Legal Theory
The Big Picture
Many of the world’s foremost legal theorists make their intellectual home in Washington Square as members of our faculty. The Law School founded the oldest colloquium in Legal History which continues to be offered annually, and many professors are producing trailblazing work in areas such as the economic analysis of law. We have taken this leadership role a step further, with the creation of the first graduate degree in legal theory, enrolling the inaugural class in the 2009-10 academic year.
At NYU we construe "legal theory" broadly to include scholarly reflection on domestic and international law and legal institutions that draws on philosophy, economic theory, psychology, anthropology, political theory, critical race theory, feminist theory, history and sociology. NYU has long been a leader in interdisciplinary legal theory, with special strengths in philosophical, economic and sociological approaches, as well as legal history. The program is for a select group of highly motivated students who wish to take full advantage of our unrivaled faculty resources in the area in order to establish a firm foundation for future scholarly or professional pursuits. This full-time program is especially suitable for those planning a career in legal academia and is open to students with a law degree from countries around the world.
Legal Theory Thesis Seminar
All students are required to write a substantial thesis in conjunction with the year-long Legal Theory Thesis Seminar, designed specifically for students in the program. The seminar integrates instruction on a variety of methodological approaches with assistance in choosing and refining the research project. It also offers students an opportunity to receive critical feedback on thesis drafts from both the instructor and other students in a workshop format. Guest lectures will supplement instruction during the early weeks of the Fall semester to ensure breadth of theoretical and methodological instruction. The Spring semester will be devoted primarily to the workshopping of draft theses.
An Interdisciplinary Education: Centers and Institutes
An interdisciplinary study of law involves integrating methodologies and perspectives from several disciplines to gain a multidimensional understanding of legal problems. The Law School is home to 20 interdisciplinary centers and institutes in which faculty and students collaborate on timely, often policy-pushing projects. As example, in just 13 years the Brennan Center for Justice has become one of the nation’s preeminent legal institutions, promoting a nonpartisan agenda of research, public advocacy and legal action in its four issue areas: democracy, poverty, criminal justice and liberty and national security.
Academic Careers Program
The Academic Careers Program devotes enormous energy to assisting students with preparation for and entry into the law teaching job market. From individualized counseling and support to a range of programs designed to introduce students to the law teaching market, NYU has dedicated a place for aspiring professors among its comprehensive career services commitments.