CUNY > Requirements

Application requirements

Deadline

May 1, 2026

Application fee

$60.00

Recommendations

2 to 4

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Please note: Personal histories that include criminal convictions or arrests, by themselves, in no way preclude your application from being fully considered for admission to the City University of New York School of Law. To this end, the law school no longer asks questions regarding criminal history on the application. It is your responsibility to ensure that you will be eligible to be admitted to the bar.

Applicants who have been convicted of any criminal offense or who have charges pending against them should consult the State Board of Law Examiners in the state(s) in which they expect to practice law. Some states have restrictions that prohibit the practice of law by persons who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses, and in some states even patterns of arrest without conviction may have an impact on an individual's eligibility to practice law. In New York City, there are different rules in each Judicial Department. You will need to determine the appropriate Judicial Department and contact it directly prior to or immediately after applying to CUNY School of Law.

Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. http://www.ncbex.org/ In New York State, character and fitness requirements and screening are the jurisdiction of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Department of your residence at the time you apply for admission to the bar. To learn more about New York State's character and fitness requirements and process, visit the website of the New York State Board of Law Examiners at http://www.nybarexam.org/.

Additionally, the following link provides CUNY School of Law's policy on the submission of fraudulent documents and on the omission of information in support of an application for admission to the program. The university requires that we send this information to all applicants to CUNY School of Law. http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/sa/policies/SubmissionOfFraudulentDocuments.pdf

*If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you must provide a response explaining the situation fully. Provide a complete explanation, disposition(s) if applicable, and dates. You have 1,000 characters. If additional room is needed, please attach an addenda to the end of your application. It is very important to provide thorough, accurate, and detailed information. Any discrepancies in the information reported in your application will be investigated and may be referred to LSAC's Misconduct & Irregularities in the Application Process Subcommittee.

Have you ever been denied admission to any school, college, law school, or other similar institution for cause which might reflect upon your character?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Have you ever been placed on social or academic probation, academic warning, been dropped, suspended, expelled or otherwise been subject to any negative action by any institution of learning above the elementary school level?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Has your college, university, graduate or professional school course of study been interrupted for one or more terms either within the same, or between, institution(s) for any reason?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Has any governmental, licensing, or administrative agency (including any branch of the armed forces) or employer ever taken disciplinary action (including probation or suspension) against you or requested that you resign or leave your position, even temporarily?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Have you ever been sanctioned, disciplined, or had your ability to practice in a professional capacity restricted in any way due to or as a result of any alleged misconduct by you?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Are there any disciplinary actions currently pending against you that would inhibit your ability to attend law school during the upcoming academic year?
If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)

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