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

Sunny skies appeared over New York City on Tuesday, June 1 just in time for Cardozo’s 43rd Commencement, as Dean Melanie Leslie told the class of 2021, “you are the bright light around which our community focuses today, in a spirit of celebration and pride."

Cardozo is ranked #22 in the nation for scholarly impact.* Human Rights Law Professor Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum created 11 new curricular modules to teach about the role of law in fighting structural discrimination, including an analysis of the legality of reparations. 

*Heald and Sichelman

Cardozo Law’s Field Clinics and Externship opportunities provide a real-world edge in a competitive legal landscape. You will experience the adrenaline of working in the legal field as you sharpen your skills and learn from practitioners in top nonprofit, government, and private-sector offices. You will gain knowledge and insight that will provide you with a decisive advantage toward your future success as a lawyer.

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

Our Intellectual Property Program is ranked No. 10 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 Filmmakers Legal 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.

"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." -

Dean Melanie Leslie

 In this issue:

·Clinics on the Frontlines: Students work tirelessly on pandemic issues.

·Student Voices: Transitioning to online learning.

·Faculty with Impact: Selection of faculty quotes from major media outlets.

·Feature: Jazz legend Billie Holiday Recorded her first songs at 55 Fifth.

·Confronting Structural Violence: CLIHHR Offers New Teaching Guides.

·Filmmakers Legal Clinic Gives Voice to Unheard Artists