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Law and Security

Law and Security

Overview

Curriculum

The Reiss Center on Law and Security is a non-partisan multidisciplinary research institute founded in 2003 at NYU School of Law. It is focused on cultivating an informed dialogue, educating the next generation of leaders, and fostering groundbreaking research on the vital legal, policy, and strategic questions that will shape the national security field for years to come. The Reiss Center studies national security law and practice against the backdrop of an era defined by significant change—from geopolitical developments to rapid technological advances—as well as enduring challenges. Its program areas include Domestic Law, Policy and Process; Use of Force and Emerging Security Threats; and National Security in a Shifting Geopolitical Context.

The NYU Center for Cybersecurity, a collaboration between the Law School and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, addresses questions at the meeting point of security and technology: How should the government and private parties interact when it comes to cybersecurity? What kind of legal and technical framework will enable companies to shore up their digital defenses? And what is the appropriate level of risk management for private companies? The two schools have achieved national leadership in the development of interdisciplinary research, teaching, and public outreach to address these vexing questions. They created classes that are cross-listed in the schools of engineering and law, and established a one-year Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy Program for professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity risk and strategy.

Intellectual Life

Throughout the year, NYU Law’s centers host lectures, conferences, and workshops and publish reports that contribute to some of the most urgent discussions surrounding law and security.

Reiss Center on Law and Security: The Reiss Center on Law and Security is a non-partisan multidisciplinary research institute established in 2003 to focus on cultivating an informed dialogue and conducting groundbreaking research on the vital legal, policy, and strategic questions that will shape the national security field for years to come.
NYU Center for Cybersecurity: The NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS) is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to training the current and future generations of cybersecurity professionals and to shaping the public discourse and policy, legal, and technological landscape on issues of cybersecurity.
Just Security: Just Security is an online forum for the rigorous analysis of US national security law and policy that aims to promote principled and pragmatic solutions to national security problems that decision-makers face. It is based at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at NYU Law.
Information Law Institute: The Information Law Institute is an academic center for the study of law, policy, and social norms defining and affecting the flow of information in a digitally networked society. It hosts the Privacy Research Group, a weekly meeting of students, professors, and industry professionals who are passionate about exploring, protecting, and understanding privacy in the digital age.
Brennan Center for Justice: The Brennan Center for Justice is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice.
Peter L. Zimroth Center on the Administration of Criminal Law: The Peter L. Zimroth Center on the Administration of Criminal Law analyzes important issues of criminal law, particularly focusing on prosecutorial power and discretion.

Opportunities

At NYU Law, students are encouraged to take advantage of all the Law School has to offer, including working directly with faculty on their research, getting involved with our centers, and participating in clinics and student organizations. Here are some opportunities for those specifically interested in law and security:

NYU Cyber Scholars Program: The NYU Cyber Scholars Program offers an interdisciplinary scholarship program for students passionate about cybersecurity. Students who are selected for this prestigious scholarship program deepen their understanding of cybersecurity issues in both the technical and non-technical disciplines.
Cybersecurity Service Scholarship: The Cybersecurity Service Scholarship aims to produce cybersecurity specialists who understand information-security issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. It provides a full-tuition law school scholarship for incoming 1L students interested in cyber and information security and dedicated to careers in state, local, or federal government.
Latham & Watkins Award in Technology and Law: The Latham & Watkins Award in Technology and Law is a scholarship program that seeks to train a new generation of technology lawyers who are not only equipped to analyze the most complex technology law and policy issues, but also students who have mastered the technical understandings of the discipline. The student selected for this award must demonstrate a passion for technology and cybersecurity law and an interest in the interdisciplinary aspects of the subject.
Reiss Center on Law and Security Student Scholars Program: The Reiss Center on Law and Security Student Scholars Program provides NYU Law students research and mentorship opportunities in the field of national security law and policy. The competitive selection process seeks to identify outstanding 2L and 3L students with relevant academic and professional experience who are interested in pursuing careers in national security. The Student Scholar position is compensated.
Just Security: Just Security, an online forum for the rigorous analysis of security, democracy, foreign policy, and rights based at the Reiss Center on Law and Security, gives students the opportunity to work as Student Staff Editors.
The Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic: The Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic, led by Professors Bob Bauer and Sally Katzen, introduces students to the roles and skills of the government lawyer. Students work in a federal agency, congressional office or non-governmental organization in Washington, DC.

Student Groups

National Security Law Society: The National Security Law Society promotes a community of NYU students interested in national security law and creates mentoring and networking opportunities for students who wish to enter the field.
Law and Government Society: The Law and Government Society provides student mentorship opportunities and hosts practitioner panels and fireside chats for students who are interested in serving in government.
International Law Society: The International Law Society seeks to supplement the NYU global curriculum with numerous lectures, brown bag lunches, issue specific discussion groups, and career and academic panels.
Rights Over Tech: Rights Over Tech is a student organization dedicated to ensuring that technology serves human and civil rights. The group aims to provide students with the space to grow their legal, technical, and personal understandings of technology and its effects.

Faculty

Bob Bauer

Professor of Practice and Distinguished Scholar in Residence
Co-Director of the Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic

Samuel Estreicher

Dwight D. Opperman Professor of Public Law
Director, Center for Labor and Employment Law
Director, Institute of Judicial Administration

David Golove

Hiller Family Foundation Professor of Law

Ryan Goodman

Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Professor of Law

Stephen Holmes

Walter E. Meyer Professor of Law

Randal Milch

Professor of Practice

Trevor Morrison

Eric M. and Laurie B. Roth Professor of Law
Dean Emeritus

Richard Pildes

Sudler Family Professor of Constitutional Law

Samuel Rascoff

Professor of Law

Margaret Satterthwaite

Professor of Law
Faculty Director, Center for Human Rights and Global Justice
Director, Global Justice Clinic
Faculty Director, Robert L. Bernstein Institute for Human Rights

Andrew Weissmann