Student Affiliation
The Center for Professional Values and Practice invites all full-time 1Ls and part-time/evening 1Ls and 2Ls to apply for affiliation. Students who join the Center participate in a focused curriculum that helps guide students through their remaining law school studies and helps prepare them for practice.
About the program:
Students in the center examine the role and regulation of lawyers and law firms in American society and study the changing dynamics of legal markets and careers. Designed to provide students with an in-depth portrait of law practice in a variety of settings—from the court room to the board room to Guantanamo Bay—the center sponsors research, symposia, and speakers to bring the “real world” of practice to the classroom and legal education more broadly. The center provides students with an intellectual home during their last two years of law school, as well as an opportunity to improve their academic research and writing skills under close faculty supervision. Student affiliates are invited to contribute to ongoing research or to design their own inquiries, through participation in focused seminars and independent study. By the time members graduate, they have a rich understanding of the legal market and the career paths open to attorneys, as well as a portfolio of written work that helps them achieve their goals. Research initiatives by center faculty focus on a range of topics including: the changing boundaries of the legal profession and competition with other professions; diversity and diversity initiatives in the New York City bar; the expanding role of in-house counsel in corporations and professional firms; prosecutorial ethics; and tax ethics.
Student members receive:
- a structured curriculum that introduces students to various practice areas and career paths
- special opportunities to work closely with center faculty on research projects
- guidance on independent study and writing projects
- opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities with faculty, practitioners, and students who share their interests
How to apply:
A "Common Application Form" for all center associate programs will be posted shortly by the Office of Academic Affairs. Download, complete, and turn in a completed application to the Office of Academic Affairs by 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 22. Only hardcopy applications will be accepted. (No email applications will be accepted or reviewed.)
Membership is based on a competitive application process, and each applicant is judged on his/her own merit. Students will be informed of admissions decisions no later than Monday, April 5, to allow them time to register for required courses.
Eligibility:
Center affiliation is distinct from membership in the Harlan program. All 1L full-time students, and all 1L and 2L part-time/evening students, are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Get more information:
Please explore the website to learn more about the Center's curricular requirements, programs, and events.
The Center will hold an information session at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18th (room to be posted shortly). Please join us to learn more about the Center, its faculty, and how the program can help you realize your career goals.
We also invite you to meet with us if you have questions about the center or the affiliation process. To set up a meeting time, contact us by email at cpvp@nyls.edu.
