CUNY School of Law

CUNY School of Law stands out as a unique institution with an unwavering commitment to public interest law and social justice. From its very inception, it was envisioned as a training ground for legal professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of low-income individuals and advocating for broader societal improvements. It's a place where aspiring lawyers are not just taught the law, but are inspired to use it as a powerful tool for positive change.

The genesis of CUNY Law dates back to 1981 when CUNY brought on Charles Halpern as its founding dean. Halpern, renowned within the legal community as the "father of public interest law," had a distinguished background as a Georgetown law professor and co-founder of the Center for Law and Social Policy. His vision shaped the school's foundational ethos. In spring of 1982, Dean Halpern further cemented this vision by hiring Howard Lesnick, a distinguished professor who believed in teaching law in relation to the underlying human problems it addresses, fostering a profoundly practical and human-centered approach to legal education.

A significant chapter in CUNY Law's history unfolded in 1987 with the appointment of W. Haywood Burns as its second dean. Burns, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate, broke barriers by becoming the first African American Dean of a New York law school. Under his transformative leadership, CUNY School of Law achieved a crucial milestone: gaining its accreditation. This accreditation was not merely a procedural step; it was a powerful affirmation that secured the school's progressive commitment to public interest law, ensuring its mission would endure and thrive for future generations of justice-minded students.