The Charter High School for Law and Justice

Vision

The Charter High School for Law and Justice will provide a path to a legal career for students from underserved communities. Using law and justice as a focus, the curriculum will concentrate on the study of liberal arts, social sciences, and the critical thinking and oral and written advocacy skills needed for future success in the legal profession as lawyers, paralegals, law enforcement officers, court personnel, and law office employees. To maintain a 100 percent graduation rate, the School will blend the teaching of theoretical knowledge with real-world practical experience through the use of highly-skilled faculty, instructional technology, small class sizes, mentoring and internship programs, and summer placement opportunities.

New York Law School will contribute its expertise in legal theory, practice, and education to the School. Through this collaboration, students will receive the necessary preparation for careers in the legal profession and the future study of law at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Goals and Objectives

At launch, the Charter High School for Law and Justice will feature:

• A formal affiliation with New York Law School
• A rigorous curriculum, including English, social studies, science, math, and foreign language
• Courses in political science, economics, and law
• College-level academic courses
• A goal of a 100 percent graduation rate with a Regents Diploma
• Extended day and weekend programs focusing on effective written and oral communication skills and academic and career skills
• Summer "Law Camp" featuring training in oral and written advocacy
• Law office internships and placements
• Small classes
• Extensive parental involvement
• Transition planning suited to the needs of individual students, including college and career opportunities

The Charter High School for Law and Justice is currently in the development stage. The Planning Committee brings together experts in legal education, law practice, and teaching. The Committee hopes to submit the application for the High School in 2013. The Planning Committee submited the Letter of Intent in January 2013 and the letter can be found here. The Letter of Intent was accepted for Preliminary Review/Approval Round 1 by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Planning Committee was invited to submit a full application. The letter from the NYSED can be found here.  

For more information or to submit comments or questions, contact Professor Richard D. Marsico at richard.marsico@nyls.edu or email charterschool@nyls.edu.