Easiest Law School to Get Into in NYC, Acceptance Rates and the Bar Passage Reality (2026)

Touro Law Center (Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center) is the easiest law school to get into in New York City, with a 48.3% acceptance rate, a median LSAT of 151, and a median GPA of 3.22. However, “easiest to get into” doesn’t mean “easiest path to becoming a lawyer”—Touro’s first-time New York bar passage rate is 56.4%, significantly below the state average of 82.3%, which means nearly half of graduates fail the bar exam on their first attempt. Understanding both acceptance rates and bar passage rates is critical when evaluating whether any law school will actually help you become a licensed attorney.

How “Easiest” Is Measured

Acceptance Rates and Median Scores

When prospective students ask about the “easiest” law school to get into, they’re typically referring to acceptance rates—the percentage of applicants who receive admission offers. According to ABA Standard 509 disclosures, Touro Law Center accepts approximately 48.3% of applicants, making it the most accessible ABA-accredited law school in the New York City area. CUNY School of Law follows with a 40.3% acceptance rate, while New York Law School accepts roughly 58% of applicants.

These schools report median LSAT scores ranging from 151 to 156 and median GPAs from 3.22 to 3.44—significantly lower than top-tier NYC schools like Columbia (LSAT 173, GPA 3.9) or NYU (LSAT 172, GPA 3.8). Lower medians mean more applicants with below-average test scores and grades can gain admission.

ABA Accreditation Status Matters for Bar Eligibility

All schools discussed in this article are ABA-accredited, which is required for graduates to sit for the bar exam in most states and qualify for federal student aid. The American Bar Association Section of Legal Education enforces standards governing curriculum, faculty qualifications, and required consumer disclosures. Never attend a non-ABA-accredited law school unless you’re certain about that state’s specific bar admission rules—many states prohibit non-ABA graduates from taking the bar exam.

Bar Passage Rates Matter More Than Acceptance Rates

Here’s the critical reality many applicants miss: getting into law school is only the first step. Becoming a licensed attorney requires passing the bar exam. According to 2024 New York State Bar data, Touro Law Center’s first-time bar passage rate is 56.4%—meaning 43.6% of graduates fail the bar exam on their first attempt. Compare this to the New York state average of 82.3% for first-time takers from ABA-accredited schools, and you see a significant gap. CUNY’s first-time bar passage rate is approximately 70-75%, while New York Law School reports around 71%. When evaluating “easy” admission, always check bar passage rates—they reveal whether graduates actually become lawyers.

NYC Law Schools by Accessibility

Schools with Higher Acceptance Rates

Based on official ABA Standard 509 disclosures, these NYC-area law schools have the highest acceptance rates:

Touro Law Center (Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center): 48.3% acceptance rate, median LSAT 151, median GPA 3.22, first-time NY bar passage rate 56.4%. Located in Central Islip on Long Island, Touro offers both full-time and part-time programs and guarantees clinical opportunities to all students.

New York Law School: Approximately 58% acceptance rate, median LSAT 156, median GPA approximately 3.4, first-time NY bar passage rate around 71%. Located in Tribeca, Manhattan, with strong programs in real estate law and intellectual property.

CUNY School of Law: 40.3% acceptance rate, median LSAT 154, median GPA 3.44, first-time NY bar passage rate approximately 70-75%. Located in Queens, CUNY focuses on public interest law and social justice, with nearly 61% of graduates entering public interest positions.

What These Numbers Mean for Applicants

If your LSAT score is between 150-156 and your GPA is between 3.2-3.5, you have realistic admission chances at these schools. However, acceptance doesn’t guarantee bar passage. Nearly half of Touro graduates fail the bar on their first attempt. CUNY and New York Law School perform better but still fall below the state average. Before applying, ask yourself: if the bar passage rate is 56-71%, am I willing to risk that I’ll be in the 29-44% who fail?

Comparing Accessibility Across NYC Programs

The average acceptance rate across all New York law schools is approximately 38-41%, with median LSAT scores around 159-160. Touro, CUNY, and New York Law School offer more accessible admission than the state average, but their bar passage rates also lag behind higher-ranked programs. Brooklyn Law School (37.5% acceptance rate, 87% bar passage rate) and Fordham (acceptance rate around 27%, bar passage rate approximately 91%) demonstrate that selectivity often correlates with bar exam success.

What People Get Wrong About “Easy” Law Schools

Easy Admission Doesn’t Mean Easy Path to Practice

The most dangerous misconception prospective students hold is that gaining admission equals becoming a lawyer. Law school is just the beginning—you must graduate, pass the bar exam, and meet character and fitness requirements for licensure. When nearly half of Touro graduates fail the bar on their first attempt, “easy admission” becomes a trap that leaves students with six-figure debt and no law license. Always evaluate bar passage rates alongside acceptance rates. For broader context on what LSAT score do you need for New York law schools, understanding how test scores correlate with eventual bar passage can help you make informed decisions.

All ABA Schools Meet Minimum Standards—But Outcomes Vary Dramatically

Another myth is that all ABA-accredited schools are essentially equal. While all ABA-accredited schools meet minimum educational standards, bar passage rates and employment outcomes vary dramatically. Touro’s 56% bar passage rate versus NYU’s 97% passage rate shows the difference between meeting minimum standards and excelling at preparing students for licensure. ABA accreditation is necessary but not sufficient for career success.

What to Do If You’re Considering These Schools

Research Bar Passage and Employment Data Thoroughly

Before applying to any law school, access its ABA Standard 509 disclosures (available on each school’s website and at abarequireddisclosures.org). Focus on three key metrics: (1) first-time bar passage rates for the jurisdiction where you plan to practice, (2) percentage of graduates employed in full-time, long-term, bar-passage-required positions within 10 months of graduation, and (3) median debt levels at graduation. Compare these numbers to state and national averages. If a school’s bar passage rate is 15+ points below the state average, understand that you’re taking a significant risk.

When to Reconsider or Seek Guidance

If a school’s first-time bar passage rate is below 70%, seriously consider whether attending is worth the financial investment and career risk. Consult with pre-law advisors at your undergraduate institution or LSAC’s free advising resources. Many advisors recommend retaking the LSAT to qualify for schools with higher bar passage rates rather than attending a school where nearly half of graduates fail the bar. If you have compelling reasons to attend a school with lower bar passage rates (location, specific programs, financial aid), develop a rigorous study plan and understand that you’ll need to outperform nearly half your classmates to pass the bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest law school to get into in NYC?

Touro Law Center (Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center) has the highest acceptance rate among NYC-area law schools at 48.3%, with a median LSAT of 151 and median GPA of 3.22. However, its first-time New York bar passage rate is 56.4%, significantly below the state average of 82.3%, which means admission is accessible but bar passage is challenging.

Can I become a lawyer if I attend a school with a 56% bar passage rate?

Yes, but you face steeper odds. A 56% bar passage rate means 44% of graduates fail the bar exam on their first attempt. If you attend Touro or similar schools, you must commit to rigorous academic performance, comprehensive bar prep, and understand that you’ll need to outperform nearly half your classmates to pass the bar.

How do CUNY and New York Law School compare in accessibility?

CUNY has a 40.3% acceptance rate (median LSAT 154, GPA 3.44) with approximately 70-75% bar passage. New York Law School has roughly a 58% acceptance rate (median LSAT 156) with around 71% bar passage. Both are more accessible than most NYC schools but have lower bar passage rates than top-tier programs like Columbia, NYU, or Fordham.

Does attending an “easy” law school hurt my career prospects?

It depends on your career goals. If you plan to practice in New York’s competitive big law market, employers heavily favor graduates from top-tier schools. However, if you’re focused on public interest, solo practice, or small firm work, a degree from CUNY, Touro, or New York Law School can lead to a viable legal career—if you pass the bar.

Where can I find official bar passage rates for NYC law schools?

The American Bar Association requires all law schools to publish Standard 509 disclosures at abarequireddisclosures.org, which include first-time bar passage rates by jurisdiction. The New York State Board of Law Examiners also publishes aggregate bar passage data at nybarexam.org. Always verify current data directly from these official sources.

Are all NYC law schools ABA-accredited?

Yes. All law schools discussed in this article—Touro, CUNY, New York Law School, Brooklyn, Fordham, Columbia, NYU, Cornell, Cardozo, St. John’s, Hofstra, Pace, Syracuse, Albany, and SUNY Buffalo—are ABA-accredited. ABA accreditation is required for graduates to sit for the bar exam in most states and qualify for federal student aid.

Last Updated: January 24, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute admissions advice or guarantee acceptance to any law school.

Ready to make an informed decision? Access each NYC law school’s ABA Standard 509 disclosures to review acceptance rates, median LSAT/GPA ranges, first-time bar passage rates, and employment outcomes. Compare bar passage rates to New York State’s 82.3% average for first-time takers. Evaluate whether schools with 56-71% bar passage rates align with your risk tolerance and financial situation. Consult pre-law advisors or LSAC resources before committing to schools where significant percentages of graduates fail the bar. Remember: “easiest to get into” doesn’t mean “best investment” or “clearest path to becoming a lawyer.”

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

Sources & Citations

1. American Bar Association Section of Legal Education – Standard 509 Information Reports: https://www.abarequireddisclosures.org
2. New York State Board of Law Examiners – July 2024 Bar Exam Results: https://www.nybarexam.org/press/Press_Release%20_July2024_ExamResults.pdf
3. Touro Law Center – ABA 509 Disclosure (2024): https://lsd.law/schools/touro-law-school/2024
4. CUNY School of Law – ABA 509 Disclosure (2024): https://lsd.law/schools/cuny-law-school
5. New York Law School – Bar Exam Pass Rate Data: https://www.comparelawschools.com/new-york-law-school/bar-exam-pass-rate/
6. Law School Admission Council (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org
7. National Conference of Bar Examiners – Bar Exam Results: https://www.ncbex.org/statistics-research/bar-exam-results-jurisdiction

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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