptcy: Deals and Issues in the Current Environment Advanced Real Estate Transactions Bioethics Mediation Complex Deal Structuring: Spin-offs and IPOs Constitutional Governance Data and Predictive Coding for Lawyers Electronic Evidence and Discovery Workshop Empirical Legal Studies Lab Introduction to Financial Valuation Law and Theater Lawyer Leadership: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading Change Negotiation Workshop Schools, Courts, and Civic Participation Structural Change in Public Education Technology and Venture Capital

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Academics Columbia Law School offers innovative externship opportunities in which students tackle the legal problems of real clients while gaining theoretical knowledge of the underpinnings of their work. Many graduates say that externships have been essential to their preparation for becoming excellent lawyers.

An externship generally consists of a field placement experience at one of more than 20 nonprofit legal organizations, government agencies, or with the judiciary, coupled with a substantive seminar taught by leading practitioners. While closely working 10 to 15 hours a week with practitioners in the field, students gain meaningful hands-on experience, including gaining knowledge of legal strategies and specific areas of the law.

Externships

law.columbia.edu/externships

Columbia’s externship opportunities are wide-ranging.

Government externships, for example, span international, federal, and local governments. Notably, the United Nations Externship provides an inside view of the U.N, as well as the missions and NGOs that work with it. The Externship on the Federal Government in Washington, D.C. is a semester-long program that combines full-time legal work at a federal government agency in conjunction with two substantive seminars designed exclusively for the externship.

Columbia Law School’s location in New York City offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with a wide variety of practitioners and clients, allowing students to explore the role of lawyers as they identify and pursue their own professional goals.

For more information about externships, contact Susan Kraham, Director of Externships and Field-Based Learning at susan.kraham@law.columbia.edu.

“Through Columbia’s Advancing Social and Environmental Justice in the New York Attorney General’s Office externship, I have worked to support the Office’s enforcement of state wage and hour laws and worked the intake hotlines.

This is one of the experiences that has been the backbone of my time at Columbia so far. I am proud to have had the chance to help make New York a more equitable place.”

—Pablo Zevallos ’19

REPRESENTATIVE CURRENT EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Arts and Entertainment Law Externship

Immigration Defense Externship

Bronx Defenders Externship on Holistic Defense

Immigration Law and the Family Court Act Externship

Constitutional Rights Enforcement: Capital Punishment, Life Imprisonment, and Post-Conviction Relief Externship

Knight First Amendment Institute Externship

Copyright Dispute Resolution Externship Criminal Appeals Externship Criminal Prosecution Domestic Violence Prosecution Externship Externship on Federal Government – Semester in Washington, D.C. Federal Appellate Court Externship Federal Court Clerk Externship: EDNY Federal Court Clerk Externship: SDNY Federal Prosecution: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the SDNY Externship Government Anti-Corruption Externship Housing Law

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Law and Organizing for Social Change Externship Low-Wage Worker Externship Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem Community Defense Externship New York Attorney General’s Office Social & Environmental Justice Externship NYS OAG Antitrust Enforcement Pro Bono Practice and Access to Justice Externship Representing NYC: New York City Law Department Externship Trust, Wills, & Estate Planning Externship United Nations Externship U.S. Attorney’s Office for the EDNY Externship

OUR FACULTY law.columbia.edu/faculty

The faculty members at Columbia Law School are not only gifted and accomplished leaders in their respective areas of expertise. They are also highly committed teachers who are supportive resources for students throughout the three years in the J.D. program.

In courses, clinics, and extracurricular programs, the student and faculty relationship is dynamic—one that fosters collaboration on efforts of significant impact to communities around the world.

On the following pages, we provide a glimpse at a few of the faculty whom you can expect to learn from and collaborate with at the Law School. Several of these faculty members will be participating in our Admitted Student Programs and look forward to welcoming you to our campus!

Professor Tim Wu

RICHARD BRIFFAULT Joseph P. Chamberlain Professor of Legislation Professor Briffault brings to the classroom expertise in state and local government law, legislation, the law of the political process, government ethics, and property. He is currently the reporter for the American Law Institute’s project on principles of government ethics. In 2014, Briffault was appointed chair of the Conflicts of Interest Board of New York City.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Law of the Political Process, Legal Methods, State and Local Government Law

SARAH CLEVELAND Louis Henkin Professor of Human and Constitutional Rights Faculty Co-Director, Human Rights Institute Professor Cleveland is a noted expert in international law and the constitutional law of U.S. foreign relations, with particular interests in the status of international law in U.S. domestic law, international and comparative human rights law, international humanitarian law, and national security.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Human Rights, Legal Methods II: Transnational Law and Legal Process, Advanced Human Rights Seminar

K ATHERINE FRANKE Sulzbacher Professor of Law, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Professor Franke is among the nation’s leading scholars writing on law, religion, and rights, drawing from feminist, queer, and critical race theory. She directs the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law and is the faculty director of the Public Rights/Private Conscience Project.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Gender Justice, Legal Methods II: Social Justice Advocacy

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Academics MICHAEL GERRARD Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice Professor Gerrard teaches courses on environmental law, climate change law, and energy regulation, and is Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. He also chairs the faculty of Columbia University’s Earth Institute.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Climate Change Law and Policy, Energy Regulation, Environmental Law, Advanced Climate Change Law Seminar

JANE GINSBURG Morton L. Janklow Professor of Literary and Artistic Property Law Professor Ginsburg specializes in intellectual property law. She is the author or co-author of casebooks on legal methods, copyright law, international copyright law, and trademark law. She is the Director of the Kernochan Center for Law, Media and the Arts, which focuses on how the law affects creators and their works.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Copyright Law, Legal Methods, Legal Methods II: Methods of Statutory Drafting and Interpretation

MAEVE GLASS ’09 Associate Professor of Law Professor Glass ’09 is a legal historian of the United States; her work examines the development of constitutional law and its implications for today. Glass has received awards from the American Society for Legal History for her work on the history of state citizenship, as well as from the National Institute of Military Justice for her work on the history of military commissions.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Legal History of American Slavery Seminar, Property

JAMAL GREENE Dwight Professor of Law Professor Greene’s scholarship focuses on the structure of legal and constitutional argument. Greene is the author of more than 30 law review articles and is a frequent media commentator on the Supreme Court and on constitutional law.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Comparative Constitutional Law, Constitutional Law

PHILIP HAMBURGER Maurice & Hilda Friedman Professor of Law Professor Hamburger is a leading scholar of constitutional law and its history. Areas of interest include religious liberty, freedom of speech, academic censorship, judicial review, the office and duty of judges, administrative power, and the early development of liberal thought.

COURSE TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Constitutional Law

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GILLIAN METZGER Stanley H. Fuld Professor of Law Professor Metzger writes and teaches in the areas of constitutional law, administrative law, and federal courts. She frequently files amicus briefs in major constitutional and administrative law challenges before the Supreme Court and other courts, including Whole Women’s Health v.

Hellerstedt in the October 2015 term.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Administrative Law, Federal Courts, Constitutional Governance Praticum, Seminar on The Roberts Court

JOSHUA MITTS Associate Professor of Law Professor Mitts writes and teaches on corporate and securities law, capital markets, and financial contracting. His recent projects address the use of market prices in M&A appraisal, pseudonymous short attacks on public companies, informed trading on cybersecurity data breaches, information leakage and hedge-fund activism, insider trading on corporate disclosures, and information transmission in financial markets.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Contracts, Data and Predictive Coding for Lawyers, Securities Regulation

ELORA MUKHERJEE Jerome L. Greene Clinical Professor of Law Professor Mukherjee is Director of the Law School’s Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, which provides highquality legal representation to immigrant children and adults. She previously served as a clinical teaching fellow and lecturer in law, and was an instructor in the Law School’s Mass Incarceration Clinic with Professor Brett Dignam.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Advanced Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, Immigrants’ Rights Clinic

ALEX RASKOLNIKOV Wilbur H. Friedman Professor of Tax Law Professor Raskolnikov’s current areas of teaching and research are federal income taxation; taxation of financial instruments; tax policy; tax administration; and economic analysis of deterrence, risk, and uncertainty. Raskolnikov was the 2010 recipient of the Law School’s Willis L.M. Reese Award for Excellence in Teaching.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Federal Income Taxation, Taxation of Financial Instruments

KENDALL THOMAS Nash Professor of Law Professor Thomas’s teaching and research interests include U.S. and comparative constitutional law, human rights, legal philosophy, feminist legal theory, critical race theory, and law and sexuality.

He is the Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Culture.

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE 2018-19 ACADEMIC YEAR: Constitutional Law, Introduction to American Law, Critical Race Theory Workshop Seminar

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Social Justice Our community of public interest, government, and human rights students, graduates, faculty, and administrators is eager to welcome you to Columbia Law School. Our mantra is that there is no one true path to social justice lawyering.

Whether you want to work full-time in public interest or government, or do meaningful volunteer work while in private practice, the Law School makes all such possibilities a reality through our Social Justice Initiatives division.

Social Justice SOCIAL JUSTICE AT COLUMBIA law.columbia.edu/social-justice

Columbia Law School has long supported its students, graduates, and faculty in making important, enduring commitments to social justice and the public good.

Whether students wish to serve through human rights or social justice advocacy, a career in government or at a nonprofit, or pro bono lawyering at a private firm, Columbia Law School provides a wealth of opportunities and expert guidance.

Our faculty members are renowned scholars with extensive experience in public interest and government service. They design courses and seminars that equip students with innovative approaches to advocate for social justice, as well as impart substantive knowledge of the law.

In addition to the robust curriculum, students have opportunities for fellowships, research, and hands-on work in public service.

Columbia is home to important research centers, such as the Center for Public Research and Leadership, highly regarded academic journals like the Human Rights Law Review, and pro bono initiatives. Student organizations help the community flourish by hosting service projects and events and coordinating mentoring programs.

LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LRAP) LRAP reduces the burden of Law School debt with the goal of making a career in public service financially possible for graduates. With its recent expansion, Columbia Law School’s LRAP is one of the most generous programs of its kind.

Graduates may elect to participate in the Law School LRAP, the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or a combination of the two programs.

COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL LRAP FEATURES: • Participants are not expected to contribute to annual loan payments if calculated income is less than $55,000 • Graduates may join the program up to seven years after graduating • LRAP loans are partially forgiven from years three to five, and fully forgiven on an annual basis in years five to 10 • Spousal educational debt service up to $10,000 may be included in the repayment formula • LRAP participants with dependent children are eligible for a new dependent allowance of up to $10,000 per child

Students worked with the New York Legal Assistance Group during a 2018 Spring Break Caravan: Deul Lim ’18, Iryna Malakhouskaya ’19, Wenting Jiang ’18, NYLAG Immigrant Protection Director Irina Matiychenko, Giulia Franzoso ’18, and Brian Sit ’18.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: law.columbia.edu/financial-aid/ lrap-public-interest-lawyers

Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) assists Columbia Law School students in creating individual experiences that allow them to explore the law and the legal profession. Current students and alumni receive support from SJI in pursuing public-sector career and professional development opportunities. In collaboration with the Law School’s centers and student organizations, SJI regularly brings leading social justice advocates and thinkers to campus to discuss a wide range of current issues and practice areas.

Social Justice Initiatives (SJI)

SJI does more than foster a climate of intellectual ferment. Amid a bustling atmosphere, SJI is able to focus on the individual student and his or her aspirations. From hosting programs and social events that bring students together with others who share their interests, to individual meetings about career planning, academic advice, and how to make the most of the Columbia experience, SJI provides abundant support and assistance for each student. Few law schools offer this kind of “onestop shopping.”

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One of the largest in the nation, Columbia’s summer fellowship program is an integral part of preparing students to practice public interest law and offers all students the opportunity to engage in meaningful public service.

Through the Guaranteed Summer Funding (GSF) program and the Human Rights Internship Program (HRIP), all first- and second-year J.D. students are eligible to receive stipends to provide greatly needed assistance to a wide range of public interest organizations and government agencies throughout the United States, as well as to human rights NGOs in more than 50 countries.

Summer Programs in Public Service

Human Rights Clinic students conducted interviews with residents of Porgera, Papau New Guinea about access to water.

Columbia does more than provide funding. The SJI staff’s collective experience and contacts coupled with those of faculty members and the many Columbia Law School alumni in public interest, human rights, and government service ensure that expert support is available to students in identifying and obtaining that important first legal position.

Columbia’s mandatory pro bono program, which was adopted in response to a student initiative in 1992, ensures that every student devotes at least 40 hours to public interest law service, between the start of the summer after their first year of law school and the last day of classes their last year.

Columbia’s longstanding pro bono program is an important part of every student’s professional development and reflects our strong commitment to public service.

Pro Bono Programs

Since the inception of the program, more than 50% of every graduating class has exceeded the required 40 hours, and almost 85% have indicated they are committed to performing pro bono when they become practicing attorneys. SJI works with student organizations, legal service providers, government agencies, law firms, and other community partners to offer a wide variety of pro bono projects and opportunities.

These include the student-led Spring Break Caravans (23 scheduled in 2019) that have taken students to various states and foreign countries for a week of service and enjoyment. In addition, students can also select individual projects in areas such as environmental justice; civil rights litigation; public defense; economic development; and legal service for immigrants and domestic violence survivors.

The Alaska Legal Services Corporation Spring Break Caravan team (Alyssa Braver ’19, Agatha Erickson ’19, Sarah Jackson ’19, Maryam Najam ’19, and Zoe Staum ’18) visited the Alaska State Supreme Court to meet with Chief Justice Craig Stowers, Justice Joel Bolger, Justice Peter Maassen, and their clerks.

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Social Justice In fall 2019, the Law School will launch the new Public Interest/Public Service Fellows Program to bolster Columbia’s commitment to a strong and supportive public interest/public service community.

Entering first-year law students with a demonstrable commitment to public interest and public service will be selected to join a diverse cohort of like-minded peers for an enriched law school experience. The program provides a highly focused three-year pipeline for ambitious students who plan to pursue careers in the public interest, nonprofit, and government sectors.

Public Interest/ Public Service Fellows Program

Students traveled to Amman, Jordan, with the International Refugee Assistance Program. They met with NGOs, such as the Jesuit Refugee Service, which creates opportunities for refugees to study English and obtain higher education diplomas, among other services.

From the day they arrive at Columbia, fellows will participate in special community-building events; learn from their peers, faculty members, and practitioners in small-cohort mentoring sessions; enroll in certain substantive or skills-based classes during their second and third years; build peer-to-peer support networks; and have access to other special resources and opportunities.

Whether students want to pursue public interest or government careers, or combine public service with private sector jobs, SJI is the place to go for support, guidance, ideas, and community. SJI’s full-time staff and affiliate advisors, located locally and across the county, offer individualized advising and support for students’ career goals and fellowship planning and are available to all students and graduates.

Postgraduate Employment Opportunities

Columbia graduates are found throughout the public interest, government, and human rights communities across the United States and abroad. Graduates are consistently successful at obtaining even the most competitive jobs and fellowships. Furthermore, some postgraduate fellowships for domestic public interest work and international human rights legal practice are available only to Columbia graduates. Graduates have also begun their public interest careers as staff attorneys in public defender and legal services offices, in federal government honors programs, and at prosecution and other government offices.

SJI collaborates closely with the Office of Career Services and Professional Development (OCS), whose expertise is in private sector law firms and corporations, and the Careers in Law Teaching Program to ensure that all students receive the expert career guidance they want.

Social Justice Initiatives helped guide me through the process of solidifying my interests and securing meaningful internships. I spent my 1L summer working for the Legal Defence and Assistance Project in Lagos, Nigeria, where I conducted research on the rights of prisoners with disabilities. During my 2L summer, I worked at Human Rights Watch in its United Nations Advocacy Division.

I am committed to a career in public interest so this has been an essential way of staying engaged with what drives my passions. My internships have allowed me to have a real impact, and they have been one of the best things I did while at Columbia Law School.

—JACOB BOGART ’18 was awarded the Columbia Law School Global Public Service Fellowship and will spend a year working for Fortify Rights, a nonprofit that works to prevent and remedy human rights violations across Southeast Asia.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES TEAM William & June Warren Hall

law.columbia.edu/social-justice

1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 8th Floor

212-854-3318

Erica Smock ’95

Maddie Kurtz ’84

Laren Spirer

Nyaguthii Chege ’99

Dean for Social Justice Initiatives and Public Service Lawyering els13@columbia.edu

Director of Public Interest Professional Development madeleine.kurtz@law.columbia.edu

Director of Pro Bono Programs laren.spirer@law.columbia.edu

Director of International, Human Rights & Summer Programs nchege@law.columbia.edu

Tory Messina

Rachel Pauley

Devi Patel

Natalie Stephenson

Senior Career Advisor, Grad Advising tmessina@law.columbia.edu

Director of Government Programs rachel.pauley@law.columbia.edu

Assistant Director of Fellows Program dp3000@columbia.edu

Assistant Director of Operations nls2165@columbia.edu

Rebecca Hinde

Iliana Ortega

Kathy Santana

Diana Pedi

Program Coordinator of Public Interest & Government Programs rebecca.hinde@law.columbia.edu

Coordinator of Summer Programs iso2102@columbia.edu

Coordinator for Pro Bono and SJI Fellows Programs ks3530@columbia.edu

Programming Coordinator dp2988@columbia.edu

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31

Careers & Professional Development Columbia Law graduates have long been sought after by the world’s top employers. Our students become leaders at eminent social justice organizations, law firms, businesses, NGOs, governmental entities, and academic institutions.

Careers & Professional Development FINDING A CAREER AFTER LAW SCHOOL The process of exploring where you will commence your legal career after law school begins during your time in school.

Columbia Law School has a team of administrators whose primary focus is to help develop and facilitate your employment aspirations, professional development, and goals.

At Columbia, there are three main departments that will assist you in your search for both summer and long-term employment. While there is constant collaboration across departments, each is tasked with a primary function.

THE OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (OCS) assists students who wish to pursue a career within the private sector.

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES (SJI) works with students who are interested in public interest opportunities, externships, and permanent positions within the nonoprofit and government sectors.

THE CAREERS IN LAW TEACHING PROGRAM guides students through the process of pursuing careers in academia.

THE JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS OFFICE helps students and alumni obtain some of the most coveted judicial clerkship positions in the country.

Types of employment obtained by the Class of 2017* 1.7%

Business

8.1%

Government

84.8% 5.4%

Law Firms Public Interest

* Survey conducted 10 months after graduation.

34 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

The Office of Career Services and Professional Development (OCS) provides a broad range of services and educational programs to support current students and graduates of the Law School in planning their careers in the private sector. OCS Private Sector programs allow students to consider all of the opportunities that are available to them and law.columbia.edu/career-services to develop skills that would be useful in their professional development.

GENERAL PROGRAMS OCS offers many professional development and recruitmentbased programs throughout the year, ranging from panels on various practice areas to résumé writing workshops, to largescale recruiting programs that offer students the opportunity to meet employers from around the world. Each program is tailored to meet the specific needs of our law students.

CAREER PROGRAMS These programs are designed to acquaint students with the various opportunities available to them as they match their interests and skills to their short-term and long-term career goals. Speakers often include outside lecturers and Law School alumni, most of whom hold partnerships at major law firms or serve as in-house counsel at international corporations.

RÉSUMÉ REVIEWS Career counselors in OCS are available throughout the year to meet individually with students seeking to develop their legal résumés. Counselors can also advise students on relevant employment resources, developing career goals, and identifying the necessary steps to achieve them.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION PROGRAMS Employers, many of whom are Columbia Law School alumni, participate in our practice interview programs for students. All first-year students are required to participate in these programs in advance of the fall recruiting season. The practice interview— conducted by a practicing attorney—and the feedback session that follows allow students to better prepare for “real” interviews and to polish their skills for future job search opportunities.

PANELS OCS offers panels on various areas of student interest. These panels are often cosponsored by a faculty center or student organization and are designed to provide students with information regarding law in myriad practice specialties throughout the world. During the past few years, the Office has offered panel topics such as:

• • • • • • • •

Handling callback interviews Developing a professional brand identity Resiliency and mindfulness Practicing in a boutique law firm Practicing law in Asia, Europe, and Latin America Exploring alumni career pathways Entertainment and sports law practice Success in a large law firm law.columbia.edu/admit

35

Careers & Professional Development RECRUITMENT PROGRAMS

RESOURCES

Early Interview Program (EIP)

OCS maintains a separate library of online and print resource materials ranging from specialty practice directories to career choice manuals. The resources are designed both to inform students about career options and to provide ways for students to contact employers of interest to them.

Columbia Law School students have the opportunity to participate in EIP—one of the largest single-school recruitment programs in the world—in July or August, before classes begin.

Rising second- and third-year students participate in this fourday event as an important step in securing summer and full-time employment in the private sector. The program is held at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, a short subway ride from campus.

Students prioritize preferences, and scheduling is arranged through a customized computer program. Columbia is one of a small number of law schools that does not allow employers to prescreen student applications in advance of interviews.

Students have the choice, depending upon the number of available appointments, to interview with employers of interest to them. This past year, approximately 8,000 individual interview slots were available to students during EIP. Firms secured more than 70 hospitality suites at the hotel to have additional time to meet and provide materials to students.

Fall and Spring Interview Programs The fall program—for second- and third-year students—is held in September or October to supplement EIP. Participants include smaller law firms, government agencies, and some nonprofit employers.

The spring program is held for 1Ls at the beginning of the spring semester. The interview program attracts a broad array of private and public sector employers seeking 1Ls as summer interns.

The Office also utilizes a specialized database that is tailored to accommodate students participating in recruiting programs.

Through the database, students can choose the employers with which they would like to interview, sign up for a counseling appointment, view a calendar of upcoming career related events, and browse hundreds of job postings that are updated daily.

ACCESSIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION OCS is committed to providing personalized services to each student at Columbia Law School. Counselors are always available, by appointment and on a walk-in basis, to meet with students one-on-one to develop a tailored career educational model that supports their individual career goals.

The Office also communicates with students via online materials and through the Office’s website, which has expanded the roundthe-clock resources available to students. OCS provides webcasts and podcasts for most of the career educational panels offered during the year, including the Private Sector Career Symposium.

International Program Opportunities OCS works with students who wish to obtain employment outside the United States. The Law School leverages its strong relationships with international law firms and the broad range of international study programs with schools around the world.

The counseling staff provides support to students participating in these programs, regardless of where they study. The Office also collaborates with international faculty study centers at Columbia, often cosponsoring speaker programs and events.

“My advisors in the Office of Career Services were unbelievably helpful with the process of applying for and choosing a summer position, and I am so grateful for the time, patience, and guidance that I received. OCS helped me find positions I would be interested in, gave me a chance to practice for interviews, reviewed my cover letter and résumé, and provided advice when I was choosing among offers.

This past summer, I interned with the in-house legal team at HBO, which gave me an in-depth look at the role of an entertainment attorney—I had the opportunity to work on a wide breadth of litigation and transactional issues related to copyright, licensing, employment, privacy, and contracts, and was able to develop some wonderful mentors.”

—NIKITA LAMBA ’20

36 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM William & June Warren Hall 1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 7th Floor

law.columbia.edu/career-services 212-854-2683

Marta Ricardo ’94

Julie Anna Alvarez

Nancy Merriman

Director of Career Advising & Professional Development nm3025@columbia.edu

Associate Director of Career Advising slb72@columbia.edu

Marsha Diamond

Mary Herrington

Erzulie Cruz

Michael Kerman ’08

Sherien Khonsari

Sonovia Harmon

Walter Alves

Rebecca Shepler

Assistant Dean and Dean of Career Services mgr33@columbia.edu

Associate Director of Career Advising mad2156@columbia.edu

Associate Director of Recruiting skhonsari@law.columbia.edu

Director of Alumni and International Career Services jaa2236@columbia.edu

Assistant Director of Career Advising jml94@columbia.edu

Assistant Director of Programming sonovia.harmon@law.columbia.edu

Assistant Director of Career Advising erzulie.cruz@law.columbia.edu

Communications, Multimedia, & Information Systems Manager walter.alves@law.columbia.edu

Stephen Buchman ’62

Associate Director of Career Advising mkerman@law.columbia.edu

Program Coordinator rs3828@columbia.edu

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Careers & Professional Development Columbia’s Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) works closely with students to provide support and advice on careers. SJI facilitates the Public Interest Law job search process and Government Service through law.columbia.edu/social-justice one-on-one advising, group information sessions, year-round public interest programming, and many other resources focused on each student’s professional aspirations.

For more detailed information about SJI, including support and resources in securing postgraduate opportunities, please review the Social Justice Initiatives section of this handbook or visit law.columbia.edu/social-justice.

The Careers in Law Teaching Program provides Academic Careers current students and alumni with law.columbia.edu/law-teaching a range of tools, contacts, and experiences to prepare them for the highly competitive market of law school teaching The Program educates Columbians interested in academic jobs about steps they can take during law school and after graduation. These include developing their scholarship, building close intellectual relationships with faculty, and becoming familiar with the mechanics of the hiring process.

Because of Columbia’s status as one of the nation’s top law schools, we regularly attract students who will someday join the legal academy. We are as committed to academic careers as we are to all other careers in law.

38 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

WORKSHOPS In the spring semester, the Program runs a series of lunchtime sessions for students interested in academia as well as those who are not yet sure whether a career in law teaching is for them. A wide range of CLS faculty participate in these sessions, providing advice and answering questions on various topics, including Developing a Research Agenda, The Transition from Practice to the Academy, Fellowships and the Ph.D. Path, Increasing Diversity in Law Teaching, and Clinical Law Teaching. In addition, in the past several years, faculty members have offered special seminars on both legal pedagogy and scholarship.

MOOT JOB TALKS To help candidates prepare for interviewing for teaching positions, the Program holds a Moot Job Talk Workshop every fall. Panels of faculty, students, and fellow candidates read each candidate’s job talk paper and listen to an early version of each candidate’s presentation, simulating the question and answer periods candidates will undergo during their actual job talks, and providing feedback on how to improve both the substance and style of each candidate’s presentation.

Faculty commitment to individual mentoring provides additional opportunities for students to develop as beginning scholars.

Students work closely with faculty in seminars, independent study, and collaborative research projects to pursue research topics in depth and often over several semesters. During the fall hiring season, extensive advice and individualized guidance are provided to graduates who are in the academic job market.

PLACEMENT Columbia remains one of the leading producers of law faculty, and our Careers in Law Teaching Program is just one way we are influencing the field of legal pedagogy and scholarship.

Columbia graduates play a vital role in shaping the future of legal education in the United States and in law schools around the world.

FELLOWSHIPS Finding time to produce scholarship while working full-time as a lawyer can be a challenge. Law schools increasingly offer one- or two-year fellowships that afford prospective candidates an opportunity to research, write, and receive mentoring from senior faculty. These opportunities can be found at law schools across the country, and the Program will help individuals identify and apply for them.

GRADUATE TEACHING PLACEMENTS

Through the Academic Fellows and Associates in Law Programs, funding is available for Columbia Law School graduates who need time and collegial surroundings to develop scholarly projects in preparation for the teaching market.

The placement of our graduates reflects Columbia’s wellestablished reputation for producing legal scholars and excellent teachers.

All fellows work closely with faculty on developing their research agenda and scholarship. They also participate in the ongoing intellectual life of the school by attending faculty workshops, moot job talks, and Fellow and Associate works-in-progress sessions.

Columbia Law School

In the past several years, Columbia graduates have secured entrylevel positions as professors at law schools throughout the United States and around the world.

Boston College Law School Georgetown University Law Center The George Washington University Law School Harvard Law School Princeton University

For more information

INDIVIDUAL MENTORING Professor Maeve Glass ’09

Stanford Law School University of California, Berkeley School of Law University of Pennsylvania Law School

mglass2@law.columbia.edu

University of Richmond School of Law

Professor Jeremy Kessler, Chair jkessler@law.columbia.edu

University of Washington School of Law

Zoe Attridge, Program Administrator zattridge@law.columbia.edu

Wake Forest University Law School William and Mary Law School

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39

Careers & Professional Development The Judicial Clerkships Office provides support and guidance to current students and alumni who are considering applying for clerkships and maintains the Law School’s deep relationships with judges.

Every year, Columbia Law School students and alumni obtain some of the most coveted judicial clerkship positions in the country.

Judicial Careers law.columbia.edu/judicialclerkships

The Clerkships Office also facilitates connections between current students and alumni who have served in clerkships.

PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES The Office sponsors dozens of programs for students every semester, including:

•

Discussions with state and federal judges addressing what judges do, what clerks do, and what judges look for in clerks

• •

Information sessions featuring panels of students, alumni clerks, and faculty

• • • •

A Clerkship Peer Mentor Program

More tailored clerkship information sessions with journals and respective student organizations A judicial internship panel cosponsored with the Office of Career Services A public interest and clerkship panel A clerkship panel for non-litigators

The Office also manages written and electronic resources accessible to students and alumni, including:

•

T he Clerkship Handbook, updated every year to provide comprehensive information for clerkship applicants

•

The Clerkship Website, which includes application information and our Clerkships@CLS blog containing information about clerkship openings and links to several resources

For more information Jordana Alter Confino Assistant Director 212-854-7420 clerkships@law.columbia.edu

40 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING The Office provides year-round individual counseling services to students and alumni on all aspects of the clerkship process. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Beatrice Franklin ’14 recently clerked with Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’59.

Previously, she served as a clerk to Judge Jesse M. Furman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and then for Judge Susan L. Carney of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. She is currently an Associate at Susman Godfrey LLP.

WHERE DO WE CLERK? Columbia Law School students and alumni clerk all over the country at a wide variety of courts.

Since 2015, Columbia students and alumni began 405 judicial clerkships, including: 8 150 216 31

U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Courts of Appeals U.S. District Courts State and specialized courts

• • • • •

How to position yourself as a strong clerkship candidate

• • •

How to develop a personal list of courts and judges

How to develop strong recommender relationships How to tailor your curriculum for clerkship positions When to apply to particular courts and judges How to prepare your résumé, cover letter, writing sample, and other clerkship application documents Preparing for interviews Managing the clerkship offer process

FACULTY SUPPORT Faculty at Columbia Law School are a rich source of support for our students. The Faculty Clerkship Committee develops the Law School’s clerkship strategy, while individual faculty members mentor and recommend students, as well as participate on panels and in events.

APPLICATION SUPPORT The Clerkships Office oversees the clerkship application process for students and alumni who opt to use Columbia’s resources and is available to review materials and advise students on their applications.

INTERNATIONAL CLERKSHIPS Students considering international clerkships are encouraged to contact the International Programs Office at internationalprograms@law.columbia. edu or visit the website at law.columbia.edu/international-programs.

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41

Housing Columbia Residential manages on-campus housing for all graduate students.

Graduate student housing is generally located within a 10-block radius of campus. A majority of the buildings are prewar elevator buildings and maintain the charm of Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

All apartment buildings are maintained by a dedicated staff of live-in superintendents and university facilities staff.

Housing HOUSING GUARANTEE AND OVERVIEW facilities.columbia.edu/housing/overview

Columbia Law School guarantees housing for all new incoming students who (1) apply for housing by May 15 of the year in which they matriculate and (2) maintain continuous academic residence at the Law School for the three years of the J.D. program. A majority of students take advantage of this housing guarantee and live on campus for their entire three years at Columbia.

Because the housing process is detailed, please refer to the Admitted Student Website for a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and frequently asked questions. Additionally, you will receive more information via email.

IMPORTANT DATES Housing application available

May 15

Housing application deadline (Law School only)

May 15–31

Certification of deposit status

June 1–30

Student housing selection for approved students

July 15

Earliest date that students can move in

HELPFUL TIPS • •

Housing type cannot be guaranteed.

•

Students who attend an Admitted Student Program or “Mondays at Columbia” event will be able to view actual apartments.

WHERE STUDENTS LIVE PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS

March 1

100

20%

30%

30%

80%

70%

70%

1

2

3

80 60 40 20 0

YEAR

There is no advantage to completing your application months before the May 15 application deadline.

Please note that the earliest date any housing application will be processed is May 15. You may monitor your housing application from your Housing Portal (uah.facilities.columbia.edu). However, your status will not change until you are approved and participate in housing selection.

Housing assignments are made after both the Law School and Columbia Residential have verified your deposit status. Assignments are made via a self-selection process.

On-Campus

Off-Campus

TYPE OF HOUSING IN WHICH STUDENTS LIVE

40%

For more information Adrienne Leon Manager of Housing and Student Life housing@law.columbia.edu 212-854-1125

44 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

60% GENERAL GRADUATE HOUSING LAW SCHOOL HOUSING

GRADUATE HOUSING APARTMENTS Note: The following guide is meant to serve as a reference.

More details will be available during the application process.

LENFEST HALL 425 West 121st Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive

Studio apartments 1-bedroom apartments Single, couple, and family housing Fully furnished Utilities included Elevator

420 WEST 116 TH STREET Between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive

Studio apartments 1-bedroom apartments Single, couple, and family housing Elevator

LIONSGATE 520 West 112th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway

Studio apartments

Single, couple, and family housing

1-bedroom apartments

Furnished and unfurnished units

2-bedroom shared apartments

Elevator

3-bedroom shared apartments

WEST 115 TH STREET 2-bedroom shared apartments 403, 411, 415, and 419 West 115th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive

GENERAL GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING Various addresses between 110th and 125th Streets in Manhattan and in Riverdale in the Bronx

3-bedroom shared apartments Fully furnished units Singles only Elevator

Studio apartments 1-bedroom apartments Shared apartments Single, couple, and family housing Amenities vary

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Student Life One of the top reasons students choose Columbia is because they know they will be surrounded by highly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who will challenge them and enhance their engagement with the law.

Collectively, our students create an environment that fosters collaboration, support, and lasting friendships. The location of Columbia Law School in New York City naturally attracts those who are adventurous and curious.

The Law School flourishes with students who are independent, active, open-minded, and eager to take advantage of all that the city has to offer.

Student Life THE LAW SCHOOL COMMUNITY Columbia Law School boasts one of the most diverse and dynamic student bodies among leading law schools.

The students represent more than 200 colleges and universities, and the student body includes more than 40% students of color and 12% international students. A unifying factor among our students is the desire to be active participants in shaping legal systems and organizations that protect justice and promote equal opportunity for all. Students choose Columbia because they know they will have an invaluable experience—one that will allow them to pave their own paths while developing strong networks of friends through classes, clinics, externships, international programs, pro bono work, and a vast array of extracurricular activities and student organizations.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS law.columbia.edu/student-organizations The diversity of the student body at Columbia brings an astonishing breadth and depth of interests and experiences, manifested in the number of student organizations at the Law School, from the ACLU to Columbia Real Estate Law Society to Yoga Club and much more.

At Columbia, our community is developed through teamwork and camaraderie across academic, cocurricular, and social engagements. Journals, interest groups, and mentorship programs—formal and informal—further foster a dynamic environment.

In addition, 1Ls are quickly introduced to the social organizations devoted to fun, such as the Deans’ Cup (charity basketball game), De Vinimus (Wine Tasting Society), and Law Revue, whose skits bring much anticipated laughter and humor on campus every year.

With over 85 active student organizations and new ones formed every year, students tend to join multiple organizations during their time at the Law School.

As a community that values collaboration and support, the Law School does not rank its students.

Every student graduates with a J.D., and we believe all of our graduates are highly qualified to make lasting contributions in the legal profession.

THE COLUMBIA LAW COUPLES AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION We recognize that many students come to the Law School while in a committed relationship, partnership, or marriage, with children, or with hopes of starting a family during law school. The Columbia Law Couples and Families Association (CL-CFA) facilitates the integration of significant others and children into the CLS community.

A student-led organization, CL-CFA serves as a resource to students, their significant others, and families.

CL-CFA also provides opportunities for couples and families to take advantage of the many cultural and recreational activities that New York City has to offer.

To learn more, email couplesandfamilies@law.columbia.edu.

48 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

Columbia Law Revue A much-beloved campus tradition, the revue features satiric songs and sketches created and performed by Columbia Law School students.

The Deans’ Cup The Deans’ Cup, one of the largest student-run events in America, is an annual charity basketball competition between teams from Columbia Law School and the New York University School of Law.

Paul Robeson Conference & Gala The Columbia Black Law Students Association hosts an annual conference and gala in honor of actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson ’23.

THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES law.columbia.edu/students/student-services The Office of Student Services serves as a resource and sounding board for students as they navigate their way through the Law School.

The Office provides a wide range of academic support: each incoming student is assigned a staff advisor to assist with academic counseling, and the office also coordinates the Law School’s 1L Academic Coaching Program and holds regular skill development workshops, student organization leadership trainings, and health and wellness events.

Student Services plans a wide range of social and study break activities throughout the year, such as Community Service Day, Pumpkin Carving Party, Pie Day, Midnight Breakfast, and much more. The Office also hosts coffee and cookie breaks every Monday through Thursday at 2 p.m. during the academic year.

Admitted students will begin receiving communications from Student Services in the summer regarding orientation and pre-matriculation details and deadlines.

“My goal as Dean of Students is to make sure that we provide a supportive environment that respects and values students. They can take risks, they can take on challenges, they can bring their whole selves to their experiences, academically and professionally.”

–Dean Yadira Ramos-Herbert (center)

Office of Student Services William and June Warren Hall 1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 5th Floor 212-854-2395 | studentservices@law.columbia.edu

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Student Life NEW YORK CITY & MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS Undeniably, many students choose Columbia for its location.

There is no doubt that our students leverage all that New York City has to offer to enhance their legal education. The United Nations, important governmental and nonprofit organizations, and the most prestigious law firms and corporations are all minutes away from campus. The proximity to some of the most highly coveted opportunities allows our students to gain real-world legal experience year-round, while growing their professional networks. Indeed, New York City is Columbia’s laboratory, offering students abundant cultural, intellectual, and diverse opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic and important cities.

“The City That Never Sleeps” also provides an exciting complement to the Law School experience. Central Park—the first publicly landscaped park in the United States—is within walking distance, and the attractions in Times Square and on Broadway are a quick subway ride away. Some of the world’s most renowned museums and restaurants are located here.

Those who worry about the hectic nature of New York City life can take a short trip up the Hudson River Valley and discover beautiful views, idyllic hiking trails, and bucolic towns. Similarly, it does not take long to reach the beaches of Long Island, considered some of the best in the Northeast.

That said, many students find everything they need in Morningside Heights, Columbia’s neighborhood in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A college town nestled in a great metropolis, Morningside Heights is defined by its energy and diversity. Young families and retired professors share park benches and pass one another on tree-lined streets, and students gather at the same restaurants today where literary luminaries met and discussed literature and poetry decades ago. Some visitors and newcomers to Columbia are surprised to discover how family-friendly the Morningside Heights neighborhood is. Unlike most urban schools, Columbia has a defined campus that complements and strengthens its neighborhood.

A majority of Columbia Law School students live on campus for all three years of residence, not only for the proximity and convenience to class, but also for the myriad options that Morningside Heights offers to its denizens. Banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and food carts are abundant within the neighborhood and on campus.

College Walk, the main thoroughfare of the university, was converted into a pedestrian walkway by Dwight D. Eisenhower during his term as President of Columbia University.

Students are frequent patrons of small businesses in the neighborhood.

Every Thursday throughout the year, Columbia students enjoy the Greenmarket which features dozens of vendors selling locally grown and made products.

50 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

A wide variety of sitdown and quick-serve restaurants in the neighborhood serve Morningside Heights residents and Columbia students alike.

CAMPUS GUESTS Columbia Law School students enjoy participating in and shaping the intellectual life of a great institution. Students can take classes and attend lectures led by eminent scholars and world leaders. Universitysponsored lectures, seminars, symposia, and brown bag lunches regularly feature heads of state, ambassadors, authors, and scholars from around the globe.

Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group Tom Rothman ’80 visited campus to discuss his path from IP lawyer to studio chief.

Anika Rahman ’90, the founding director of the International Legal Program of the Center for Reproductive Rights, was honored by the Columbia Law Women’s Association.

Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’59 was honored by Columbia Law School for the 25th anniversary of her investiture into the United States Supreme Court.

U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein discussed global human rights and the UN’s efforts to advocate for human rights.

New York Court of Appeals Associate Judge Jenny Rivera ’93 was honored by the Columbia Law School Latino/a Law Students Association.

Former Vice President Joe Biden spoke to Law School students about the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which he championed as a senator.

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Enrolling at Columbia We understand that making the decision to enroll at a particular law school can be a complex process.

To ensure that you are making the most informed decision and completing the necessary steps, please review the information on the following pages.

Enrolling at Columbia YOUR ENROLLMENT DECISION Please inform us of your enrollment decision by May 1. You may do so by completing the Enrollment Decision Form electronically (strongly preferred) or manually.

To accept your offer of admission and hold your place in the Class of 2022, you must complete the Enrollment Decision Form and submit your deposit of $600. If, however, you will not be joining the Columbia Law School Class of 2022, we would appreciate notification of that decision via the Enrollment Decision Form.

Note: $150 of the deposit is refundable if you notify the Office of Admissions, in writing,

by July 1, of your decision to relinquish your place in Columbia’s entering class.

DECISION DEADLINE May 1, 2019

DEPOSIT AMOUNT

ENROLLMENT PROCESS

$600

ONLINE ENROLLMENT FORM (Strongly Preferred)

STEP ONE

• Log on to the Admitted Student Website (law.columbia.edu/admit).

• Click on “Enrolling at Columbia” and then on “Online Enrollment Form” to access the enrollment form. Then complete the form in its entirety.

• Submit $600 via debit or credit card.

MANUAL ENROLLMENT FORM • Log on to the Admitted Student Website, click on “Enrolling at Columbia” and then on “Manual Enrollment Form.”

• Download the Manual Enrollment Form and complete it in its entirety.

• Mail the completed form to the Office of Admissions along with the $600 deposit. Please be sure to include your name on the check or money order, payable to Columbia University.

Note: Students admitted under our Early Decision Plan are obligated to accept our offer of admission. However, to become an official member at the Law School, each such student must enroll through the online enrollment form. Please note that for students admitted under the Early Decision Plan, the enrollment deposit has been waived.

DEAN’S CERTIFICATION(S):

STEP TWO

• To matriculate at Columbia Law School, you must submit a completed Dean’s Certification—accessible on the Admitted Student Website—from each school at which you have matriculated toward a degree, including graduate programs and any school from which you may have transferred.

• The Dean’s Certification should be given to a dean or another administrator who has access to your complete school records. Note: It is not required that the dean or other administrator know you personally. The Certification is often a report based on an examination of your school records.

• Upon completion, please instruct the dean or other administrator to send the Dean’s Certification—via email from an official university address to deanscerts@law.columbia.edu or by mail to the Office of Admissions in a signed and sealed envelope—to arrive no later than June 15, 2019.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S):

By August 1, 2019, please submit final, official transcript(s) from all schools of higher education that you have attended, including schools at which you earned credit and/or spent a semester abroad, and from which you graduated.

Once you have completed the steps detailed above, you will become an official member of the Columbia Law School Class of 2022. During the summer, Student Services will send information regarding Orientation.

54 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

MULTIPLE DEPOSITS

DEFERRALS

We recognize that choosing a law school can be a challenging decision. However, out of consideration for, and fairness to, the rest of our applicant pool, we do not condone the practice of placing deposits at multiple law schools. If you decide to hold your place at Columbia Law School, we ask that you refrain from doing the same at other law schools. Should we discover that a candidate has made commitments to multiple law schools, the Law School reserves the right to revoke its offer of admission.

Columbia Law School maintains a liberal deferral policy that can allow admitted students to defer matriculation for up to two years. Admitted students who intend to defer their admission must make the request in writing by June 1, 2019.

Specifically, please submit your written request to Susan Cersovsky, Associate Director of Admissions, at scersovsky@ law.columbia.edu.

DUAL OR JOINT DEGREES If you are pursuing a dual or joint degree, please be reminded that you must consult with the admissions committee of each respective school at which you intend to obtain a degree. At the Law School, kindly schedule an appointment with Jordana Alter Confino, Assistant Director of Academic Counseling, by emailing jc4951@columbia.edu with the subject line “Attention: Dual or Joint Degrees.�

Note: To receive approval for a deferral, you must first submit the $600 seat deposit, which can be made in advance of, but no later than, the May 1 deposit deadline.

FINANCIAL AID To learn more about the process in which you can secure your financial aid package, please refer to the Financial Aid section of this handbook or visit law.columbia.edu/financial-aid.

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Enrolling at Columbia INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Columbia Law School attracts to its J.D. program one of the largest proportions of international students of any leading U.S. law school. The Class of 2021 includes 12% international students who hail from 17 countries across five continents.

Financial Aid for International Students International students (those not holding permanent resident status) are eligible to apply for grants from the Law School and loans from credit-based educational loan programs. Kindly refer to the Financial Aid section of this handbook for more information.

Services for F-1 and J-1 International Students The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is the university’s office for international students, and its website, isso.columbia.edu, is a great source of comprehensive and current information about the regulations from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State that affect international students studying in the United States. Upon application, the ISSO will issue the immigration documents required for visa application.

Housing Please refer to both the Housing section of this handbook and the Admitted Student Website to learn about the housing options for Columbia Law School students. In addition, you may choose to live at the International House, an independent nonprofit organization of more than 700 graduate students and trainees who represent more than 100 countries.

International House residents live and learn together in a unique and supportive residential environment.

For more information, kindly refer to the International House website at ihouse-nyc.org.

International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) International House North, Ground Floor 524 Riverside Drive (Between West 122nd Street & Tiemann Place) 212-854-3587 newintlstudent@columbia.edu isso.columbia.edu

Office walk-in hours during the academic term:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(Closed on Wednesdays for document processing)

56 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

Obtaining a Visa The Law School is not involved in the processing of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required for entry visa applications.

ISSO assists admitted law students with the Certificate of Eligibility process, and its website is the most comprehensive source of information on obtaining the entry visa. The “Getting Started” section contains a link to Applying for your 1-20/DS-2019.

Note: Canadian citizens do not require an entry visa but must have a Certificate of Eligibility (see below) to be admitted to the United States in student status and are subject to all other student immigration regulations.

How to Apply for a Visa 1. You must first obtain a COE from Columbia University in order to apply for a student entry visa. The COE is either the form I-20 for the F-1 student entry visa or the form DS-2019 for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Student Category entry visa.

7. The Department of State website (usembassy.state. gov) has links to all consulates where you will find the required application forms and specific application and documentary requirements for the consulate at which you will apply.

2. Once you have submitted your $600 tuition deposit to the Office of Admissions, please visit isso.columbia.edu/ content/applying-your-i-20ds-2019 to complete and submit your application along with a $100 administrative processing fee.

8. You should have your entry visa in your passport before you purchase your airline ticket. Note: The earliest date you may enter the United States is 30 days before the program start date on your COE.

3. Upload all required supporting documentation. Please do not send your documents by postal mail, courier service, or email.

9. International students must notify the ISSO of their arrival in the U.S. by submitting the online SEVIS Report Form. To access the form, visit isso.columbia.edu and click on "Your First Week" under the "Getting Started" section.

4. Pay for courier delivery of your COE. This must be done using University Express Mail Service (UEMS) and is separate from the administrative processing fee. More information is available on the application page.

10. Submit the form within seven days of your arrival in the United States. The ISSO will present an information session on F-1 and J-1 student status as part of the Law School’s LL.M. Orientation on August 12—13, 2019.

5. ISSO will process your completed application and send your COE. COEs will not be sent by postal mail, and both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State prohibit sending documents by email.

Note: Do not enter the United States in Visitor status B-1/2 or WB/WT. Those in B-1/2 or WB/WT are not allowed to attend class and are in violation of their visitor status if they do so.

Therefore, you must wait to obtain the F-1 or J-1 entry visa before entering the United States to study at Columbia.

6. Apply to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible after you receive the COE from the ISSO, as visa processing can take up to 12 weeks at some U.S. consulates.

If your visa issuance is delayed for any reason, and you are not sure how to proceed, please contact ISSO at 212-854-3587 or newintlstudent@columbia.edu.

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Financial Aid The Financial Aid Office (FAO) is committed to assisting all students in the financial aid process. The FAO is happy to clarify any aspect of the financial aid process, so that every student can fully explore all options to help fund their legal education.

The following information is intended to provide you with a brief introduction to financial aid at Columbia Law School.

For more detailed and the most updated information about the various financial aid options available, visit law.columbia.edu/financial-aid.

Financial Aid FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW law.columbia.edu/financial-aid

Columbia Law School awards grant assistance primarily on the basis of demonstrated financial need. However, there are a number of fellowships that are not based on financial need; these are awarded by the Office of Admissions at the time an applicant is admitted to the Law School. In general, there is no separate application for these fellowships.

If you are interested in grant assistance, please be assured that Columbia Law School annually provides need-based funds toward reducing tuition costs for students. While each year a portion of the entering class receives a Law School grant, which is in the form of a partial tuition waiver, by far the largest form of financial aid for all law students is educational loans. Most students borrow from a variety of programs to finance a part, or all, of their educational expenses. Even if you receive large tuition grants each year, you may not be able to avoid substantial debt before you graduate, especially if you enter law school with loans from your prior education.

You will be investing in your future, clearly one of the most important investments you can make. However, the investment for law school will be considerable. For every $10,000 borrowed, a student can expect to pay approximately $125 each month in debt service after graduation. So we urge you to be as prudent as you can be in the amount of debt you assume: how much you borrow now may affect your future choices in career and lifestyle.

60 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

Some students are able to limit their annual borrowing to the $20,500 that the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program currently makes available to eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

However, increasingly more individuals also need to borrow from credit-based loan programs to meet the student budget.

Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that loan providers require borrowers to be credit-worthy before approving a loan.

If you have had problems with any creditors over late payments, disputed debts, or defaults of any kind, this is the time to resolve them so that you may have access to important sources of loan funds. Students with an adverse credit history may not be able to secure the loans necessary to finance their education. If this is the case, you will need to have others cosign or borrow on your behalf, or find other means to finance your education.

Please keep in mind that Law School funds will not be available to replace unavailable credit-based loans. We advise you to review carefully the “Loans and Credit” section on the Financial Aid website and to obtain a copy of your credit report. The major credit reporting agencies are listed under the “Credit” section of the website.

If you need further information after you review this section, please do not hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office. Major responsibilities of the Financial Aid Office include evaluating applications for financial aid, processing loan applications, administering the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), and counseling students on how to manage the costs of a legal education.

STANDARD COST OF ATTENDANCE Financial aid starts with the standard cost of attendance (COA) for a student. The items listed below form the basis for what the Financial Aid Office can permit in overall financial aid, including student loans. Although charges for tuition and fees are not finalized until June, the following information for the current academic year (2018–2019) can provide you with a guideline for tuition, fees, and related expenses.

Please keep in mind that an increase to these charges is anticipated for the 2019–2020 academic year.

2018–2019 LIVING COSTS

2018–2019 COSTS Tuition

FOR 9-MONTH ACADEMIC YEAR

$67,532

Room (Rent/Utilities =$1,520/month)

$13,680

Student Activity Fee

$270

Board

$5,510

University Facilities Fee

$992

Personal

$3,929

$1,122

Total Living Costs

$23,119

$69,916

Books & Supplies

$1,500

Health and Related Services Fee Tuition and Mandatory Fees Student Health Insurance - Gold Level (may be waived with proof of comparable coverage for U.S. students) Document Fee (one-time fee for new Columbia University students) Total University Charges

$3,210

Academic Year Budget

*$97,850

* This is the Standard Cost of Attendance (COA), which is used to determine eligibility for LRAP.

$105 $73,231

Note: For students borrowing federal student loans, the average educational loan fees for borrowers at Columbia Law School will automatically be added to the cost of attendance at the time of loan certification.

Living expenses provide for a moderate standard of living for the New York area during the nine-month academic year. Additionally, most grant and loan funds are divided equally and disbursed at the beginning of each term and must cover educational expenses for several months. As such, it is very important to budget carefully so that your funds will last until the next disbursement.

For more information about the cost of attendance and budgeting, please refer to the detailed description on the Financial Aid Office's website (law.columbia.edu/financial-aid).

EXPECTED BILL DUE DATES

Fall 2019 Term: Mid-September Spring 2020 Term: Mid-January

Note: All admitted students who wish to apply for financial aid are encouraged to apply as early as January. Additionally, admitted students are welcome to submit, at any time during the process, additional documentation for consideration of their financial aid eligibility.

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Financial Aid APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID The first step is to decide which type(s) of aid you are seeking. Deciding this will determine which form(s) you will need to submit and when.

On the next page, please use the corresponding checklist to assist you in completing the necessary documents for your application.

For instructions on how to complete the cited documents, or for more detailed information about loans, grants, scholarships, and veterans benefits, please visit the Financial Aid Office’s website.

COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL NEED-BASED GRANTS AND LOANS Submit by February 15 (unless otherwise noted)

Law School Financial Aid Questionnaire to Financial Aid Office*

CSS Profile Application to the College Board

Required of all applicants for ANY type of financial aid Download form: law.columbia.edu/admit

Required of all applicants for admission to the entering J.D. class who are seeking consideration for Law School grants.

Apply online: cssprofile.collegeboard.org

2017 Federal Income Tax Forms for student, spouse, and parent(s) to the College Board using the Institutional Documentation (IDOC) Service**

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Federal Processor***

Federal Loan Application(s) to Federal Direct Loan Program and/or Private Loan Application(s) to Financial Aid Office

Applicants must submit signed copies of federal income tax forms for all persons included on the CSS Profile application.

Note: Students will be notified by the College Board to submit tax returns via IDOC shortly after they are admitted and once the CSS Profile form has been received by Columbia.

The need analysis form used by U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens to establish eligibility for federal student aid (Direct Stafford and Direct Graduate PLUS loans, Work-Study).

Apply online: studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa

See following pages for more information about loan application materials.

Submit by May 15

62 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

LOANS ONLY Submit by May 15

Law School Financial Aid Questionnaire to Financial Aid Office

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Federal Processor***

Required of all applicants for ANY type of financial aid Download form: law.columbia.edu/admit

The need analysis form used by U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens to establish eligibility for federal student aid (Direct Stafford and Direct Graduate PLUS loans, Work-Study).

Apply online: studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa

Federal Loan Application(s) to Federal Direct Loan Program and/or Private Loan Application(s) to Financial Aid Office

See following page for more information about loan application materials.

* If you are applying for a Law School grant, please do so by February 15 or immediately after admission. ** If 2017 tax forms are not available by February 15, please submit complete 2016 tax forms by February 15 and complete 2017 tax forms by the end of April. *** International students (those who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens) are not eligible for federal aid and should disregard the FAFSA requirement.

FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST APPLYING FOR LAW SCHOOL GRANTS Only Entering 1L Students (Class of 2022) Submit by February 15, 2019 o Financial Aid Questionnaire (FAQ) to the Law School* o CSS Profile Application to the College Board o FAFSA Form to processor o 2017 Federal Income Tax Forms to the College Board using the Institutional Documentation (IDOC) Service o Federal Verification Worksheet** to the Law School o Federal Loan Application(s) to Federal Direct Loans and/or Private Loan Application(s) to the Law School

(by May 15)

*

Submit by February 15 or as soon as possible if admitted later.

**

If selected for verification of FAFSA information (submit as soon as possible)

APPLYING FOR LOANS (All Students) AND RENEWING GRANTS (Class of 2020 and 2021) Submit by May 15, 2019 o Financial Aid Questionnaire (FAQ) to the Law School o FAFSA Form to processor o Federal Loan Application(s) to Federal Direct Loans and/or Private Loan Application(s) to the Law School o 2017 Federal Income Tax Transcripts** to the Law School o Federal Verification Worksheet** to the Law School **

If selected for verification of FAFSA information (submit as soon as possible)

Financial Aid Questionnaire (FAQ)

CSS Profile Application

Required of all applicants for ANY type of financial aid. The FAQ is available to admitted students shortly after admission; continuing students may pick it up in the Financial Aid Office or request a copy to be emailed (financial_aid@law.columbia.edu).

Required of all applicants for admission to the entering J.D. class (Class of 2022) who are seeking consideration for Law School grants. Financial information must be submitted for the applicant, both of the applicant’s parents, and, if applicable, the applicant’s spouse. Apply online (cssprofile.collegeboard.org).

For questions, call 844-202-0524.

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Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The need analysis form used by U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens to establish eligibility for federal student aid (Direct Stafford and Direct Graduate PLUS loans, Work-Study). Parental information is NOT required on the FAFSA for graduate/ professional students. Apply online at studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa.

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID consists of a user-created username and password to electronically apply for the FAFSA. You can use your FSA ID immediately to sign your FAFSA. You are encouraged to complete your FAFSA online.

Students are able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 800-433-3243. The paper form requires the Federal School Code for Columbia University (002707).

The results of the federal need analysis are transmitted to schools electronically and are sent to the student in the Student Aid Report (SAR). Students must make corrections and communicate them to the processor either online or using the SAR. Note: The FAFSA is NOT a loan application (see Loan Application Materials section to the right).

Loan Application Materials For Federal Direct Loans, you must complete your Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note(s) (MPN) online at https://studentloans.gov for Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS loans. You will need your Federal Student Aid ID to submit the MPN electronically. (Class of 2020 and 2021 borrowers for whom the Law School Financial Aid Office certified a Federal Direct Loan in a prior year do not need to submit a new MPN.) Private educational loan applications must be submitted annually; send completed applications to the Financial Aid Office or follow the lender’s instructions. The most current information on these programs can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Please also be aware that students have the right and ability to select the education loan provider of their choice, are not required to use any of the university’s suggested lenders, and will suffer no penalty for choosing a lender that is not a suggested lender. To view the university’s disclosure concerning lender selection, please visit sfs.columbia.edu/financial-aid/ private-loans. It is recommended that U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens apply for federal loans before private/alternative loans, because federal loans generally have better terms and conditions.

2017 Federal Income Tax Forms

Grant Data Sheet

All first-year grant applicants (Class of 2022) must submit signed copies of federal income tax forms (with all schedules, attachments, and W-2s) for all persons included on the CSS Profile application. If an applicant/spouse/parent(s) owns a business, complete business returns must also be included, as well as any partnership and/or S Corporation returns. If 2017 returns are not available by February 15, submit complete 2016 returns by that date so that the grant application can be reviewed. Complete 2017 tax returns are required by the end of April to finalize grant award.

Required of all recipients of Law School grant and scholarship awards. Information from this form is used to prepare annual stewardship reports for Law School alumni/ae and friends whose generous donations help fund our programs.

Note: Students will be notified by the College Board to submit tax returns via IDOC shortly after they are admitted and once the CSS Profile form has been received by Columbia. **All FAFSA filers who were selected for verification of their information are required to submit 2017 federal income tax transcripts from the IRS before the Financial Aid Office can certify eligibility for federal aid and/or certify Federal Direct Loan applications (Stafford, Graduate PLUS). Students also must complete the 2019–2020 Verification Worksheet, which can be requested from the Financial Aid Office. The SAR notifies students if they have been selected for verification.

64 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF AID ELIGIBILITY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP GRANT Independence and Dependence For consideration for institutional funds, such as grants and Columbia University loans, complete family and parental information is required on the CSS Profile application.

In this era of scarce resources, our guiding policy is to assist students from the neediest families. Our institutional funds are distributed primarily to students with limited personal and family resources.

Regardless of your age, marital status, or dependency status for tax purposes, our grant decision will be based on an analysis of your family’s financial strength.

If parents refuse to give information, our policy is that no grant may be awarded, out of fairness to families that cooperate with our requirements.

Decisions to exempt individual students from the requirement to provide information from both parents are made on an individual basis, and only in rare and extreme cases. If you wish to be considered for this exemption, please submit a written appeal to Ms. Yaa Dwamena, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, as early as possible, explaining the circumstances and requesting a waiver of the requirement. For cases in which the student has a second parent who is living, the request for a waiver should include supporting documentation (e.g., court documents, letter from an attorney, social worker, member of clergy, etc.) to strengthen your appeal.

Calculation of Grants Need-based institutional aid (i.e., grants and university loans) is calculated on the basis of family financial strength as demonstrated by the need analysis forms and other required documents described previously.

Prior educational debt and the family’s willingness to contribute to the student’s educational costs are not factored into the aid decision.

All need-based grant packages require a significant loan component, composed of federal loans for U.S. students and private educational loans for international students. Because students who are not able to secure the loans necessary to finance their education do not receive any institutional funds to pay for their Law School expenses, they must find other means to pay for their education.

Grant recipients are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of significant changes to their circumstances (e.g., marriage, divorce, children, inheritances, tuition exemption, and outside awards). While adjustments to the Law School grant may not always result from such changes, it may be necessary to modify loan amounts.

For more information about eligibility for a scholarship grant, please refer to the detailed description at law.columbia.edu/financial-aid.

AWARDS FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES All students are encouraged to seek funding outside the Law School. Many law students apply for funding from sources such as private foundations, governmental agencies, local bar associations, civic associations, professional organizations, and/ or parental/spousal employers.

Students receiving awards from external sources must notify the Financial Aid Office of the source and amount of the award.

The external award, plus any financial aid (loans and/or grants) cannot exceed a student’s cost of attendance, and may affect eligibility for federal loans (i.e., Direct Stafford and Direct Graduate PLUS), institutional aid, and private educational loans.

In some cases, the Law School grant will need to be adjusted.

For external awards totaling more than $15,000 for an academic year, 50% of the amount above $15,000 may be used to reduce the Columbia Law School grant award. Again, regardless of the size of the external award, students must immediately notify the Financial Aid Office of the source and amount of the award.

Grant awards for entering J.D. students (Class of 2022) will be made on a three-year basis. Award letters to recipients of institutional grants will include information about the financial aid package, including educational loans and the Law School’s grant commitment for each of the student’s three years (six semesters) of full-time study at Columbia Law School.

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Financial Aid VETERANS BENEFITS Columbia Law School is honored to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and provides education benefits to military veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001.

During the 2018–2019 academic year, Columbia Law School contributed up to a maximum of $30,000 (to be matched by the VA) for qualifying post-9/11 veterans. There is no limit to the number of enrolling veterans who may receive Yellow Ribbon benefits from Columbia Law School for the 2018-2019 academic year. Students who choose to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits will waive their eligibility for Columbia Law School aid.

Please note that information regarding the 2019–2020 academic year Yellow Ribbon Program will be announced in the spring of 2019. More details and eligibility guidelines for Post-9/11 benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, may be found on the Financial Aid Office website. Veterans may also contact the VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).

We welcome students to contact the Financial Aid Office directly regarding the application process for Columbia Law School’s Yellow Ribbon Program. Please also visit the Financial Aid Office’s website for a complete list of helpful sources regarding veterans’ awards.

INTERNATIONAL J.D. STUDENTS International students (not U.S. citizens and not holding a U.S. permanent resident visa) may face special challenges in financing their legal education. They are not eligible for federally guaranteed assistance programs, most private educational loans cannot be obtained without a U.S. cosigner, and there are no fully funded fellowships for law students in Columbia’s J.D. degree program.

Thus, early financial planning is essential for international students.

We request that, by July 1, international grant applicants or grant recipients who plan to enroll provide the Financial Aid Office with proof of their approved loan(s) in the amount(s) they will need.

•

International students who wish to apply for loans and Columbia Law School grants must complete the CSS Profile application and submit additional required documents, including tax forms (with English translation, if necessary), as indicated in “Apply for Financial Aid.” These forms must provide parental income and asset information translated into U.S. dollar amounts at official rates of exchange as of the day of filing the form. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested.

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•

All need-based grant packages require a significant loan component, composed of federal loans for U.S. students and private (credit-based) educational loans for international students. Because students who are not able to secure the loans necessary to finance their education do not receive any institutional funds to pay for their Law School expenses, they must find other means to pay for their education.

•

Some lenders offer private educational loans to international students who can provide a credit-worthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen, or for some programs, a U.S. permanent resident. For more detailed information regarding private educational loan programs, please visit the Financial Aid Office website. Please be aware that students have the right and ability to select the education loan provider of their choice, are not required to use any suggested lenders, and will suffer no penalty for choosing a lender that is not a suggested lender.

•

For private loan programs, it is the student’s responsibility to secure an eligible cosigner, and it is very important that you do so as soon as possible, preferably by May or early June.

•

Check with your private loan lender if a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is required of the student or only of the cosigner at the time of application.

•

International students holding a nonresident visa will be charged an International Services Charge each term (currently $90, but subject to change) to cover the services provided by Columbia’s International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). One of the benefits is affiliate status with International House, including access to many activities scheduled there. The ISSO also provides assistance with student visa questions. In addition, a onetime administrative processing fee (currently $100) will be assessed for newly admitted international students for Columbia University visa supervision. Please feel free to contact ISSO at 212-854-3587 or visit the website at isso. columbia.edu.

For more information regarding financial aid for international J.D. students, please refer to the detailed description on the Financial Aid Office website.

FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE JANUARY

Applicants for fall admission submit FAFSA and CSS Profile applications to processors (continues on a rolling basis).

FEBRUARY

Admitted students begin submitting Financial Aid Questionnaire to Financial Aid Office.

MARCH

Entering grant applicants will be notified by the College Board to submit 2017 federal tax forms via IDOC shortly after admitted and once the CSS Profile form has been received by Columbia (continues on a rolling basis).

APRIL

Admitted students begin receiving award letters in the mail.

MAY

Loan borrowers submit application materials to Financial Aid Office (loans are processed continually throughout the summer).

For federal loan borrowers, online federal loan Entrance Counseling to be completed at the U.S. Dept. of Education website (studentloans.gov).

After students submit a deposit to the Office of Admissions, they must activate their Columbia University email address to receive an E-Bill account statement in August.

JUNE

Grant and scholarship recipients submit Grant Data Sheet, biographical sketch, and rĂŠsumĂŠ to Financial Aid Office.

Continuation of loan processing for all students.

Students interested in the monthly Tuition Payment Plan should enroll during June and July.

JULY

University starts to transmit federal loans to processor.

Entering students begin receiving confirmation financial aid award letters which provides loans certified

by Financial Aid Office.

International students receiving grants should submit approved loan and visa documentation to Financial Aid Office.

AUGUST

Students receive an email notification that their Student Account Statement or E-Bill is ready to be viewed.

Financial Aid Information Session during 1L Orientation; learn about receiving financial aid.

Federal loan funds (Direct Stafford and Graduate PLUS) deposited to university student accounts for fall semester.

SEPTEMBER

Payment of fall semester student account balance due.

Arrival of applicants' CSS Profile application and FAFSA data at Financial Aid Office (continues on a rolling basis).

Students expecting a refund for living expenses should opt in for automatic refunds in Student Services Online (SSOL).

A direct deposit process for refunds is available for students to set up in Student Services Online (SSOL).

Disbursement of fall semester institutional aid to university student accounts.

Disbursement of fall semester private educational loan funds to university student accounts.

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Financial Aid LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LRAP) LRAP reduces the burden of Law School debt with the goal of making a career in public service financially possible for graduates. With its recent expansion, Columbia Law School’s LRAP is one of the most generous programs of its kind.

Graduates may elect to participate in the Law School LRAP, the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or a combination of the two programs.

COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL LRAP FEATURES: • Participants are not expected to contribute to annual loan payments if calculated income is less than $55,000 • Graduates may join the program up to seven years after graduating • LRAP Loans are partially forgiven from years three to five, and fully forgiven on an annual basis in years five to 10 • Spousal educational debt service up to $10,000 may be included in the repayment formula • LRAP participants with dependent children are eligible for a new dependent allowance of up to $10,000 per child

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

law.columbia.edu/financial-aid/lrap-public-interest-lawyers

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION More detailed information regarding the following topics is available at law.columbia.edu/financial-aid:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Loan Application Materials Federal and State Benefits Loan Programs Prior Educational Loans Credit Loan Approval Receiving Your Financial Aid Bill and Payment Information Record Keeping Tuition Exemption Satisfactory Academic Progress Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence Entrance and Exit Interviews After Graduation

FINANCIAL AID TEAM William & June Warren Hall

financial_aid@law.columbia.edu

1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 5th Floor

212-854-6522

Left to Right: Rosa DelRosario, Financial Aid Assistant; Seandell James, Associate Director of Financial Aid & LRAP Administrator; Charles DeRubeis, Executive Director of Financial Aid; Christina Ramirez, Financial Aid Officer; and Yaa Dwamena. Assistant Director of Financial Aid. 68 Columbia Law School Admitted Student Handbook

2019-2020 Academic Calendar AUTUMN TERM 2019

August

January

SPRING TERM 2020

19–21

1st year J.D. Registration & Orientation

13–17

22

Start of 1st year J.D. classes in Legal Methods I and Legal Practice Workshop I

20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday observed - No classes

21

First day of all Law School classes; first day of classes at other divisions of the university

30

Last day of 1st year J.D. class Legal Methods I and LL.M. class Introduction to American Law

September

28–Feb 19 Withdrawal from classes permitted; the notation of W will be recorded on the transcript

2

Labor Day - No classes

March

3

First day of classes in term-long Law School courses; first day of classes at other divisions of the university

16–20

20

Final exam for 1st year J.D. class Legal Methods I and LL.M. class Introduction to American Law

October

Legal Methods II and upper-year January elective classes

Spring Recess—No classes

April 1

Deadline to submit all outstanding fall 2019 written work that was granted an extension Last day of Law School classes

24

1L study day

29

25

1L mid-term exams

30–May 3 Upper-year study period 30–May 4 1L study period

November 27

Last day of 1L classes

May

28–29

Thanksgiving Holiday — No classes

4

Last day of classes at other divisions of the university

4–14

Upper-year exams

5–14

1L exams

30–Dec 6 1L study period

December 1

May 2020 degree candidates: Degree applications due

6–20

1L exams

6

Last day of upper-year Law School classes

7–8

Upper-year study days

9

Last day of classes at other divisions of the university

9–20

Upper-year exams

Note: This calendar is meant to serve as a reference and is subject to change. Any updates will be posted at law.columbia.edu/academic-calendar.

15 Spring 2020 grade submission deadline for graduating students 15

Continuing students: Due date for submission of spring 2020 written work

15

Spring 2020 term ends

TBD

Law School Graduation Ceremony

20

University Commencement & Degree Conferral

June 1 Spring 2020 grade submission deadline, continuing students in classes with enrollments of fewer than 150 students 11 Spring 2020 grade submission deadline for continuing students in classes with enrollments of 150 or more students 15

Deadline for students to apply for clerkships

July 31

Last date submitted work will be considered for honors for 2019–2020 academic year Revised 3/25/2018 Office of Registration Services

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Map of Morningside Campus N

W

MAIN LAW SCHOOL BUILDINGS: Jerome L. Greene Hall 435 West 116th Street William & June Warren Hall (Big Warren) 1125 Amsterdam Avenue William C. Warren Hall (Little Warren) 410 West 116th Street

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Important Contacts ADMISSIONS

JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS OFFICE

William & June Warren Hall, 5th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-2674 admit@law.columbia.edu

William & June Warren Hall, 8th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-2859 clerkships@law.columbia.edu

CAREER SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

REGISTRATION SERVICES

William & June Warren Hall, 7th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-2683 careerservices@law.columbia.edu

FINANCIAL AID William & June Warren Hall, 5th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-7730 financial_aid@law.columbia.edu

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jerome Greene Hall, Room 731 435 West 116th Street 212-854-1370 helpdesk@law.columbia.edu

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS William & June Warren Hall, 6th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-8170 internationalprograms@law.columbia.edu

William & June Warren Hall, 5th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-2668 registrar@law.columbia.edu

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES William & June Warren Hall, 8th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-3318 socialjustice@law.columbia.edu

STUDENT SERVICES AND HOUSING William & June Warren Hall, 5th Floor 1125 Amsterdam Avenue 212-854-2395 studentservices@law.columbia.edu housing@law.columbia.edu

www.law.columbia.edu/admit