Brooklyn Law School's Entering Class Size Increases for Second Consecutive Year

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Brooklyn Law School announced today that an expected 400 new students will be welcomed at opening exercises on Tuesday, August 19. This year's entering class, selected from nearly 3,400 applicants, reflects an increase of 31 students over last year's class.  

The newly admitted students have been accepted to one of the most rigorous, comprehensive and flexible J.D. program offerings in the United States:

• 31– inaugural accelerated 2- or 2.5-Year J.D. Program
• 321 – standard 3-Year J. D. Program
• 48 – extended 3.5-, 4-, or 4.5-Year J.D. Program

In addition to the 400 new J.D. candidates, BLS will also welcome 17 new LL.M students from 15 countries including Brazil, Egypt, Guyana, Italy, and Lithuania.

"This year's entering class, which is again one of the largest law school classes in New York State and the country, represents astonishing diversity, talent, experience, and dedication to community," said Dean Nick Allard. "Even amidst the nationwide decline in applications, Brooklyn Law School drew exceptional candidates. For the second consecutive year, our entering class is larger than for the preceding year."

According to Dean Allard, Brooklyn Law School places special emphasis on each applicant's overall accomplishments, academic performance, and character to ensure a strong student body. "Every one of our admitted students has the ability, experience, and motivation necessary to graduate, pass the bar, and to be an excellent lawyer," Dean Allard said. "Our admissions approach is to evaluate each individual's complete profile of strengths. Given BLS graduates' track record in passing the bar and finding good jobs, our confidence in the success of the new class is warranted."

Brooklyn Law School's J.D. students represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds and demographics:

• 33 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and several foreign countries
• Fluency in 38 languages and dialects other than English, including Bengali, Mongolian, and Polish—with 57 students speaking at least three languages
• Birthplaces spanning five continents and 33 countries
• An age range of 20 to 49, with an average age of 24
• A breadth of academic credentials from 170 colleges and universities –
  • 32 master's degrees in fields such as art administration, sustainability management and international security
  • Two medical degrees
  • Two PhDs

BLS students bring a depth of real-world perspective and diverse opinion to the classroom. Sixty-two (62) percent of students were employed for one or more years before entering law school. Among their ranks are CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners; professors and educators from disciplines other that law; actors, screenwriters, and award-winning documentary filmmakers; financial analysts and hedge fund managers; immigration advisors for major law firms; and one former NFL player.

Brooklyn Law School's new J.D. students also exhibit a commitment to public service through an array of leadership roles, including founders / heads of non-profit organizations; New York City police officers; members of the U.S. Armed Forces; Peace Corps volunteers; environmental engineers; United Nations officers; and youth counselors.

"The enhanced strength and continuous innovation of our academic program, combined with the noted appeal of our upcoming 15 percent tuition reduction, provides students with more choices regarding which path to a J. D. fits their lifestyle and financial needs, character, and ambitions best," said Dean Allard. "Brooklyn Law School creates more opportunities for our graduates to prevail in the new world of law."

Contact: Trey Ditto - 512-619-1343
Eric Riley - 718-780-0372

SOURCE Brooklyn Law School