The Office of Clinical and Experiential Learning

Project-Based Learning at New York Law School

What are project-based learning courses? Project-based learning classes are a new form of curricular offering at NYLS, aiming to combine attention to legal theory and to practice. The courses challenge students to develop both their legal knowledge and important skills such as project planning and collaboration. Classes are small, and the students in them, with close guidance from a faculty member, work together on carrying out a project with concrete, real-world significance – from creating a website on a legal subject to developing policies for a Board of Education’s policy manual to co-drafting an amicus brief (with many other possibilities as well). These year-long courses are offered for 2, 3 or 4 credits, and on Pass-Fail or graded basis, as decided by the professor. 

How to apply: Admission will be by permission of the instructor. Typically, the application will ask for a one-paragraph statement of interest, and you’ll also need to submit your resume along with it. Particular project-based learning teachers may have additional steps, such as an in-person interview, as part of the application process.