Cardozo’s Class of 2023 began their journey to becoming lawyers this week, as the fall semester kicked off with a portion of the class coming to campus for in-person classes on August 18. The new class boasts a 3.65 median GPA, a historic high for the law school, and a median LSAT score of 162.

“I’m so thrilled to welcome these students who have already had to make sacrifices during this global pandemic,” said Dean Melanie Leslie. “Cardozo is committed to making their law school experience one they will treasure for the valuable education they received and for the warm community that embraces them today as our newest members.”

It was the first time that Cardozo students could engage in in-person learning since the pandemic forced the city to shut down in March.

The new class, combined May-entry and fall-entry, has 342 students and is 57% women and 26% students of color.The students hail from 32 states and numerous countries around the globe.

Professors Ed Stein, Kate Shaw and Leslie Newman were on campus, teaching Cardozo’s signature Elements of Law class, a core class for first-year students.

On Thursday evening, August 20, more than 40 faculty members welcomed the new class at a virtual reception.

Dean Melanie Leslie greeted the students at the door as they arrived for the first day of class, along with other members of the administration. During a virtual orientation on August 17, Dean Leslie encouraged the group to work hard and help one another out along the way, and said, “Every time you help somebody, you exercise the compassion you need to be an attorney," she said. "Be humble. Learn from everybody…There is joy in just doing your best every single day.”
 

Dean of Admissions David Martinidez also addressed the group during their virtual orientation and praised the group’s talents and varied backgrounds. He said, “Cardozo is a community – we are here to cheer your accomplishments and support you during challenges; you are today, members of the legal profession.”

Upper-level students will begin their classes, which will be all virtual for the duration of the semester, on August 31.