<p>Hey I was just wondering what you guys could tell me about this school. How well respected it is in legal communities, if good firms recruit from there, etc. Anything you guys could tell me would be very helpful. Thank you.</p>
<p>I am an attorney practicing for 23 years on Long Island. I went to Cardozo. Having said that, I am somewhat out of touch with current rankings and standings but perhaps can offer some general comments. Some of my thoughts may hold true with law schools in general.</p>
<p>Brooklyn Law is not Columbia or NYU. On the other hand, Brooklyn Law has a tremendous alumni network and is very well known in the NY legal community and I am sure that anyone who goes there will get a terrific education. Job placement upon graduation is probably very good (but then I am out of touch with that aspect.) </p>
<p>In general where you go to law school is helpful for the first few jobs, but then you can also be on law review at Brooklyn, Fordham, Cardozo and have a shot at the large law firms also; but, clearly law review from a top school opens more doors. Once you have been working your career becomes based upon what you can do and how talented you are. </p>
<p>Some people think that going to a NY law school better prepares for you the NY bar exam.......perhaps. If a person has no plans on working at a major NYC firm and knows where their interests are focused, then perhaps law school selection may involve what programs that school has in your area of interest.</p>
<p>I almost went to Brooklyn... so my take:</p>
<p>BLS has the fourth-highest placement in NYC law firms, behind Columbia, NYU, and Fordham. It is ranked around 55 or so - very close to Cardozo - and any difference in ranking is absolutely inconsequential at that point. Off the top of my head, BLS grads in private practice, for the median 50%, make between $60k and $120k starting. Eight percent do judicial clerkships. </p>
<p>If you want to find out what firms interview at Brooklyn, go to NALP.com and look up firms which you are interested in. They will often list the schools at which they do on-campus interviews. BLS does have a great career services: eight full time employees who do nothing but help their students find employment. </p>
<p>Brooklyn is great if you want to be a D.A. They've had a few students argue cases to the Second Circuit in 2003-2004 school year. </p>
<p>I really loved the atmosphere - everyone seems to really like each other. The 3Ls and alums whom I spoke with were all very enthusiastic - loved their experience there, love the education, etc. It's also a really beautiful building - great library - you'll spend a ton of time the library... do not underestimate the importance of that! (The one at my l.s. is pretty dreary - I hate studying there, but it's that or my apt.)</p>
<p>Brooklyn does have alums in every state, but their reputation is certainly strongest in NYC.</p>