Duke University School of Law Vs. Cornell Law School: An In-Depth Comparison

Choosing the right law school can have an enormous impact on your career path and future success. With so many top law schools to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at two of the most prestigious law schools in the United States – Duke University School of Law and Cornell Law School – and compare their programs, faculty, student life, cost of attendance, career outcomes, and more.

Cornell Law School

Founded in 1887, Cornell Law School is located in Ithaca, New York and is part of Cornell University. The school offers a traditional three-year J.D. program, as well as LL.M. and JSD programs for advanced legal study.

Cornell Law School is known for its rigorous academic program and its commitment to public service. The school has a strong focus on practical legal training, with students participating in clinics and externships that provide hands-on experience in a variety of legal settings.

In addition to its academic programs, Cornell Law School is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Clarke Program in East Asian Law and Culture, the Avon Global Center for Women and Justice, and the Legal Information Institute, which provides free access to legal information online.

Admissions Criteria and Requirements: How to Get Into Duke or Cornell Law

Both Duke and Cornell Law School are highly selective and have rigorous admissions criteria. When considering applicants, Duke Law School focuses on academic achievement, leadership potential, and strong personal qualities, while Cornell Law School considers academic record, writing ability, and community involvement. Both schools require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a strong LSAT score. However, Duke also accepts the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT.

In addition to the basic requirements, Duke Law School also values diversity and encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply. They also consider work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service when evaluating candidates. Cornell Law School, on the other hand, places a strong emphasis on writing ability and requires a writing sample as part of the application process.

It's important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to either school. Both Duke and Cornell Law School receive a large number of applications each year and have a limited number of spots available. Applicants should strive to stand out by showcasing their unique strengths and experiences in their application materials.

Faculty and Staff at Duke vs. Cornell: Who's Who?

Both Duke and Cornell Law School are staffed with accomplished and respected legal professionals. Duke Law School has 99 full-time faculty members, while Cornell Law School has 47. Additionally, both schools boast a number of notable professors such as Duke Law's Erwin Chemerinsky and Cornell Law's Robert Hockett.

Despite the difference in faculty size, both Duke and Cornell Law School have a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and guidance from their professors. Duke Law School also offers a unique program called the Duke Law Faculty Project, which allows students to work closely with faculty members on research projects and gain valuable experience in legal scholarship.

On the other hand, Cornell Law School has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, with faculty members who specialize in fields such as economics, philosophy, and sociology. This allows students to explore the intersection of law with other disciplines and gain a broader understanding of the legal system.

Curriculum Comparison: How Do the Duke and Cornell Law Programs Differ?

While both schools offer a traditional J.D. program, there are some significant differences in their curriculums. Duke Law School, for example, places a strong emphasis on legal writing, while Cornell Law School focuses on public interest law and international law. Furthermore, Duke Law School offers a wide range of specialized courses in areas such as constitutional law, intellectual property law, and environmental law, while Cornell Law School offers courses in areas such as law and technology and law and finance.

Another key difference between the two law programs is the availability of clinical opportunities. Duke Law School offers a variety of clinical programs, including the Duke Law Innocence Project, the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, and the Start-Up Ventures Clinic. In contrast, Cornell Law School offers a range of clinics that focus on public interest law, such as the International Human Rights Clinic and the LGBT Rights Clinic.

Additionally, the faculty at each school have different areas of expertise. Duke Law School has a strong faculty in the area of intellectual property law, with several professors who have extensive experience in this field. Cornell Law School, on the other hand, has a faculty that is particularly strong in the area of international law, with many professors who have worked for international organizations such as the United Nations.

Student Life at Duke vs. Cornell: What Are the Differences?

When it comes to student life, Duke and Cornell Law School offer quite different experiences. Duke Law School is located in Durham, North Carolina, and offers access to a vibrant college town with plenty of entertainment and cultural opportunities. Cornell Law School, on the other hand, is located in Ithaca, New York, a small town with a close-knit community. Both schools offer a variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities, including law journals, moot court competitions, and student-run law firms.

One major difference between the two schools is the climate. Duke Law School enjoys a mild, temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, while Cornell Law School experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers. This can impact the types of activities and events that students participate in throughout the year. Additionally, Duke Law School has a larger student body, with around 600 students, while Cornell Law School has a smaller student body of around 200 students. This can impact the sense of community and the opportunities for networking and building relationships with classmates.

Cost of Attendance: Is Duke or Cornell Law More Affordable?

The cost of attending Duke or Cornell Law School can be substantial. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the cost of attendance at Duke Law School was approximately $90,338, while the cost of attendance at Cornell Law School was approximately $88,848. However, both schools offer significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities based on merit and need.

It is important to note that the cost of attendance can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as housing and living expenses. Additionally, students may also have the option to participate in work-study programs or take out loans to help cover the cost of attendance. It is recommended that prospective students thoroughly research and compare the financial aid options available at both Duke and Cornell Law School before making a decision.

Career Outcomes: Which School Produces More Successful Graduates?

Career outcomes are one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a law school. Duke Law School and Cornell Law School both have strong track records of producing successful graduates. According to U.S. News and World Report, in 2019-2020, Duke Law School had an employment rate of 91.1% and Cornell Law School had an employment rate of 92%. Graduates from both schools have gone on to work in a variety of legal fields, including law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

However, there are some differences in the types of legal fields that graduates from each school tend to pursue. Duke Law School has a strong reputation for producing graduates who go on to work in corporate law, with many alumni securing positions at top law firms such as Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Sullivan & Cromwell. On the other hand, Cornell Law School has a focus on public interest law, with many graduates pursuing careers in government agencies or non-profit organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or the Legal Aid Society.

Alumni Networks at Duke vs. Cornell Law Schools

The alumni networks at Duke and Cornell Law School are both extensive and influential. Duke Law School's alumni network includes notable individuals such as former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers. Cornell Law School's alumni network includes influential legal professionals such as federal judge Vernon Broderick and former U.S. Senator and Attorney General William P. Rogers.

However, there are some differences between the two alumni networks. Duke Law School's alumni network is known for its strong connections in the private sector, particularly in the fields of corporate law and finance. Many Duke Law alumni hold high-level positions in major law firms and financial institutions. On the other hand, Cornell Law School's alumni network has a strong presence in the public sector, with many graduates holding positions in government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Another notable difference between the two alumni networks is their geographic reach. Duke Law School's alumni network is more concentrated in the southeastern United States, with many graduates practicing law in cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C. Cornell Law School's alumni network, on the other hand, has a more national and international presence, with graduates practicing law in major cities across the United States and around the world.

Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities: What's Available at Duke and Cornell?

Both Duke Law School and Cornell Law School offer a wide range of student organizations and extracurricular activities. At Duke Law School, students can participate in organizations such as the Duke Law Innocence Project, the Environmental Law Society, and the Moot Court Board. At Cornell Law School, students can join organizations such as the International Law Society, the Women's Law Coalition, and the Cornell Legal Aid Clinic.

Technology and Resources Available to Students at Duke and Cornell Law Schools

Both Duke Law School and Cornell Law School offer their students access to advanced technology and resources. Duke Law School's facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and an expansive law library. Cornell Law School's facilities include a digital recording studio and a legal clinic equipped with the latest technology.

Rankings Comparison: Where Do Duke and Cornell Law School Stand?

According to U.S. News and World Report, for 2022, Duke Law School is ranked #11 in the nation, while Cornell Law School is ranked #13. However, both schools are highly respected and well-regarded within the legal community.

Notable Professors from Each School

As mentioned earlier, both Duke and Cornell Law School have a number of notable professors. Duke Law's faculty includes legal scholars and practitioners such as Erwin Chemerinsky, Neil Siegel, and Barak Richman. Cornell Law's faculty includes legal scholars and practitioners such as Bob Hockett, Eduardo Peñalver, and Josh Chafetz.

Recent News and Developments from Both Schools

In recent years, both Duke and Cornell Law School have made significant strides in the legal field. Duke Law School, for example, has announced the creation of a new center for law and entrepreneurship, while Cornell Law School has established a new program in law and technology.

Conclusion: Which Law School Comes Out on Top – Duke or Cornell?

Ultimately, the decision of which law school is right for you will depend on your personal goals, preferences, and needs. Both Duke Law School and Cornell Law School are highly respected institutions that offer rigorous legal education and numerous opportunities for growth and exploration. Considerations such as curriculum, location, cost, and career outcomes should all factor into your decision. Regardless of which school you select, however, you can rest assured that you will be receiving one of the best legal educations available in the United States.