Fearless. Undaunted. Ready for action. That’s what Cardozo people are.
Whether they are faculty, students, or alumni, they’re the kind of people who wake up every morning believing that the world can be a better place and knowing that it’s up to them to make it so. Regardless of the type of law they’ve chosen to practice or the place they work, they’re known for being bold, for taking calculated risks, and for jumping in with both feet to get things done. They don’t shy away from a challenge. Ever. And no matter how tough today might have been, when the sun rises again, so too will they. Ready to tackle the tasks that lie ahead to make a difference in the lives of the people around them, the people they serve, and the world at large.
Cardozo Law | Dare Daily
Celebrating 50 Years of Cardozo School of Law
Dear Friends,
This September marks the start of Cardozo’s 50th anniversary celebration, which will culminate with a Gala in the fall 2026. We have so much to celebrate! When Cardozo opened its doors in 1976, we attracted a group of plucky, courageous students who took a chance on what Cardozo would become. Our impressive inaugural faculty attracted immediate attention. They dared to aspire to greatness, and we have met that aspiration.
Fueled by our faculty we continue to grow, thrive, and create. Our distinguished alumni have expanded Cardozo’s reputation in every field and across the globe. We have attracted the most academically accomplished incoming 1L class in our history. The most recent graduating class achieved a 97% employment rate. We continue to innovate with pioneering programs and clinics.
As I enter my 11th year as dean, I could not be prouder to share this moment with you. In the year ahead we will honor our legacy and celebrate our success as a community defined by creativity, intellectual rigor and impact. I look forward to sharing more at our Anniversary Gala in 2026.
With gratitude,
Melanie Leslie
Cardozo School of Law Dean
Dare Daily
The Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice
Seeking Justice for the unjustly incarcerated, the PCLJ trains students in the Freedom Clinic to represent clients who are wrongfully convicted or serving overly harsh sentences.
Home of the FAME Center
Named the #1 law school on Billboard's Top Music Lawyers list, the FAME Center for fashion, arts, media, and entertainment law is part of Cardozo’s renowned Intellectual Property and Information Law Program.
Dare to Protect Democracy
The Floersheimer Center for Constitutional Democracy, the Center for Rights and Justice, and the Jacob Burns Center for Ethics in Law focus on lawyers' responsibilities to protect the rule of law.
Cardozo In A Word
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary we asked alumni to choose one word to describe what Cardozo means to them. See more here.
New Cardozo 50th Merchandise
Stay tuned for the new Cardozo Law 50th Anniversary items coming soon to our online store!