Which Law School Is Right for Me?
Admissions Q&A With Dean Estrada
Deciding which law school you will attend is not only a significant career decision, it’s also a very personal one. We spoke with Ella Mae Estrada, New York Law School’s Associate Dean and Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services, and Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to discuss the strategies and factors you should keep in mind to choose the law school that’s right for you.
How do I know which law school is right for me?
Start by creating your own decision matrix—it should evolve as you explore your options. Consider how each school supports career development and whether its graduates work in places or roles you admire. Think about location: Do you want to study in a city with abundant networking opportunities or in a quieter setting that offers focus and community? Reflect on how each school’s culture, values, and support systems align with your goals. In the end, choose the school that feels like the best fit for your aspirations—not just the one with the biggest name.
Can’t I learn everything about the law school online? Do I really need to visit campus?
A campus visit is one of the most important steps you can take. Every law school looks great in marketing materials and there is always a wide range of opinions floating around online. But nothing compares to experiencing it for yourself. Walk the campus. Attend classes in action. Talk to students and faculty. And don’t just see the school—experience the neighborhood and community. Here in Tribeca, our students enjoy learning in one of New York City’s most dynamic and safest neighborhoods.
What should I look for when I visit?
Pay attention to how you feel both on and off campus. That might sound surprising, but it matters. How does it feel to walk through the school and then step right into the flow of the surrounding neighborhood? Law school is intense—you want an environment where you feel at home, supported, and inspired. At NYLS, you’ll see faculty, staff, and deans who are engaged and accessible, and then step into our Tribeca neighborhood filled with energy, history, restaurants, culture, and easy access to the rest of the city.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit during the school term. For NYLS, that’s Monday through Thursday—when the campus and Tribeca are buzzing. Notice the energy: Are students happy, engaged, chatting as they move between classes or grabbing lunch nearby? How do students and faculty interact? How does the surrounding area feel to you? This day-to-day dynamic says a lot about the community you’ll be joining—both inside the school and in the neighborhood you’ll call home for the next three or four years.
Is it really just about “vibes”?
Vibes are more important than you might think. The “feel” of a school isn’t just about the buildings—it’s about the people, the energy, and even the neighborhood. You’ll spend three or four years immersed in this environment. Ask yourself: Do I want to be part of this energy every day?
So, what are the NYLS vibes?
If I had to sum it up: supportive, enterprising, and collegial.
Supportive: Faculty, administrators, and classmates have your back.
Enterprising: Our students take action on campus, in our city and state, and across the nation—whether through organizations, clinics, journals, or moot court teams.
Collegial: Law is a relationship-driven profession, and NYLS is known for building lasting connections in a welcoming, collaborative environment.
What questions should I ask during my visit?
Start with current students. Ask:
- “What’s it really like to be here?”
- “How accessible are the faculty?”
- “Are students collaborative or competitive?”
We’re happy to answer all your questions too—but hearing directly from students gives you an authentic perspective.
What happens at Admitted Students Day?
Admitted Students Day is your chance to meet the people you’ll learn from and alongside: faculty, administrators, and future classmates. You’ll experience the culture of NYLS firsthand and start building your network before classes even begin.
