We offer a second look to public interest-focused students who need additional preparation, providing comprehensive support for LSAT success and law school readiness.
Launched in 2006 as one of CUNY’s Black Male Initiatives, Pipeline to Justice enriches CUNY Law’s student body by attracting individuals who are deeply motivated to excel in public interest law and whose personal and professional accomplishments resonate with our mission. This initiative has played a crucial role in cementing CUNY Law’s ranking as one of the most diverse law schools in the country.
Pipeline to Justice participants receive
- Intensive LSAT preparation
- Development of critical analytical and writing skills
- Exposure to the rigors of law school
- Mentorship and support throughout their legal education journey
Successful completion of both parts and a final examination may lead to an invitation to join CUNY Law’s incoming 1L class.
WHO SHOULD APPLY TO PIPELINE TO JUSTICE
By nurturing talent from underrepresented communities, we’re not just diversifying our student body – we’re transforming the face of the legal profession and creating a more representative justice. Pipeline to Justice is designed for applicants who:
- Have applied to CUNY Law and received a denial determination
- Want to apply to CUNY Law but feel they need additional preparation
- Are committed to public interest law and social justice
- Come from communities underrepresented in the legal profession
Our program consists of two parts. Successful completion of both parts and a final examination may lead to an invitation to join CUNY Law’s incoming 1L class.
Part I: LSAT Preparation
- Intensive, individualized preparation for the LSAT exam
- Meets twice weekly in the evenings from October to February
- Includes weekend at-home diagnostic testing sessions
- Provides coaching on test anxiety and self-efficacy skills
- Offers individualized study planning
Part II: Professional Skill Development
- Focuses on analytic reasoning, professional writing, and public speaking
- Meets twice weekly from 6:30–9:30 p.m. from March to May
- Provides written and oral feedback on weekly assignments
- Emphasizes revision to achieve graduate-level writing ability
HOW TO APPLY
The application period for the Pipeline to Justice program opens annually on May 1 and closes on July 25 at 11:59 PM.
Two application paths are available:
- For recent CUNY Law applicants denied admission in the current or previous year:
-
- Complete and submit the Pipeline Application Questionnaire
- Upload a video as per instructions (email pipelinejustice@law.cuny.edu for details)
- For new applicants:
-
- Submit the “Pipeline Only Application” via the LSAC Application Portal
- Requirements include:
- $60 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Active CAS subscription with recent LSAT score and Writing Sample (please note the last accepted LSAT scores will be from the June LSAT prior to the beginning of the fall program)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Video upload as instructed
Program Details
- Fee: One-time, non-refundable $850 (covers Parts 1 and 2)
- Location: CUNY School of Law (in-person only)
- Part 1: Fall semester, focusing on LSAT preparation
- Part 2: Spring semester, developing professional skills
- LSAT requirement: Participants must take both January and February LSATs
For the most current information on application deadlines, program dates, and financial resources, please contact us at pipeline@law.cuny.edu.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
We seek candidates who demonstrate:
- A serious commitment to public interest legal careers
- Personal integrity and attention to detail
- Diligence and commitment
- Ability to dedicate the necessary time to the program
- Fit with the Pipeline/CUNY Law community
PROGRAM IMPACT
Pipeline participants have become campus leaders, serving as presidents of student organizations and editorial board members of CUNY Law Review. Our students have secured internships at prestigious organizations, including The Legal Aid Society, the Center for Popular Democracy, the New York State Bar Association Minority Health Law Program, and more.
Throughout their studies and bar exam preparation, Pipeline students receive ongoing support, including mentoring, academic guidance, and professional skill development.
Frequently Asked Questions
The online application is available on lsac.org from May 1st through July 25th, 2024. We accept the formal electronic application and questionnaire through LSAC or, if you were denied admission to CUNY law in the past, the Questionnaire PDF via email.
The deadline to apply to join a Pipeline cohort is posted along with the application and typically falls within the last week of July.
All offers will be extended by August 31, 2024. Applicants will be contacted via email.
There is a one-time, non-refundable $850 fee, which covers the cost of the entire program (Parts 1 and 2). Additionally, upon successful completion of Part 2, the student’s seat deposit fee for matriculating with the incoming 1L class will be deducted from the program fee.
Note: The fee does not include the cost of taking both the January and February LSATs*, which is a requirement of the program. The fee also does not include the required up-to-date subscription to LSAC Prep Plus.
*Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify in advance their eligibility to register to take both the January and February LSAT directly with LSAC.
While we cannot offer scholarships or aid for the $850 Pipeline Program cost, LSAC may. We encourage applicants to apply directly to LSAC for an LSAT and CAS report fee waiver to determine eligibility.
We also recommend Access Lex as an important resource for exploring the ways you might finance your legal education.
We look for candidates who demonstrate a serious commitment to a social justice legal career. We also look for candidates whose personal integrity, attention to detail, diligence, and commitment shine through in their program application and candidates whose application demonstrates perseverance in the face of past academic challenges. Of critical importance is also the ability to dedicate the time needed to do the program’s work. We are looking for students who will be a good fit for Pipeline/CUNY Law School Community.
Pipeline Part 1 begins in the fall and consists entirely of LSAT prep. Admitted students are required to attend weeknight classes and complete weekend at-home Diagnostic Tests in preparation for taking two LSATs during this section of the program. The dates of the two LSATs will be determined before the start of class but are usually the January and February LSAT exams.
With engaged, active participation in Part 1, AND a competitive LSAT score at the conclusion of Part 1, a student may be admitted to Part 2, which focuses on professional writing, analytical reasoning, and verbal communication skills. Part 2 runs for 8 weeks in the Spring and meets on Monday and Thursday evenings.
The exact March start date will be determined by the beginning of 2024.
We do not have a summer program now. Our program takes place during the fall and spring semesters as described above.
Classes in the Pipeline to Justice program take place at CUNY School of Law. Classes are held in-person only. No virtual option is available.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Hybrid Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office: 4-105
Phone: (718) 340-4025
Email: PipelineJustice@law.cuny.edu