Cardozo School of Law in New York City
Bringing Law To Life

Cardozo's commitment to active, non-partisan engagement in the election process is tied to our deep roots in public service and social justice. Our Floersheimer Center for Constitutional Democracy is offering students information in support of student participation in the 2020 election.

"We must use our power as lawyers to speak up when others are silenced. We must raise our voices in defense of those who are victimized by racism, anti-Semitism and prejudice of any kind." 

At Cardozo we believe that inclusion is a cornerstone of legal education and that diversity advances the entire legal system. 

Human Rights professor Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum created 10 new curricular modules for classrooms on how the law perpetrates structural discrimination—and how the law can be used to break it down.

“The goal is to confront the law’s—and lawyer’s—role in perpetuating structural discrimination and violence against identity groups in the U.S. We decided to create open-access guides that are easy to use and adapt across disciplines to aid law professors across the country, helping students grapple with these big issues.”

Our Intellectual Property Program is ranked No. 13 in the country and No. 2 in NYC by U.S. News & World Report. The FAME Center for fashion, art, media and entertainment law teaches brand protection. The Tech Startup Clinic and The Indie Film Clinic provide unique opportunities for students to represent clients. The Blockchain Project and the Data Law Initiative are leaders at the intersection of law and technology. The Cardozo/Google Patent Diversity Project expands patent protections for women and entrepreneurs of color. 

At right: Alumna Sheryl Gold '89 is the senior vice president, Business & Legal Affairs at Universal Music Group.

As New York City moves through the phases of reopening and the situation continues to evolve, so too must our plans for all aspects of life at Cardozo, including academics, events, social gatherings and career development opportunities. Faculty and administrators have been working throughout the summer to build a new and exceptional student experience intended to ensure safety. The University is following guidance from the CDC, New York State and New York City. We will continue to communicate transparently with you every step of the way. 

“Most people think that the law is black and white. The first thing you realize is that it’s not,” Justice Sotomayor said, addressing Cardozo Law students at a visit to the school. “The law is not moral justice. Every case that comes before us has a winner and a loser. I try to remember that.”