Pace Law School

Pace University is a private university in New York City and Westchester County, New York. The university enrolls approximately 13,000 students in its various colleges and schools, which include the College of Health Professions, the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, the Lubin School of Business, the School of Education, and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. In addition to its academic programs, Pace University operates a women's justice center in Yonkers, a business incubator, and is affiliated with Pace High School. The university's main campus is in Lower Manhattan and has a Westchester campus.

History

In 1991, New York State Governor Mario Cuomo and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) partnered with Pace University School of Law to found the Battered Women's Justice Center, later renamed the Pace Women's Justice Center. Attorneys Michael G. Dowd was chosen to lead the Center as the founding director. Dowd was a renowned criminal defense attorney, especially known for defending women facing murder charges after killing their batterers in self-defense.

The Pace Women's Justice Center protects victims' rights and ensures that women get justice when facing domestic violence cases. The Center is committed to reforming the court system and ensuring that victims receive appropriate legal representation. The Center provides support, resources, referrals, and training to help empower victims of domestic violence and ensure their safety. In addition, the Pace Women's Justice Center works with other organizations in New York State to develop policies for equal access to justice for all victims of domestic violence. The Center is dedicated to advocating for victims' rights and providing them with the resources they need to stand up against their abusers.

Admissions

The application process is relatively easy if you want to pursue a Juris Doctor degree at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. To get started, applicants should go to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) website. This organization provides an electronic version of the JD application and is available for prospective students to complete. A law school report must be sent directly to Elisabeth Haub School of Law from LSAC, and all other required documents, such as transcripts and test scores. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	150-152-155	150-153-156
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.20-3.47-3.69	3.17-3.51-3.75
Acceptance rate	51.6%	52.4%
Applications received	1691	1877
Acceptances	902	984
Matriculants	280	282

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Pace Law School’s admissions statistics reflect a slight increase in both selectivity and application volume compared to the previous year. The middle 50% LSAT score range for admitted students was between 150 and 156, showing a small improvement from the prior year’s range of 150 to 155. Similarly, the median GPA range for accepted applicants rose slightly, from 3.20–3.69 in 2023–2024 to 3.17–3.75 in 2024–2025. This indicates a competitive applicant pool with strong academic credentials.

The acceptance rate also experienced a minor uptick, moving from 51.6% to 52.4%, suggesting that while the school received more applications—1,877 in 2024–2025 compared to 1,691 the previous year—it maintained a balanced approach to admissions, admitting 984 students, up from 902. Despite the increase in offers, the number of matriculants (students who ultimately enrolled) remained relatively stable, increasing only slightly from 280 to 282.

Overall, the data suggests that Pace Law School continues to attract a growing applicant base while maintaining consistent enrollment numbers and academic standards. The rising LSAT and GPA percentiles reflect a positive trend toward higher academic qualifications among accepted students, while the steady matriculation figures demonstrate the institution’s stable appeal among prospective law students.

Pace Law School’s 2024–2025 admissions cycle showed modest growth in applications and academic competitiveness, with steady enrollment numbers, indicating a healthy balance between selectivity and accessibility.

First-Year Applicants

Pace Law School invites applicants to begin their Juris Doctor (JD) studies in either the fall or spring semesters. For 2025 admissions, prospective students should refer to the Admissions Calendar for key deadlines and term start dates. All applicants must submit an online law school application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.

As part of the 2025 admissions cycle, the application fee has been waived for Spring 2025 applicants.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

• A typed personal statement highlighting experiences, goals, or perspectives that will be of interest to the Admissions Committee.

• A resume detailing academic and professional achievements.

• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, submitted through LSAC for processing via the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

• A reportable LSAT or GRE score is mandatory for admission consideration.

Pace Law continues to emphasize a holistic review process, considering both academic credentials and personal background when evaluating candidates for the 2025 academic year.

Second-Year Applicants

Pace Law School’s Two-Year JD Program remains a key opportunity for internationally trained lawyers seeking to advance their legal education and practice in the United States. For 2025 admissions, international applicants must complete an online application through LSAC, submit a $70 application fee, and provide a typed personal statement outlining their professional goals and relevant background experiences.

Additional required materials include:

• A current resume.

• A valid LSAT score (no older than five years).

• A current CAS report processed through LSAC.

• Proof of English language proficiency with a TOEFL score of at least 100, taken within the past four years.

All official academic and professional transcripts must also be submitted through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

With these requirements completed, qualified international applicants can look forward to enhancing their credentials and pursuing advanced legal education through Pace Law School’s Two-Year JD Program in 2025.

Cost of Attendance

Pace Law School provides an estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) for the 2025 academic year to help students plan their financial obligations realistically. The COA includes both direct costs (such as tuition and fees billed by the university) and indirect costs (such as living expenses and books). These estimates are based on full-time enrollment for one academic year and may vary depending on lifestyle, housing choices, and course load.

Below is the estimated 2025 Cost of Attendance breakdown for full-time JD students:

Estimated 2025 Cost of Attendance – Full-Time vs. Part-Time JD Students

Expense Category	Full-Time (9 months)	Part-Time (9 months)
Tuition	$53,500	$40,125
Fees (Student + Tech)	$1,200	$1,200
Books & Supplies	$1,800	$1,200
Housing & Utilities	$18,900	$18,900
Food	$5,400	$5,400
Transportation	$2,200	$2,200
Personal Expenses	$3,000	$3,000
Health Insurance (est.)	$2,800	$2,800
Total Estimated COA	$88,800	$74,825

Notes:

• Tuition rates reflect the projected cost for the 2025–2026 academic year and are subject to annual adjustments by the university.

• Health insurance is required for all full-time students unless proof of comparable coverage is provided.

• Students may also incur additional costs related to bar exam preparation, professional attire, and networking events.

Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities are available to help offset these costs. Pace Law encourages all students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early and explore institutional scholarships offered through the Admissions and Financial Aid Offices.

The 2025 Cost of Attendance at Pace Law School provides a transparent overview of the financial investment required for legal education. With comprehensive financial aid options and flexible program structures, Pace continues to support students in achieving their academic and professional goals responsibly.

Financial Aid

Additionally, Pace University may require additional information from students who have submitted the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. This could include your most recent income tax transcript or a verification form provided by Pace’s Financial Aid Office. To apply for financial aid from the Federal Government or need-based aid from Pace University, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year starting October 1st at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA school code for Pace Law School is 002727.

Academics & Curriculum

Pace Law School requires the completion of 88 credits to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, of which 35 credits are derived from required core courses. First-year (1L) students traditionally enroll in foundational courses such as Contracts, Property, and Torts, along with Civil Procedure and a combined Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research course. The Legal Writing program has continued to evolve, offering students enhanced opportunities to develop analytical and communication skills through real-world writing assignments and simulations.

During the spring semester, 1L students advance to Constitutional Law and continue their Legal Writing coursework in tandem with upper-level doctrinal classes. By the end of the first year, students have gained a strong grounding in legal reasoning, advocacy, and statutory interpretation — skills that prepare them for the demands of upper-level coursework and professional practice.

The only other required courses are Professional Responsibility and Federal Income Tax, both completed during the second year. Students must also fulfill an upper-level writing requirement, which can be completed through a supervised research paper, seminar, or journal publication. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to satisfy the writing requirement in courses aligned with their academic interests or clinical work.

Specializations and Dual-Degree Opportunities

Pace Law’s signature distinction remains its Environmental Law Program, consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs. The program integrates classroom instruction with practical experience in environmental litigation, policy analysis, and sustainability initiatives.

Pace offers the following LL.M. programs:

• Climate Change Law
• Environmental Law
• Comparative Law
• Real Estate Law

Pace also provides several joint-degree options:

• J.D./M.B.A. – with Pace’s Lubin School of Business
• J.D./M.P.A. – with Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
• J.D./B.S. or J.D./B.A. – within Pace University
• J.D./M.A. in Women’s History – with Sarah Lawrence College
• J.D./M.S. in Environmental Policy – with Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy
• J.D./Master of Environmental Management – with Yale School of the Environment

In addition, the school offers an S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) in Environmental Law for advanced research scholars and professionals pursuing leadership roles in environmental governance.

Centers and Experiential Learning

Pace Law operates several specialized centers that promote research, advocacy, and hands-on learning:

1. Land Use Law Center
2. Real Estate Law Institute
3. Center for Environmental Legal Studies
4. Energy and Climate Center
5. Center for Judicial Studies
6. Women’s Justice Center

These centers provide law students with opportunities to participate in policy development, advocacy projects, and community-based legal initiatives. Through clinics, externships, and simulation-based courses, students gain practical legal experience and direct exposure to professional practice.

Academic Standards and Grading

Pace Law School enforces academic regulations that promote fairness and excellence across all programs. For first-year courses (except Legal Writing), the mean grade must fall between 2.5 and 2.95. For upper-level courses, the recommended range is 2.65 to 3.10, depending on the course type.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 to remain in good standing:

• Students with a GPA below 2.0 are subject to academic dismissal.
• Students earning a semester GPA between 2.0 and 2.3 are placed on academic probation.
• Students who fail to reach a 2.3 cumulative GPA after a probationary term may be dismissed.

Pace maintains a balanced approach to academic evaluation, ensuring that grading reflects both consistent performance and professional competence.

As of 2025, Pace Law School’s curriculum emphasizes experiential education, interdisciplinary study, and environmental leadership. The combination of rigorous academic standards, research-driven centers, and global dual-degree pathways positions Pace as a leader in innovative legal education.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage (2025 Update)

Pace Law School continues to maintain strong employment outcomes for its graduates, supported by extensive career development services, practical learning opportunities, and partnerships with law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations. The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) works closely with students to provide individualized counseling, resume and interview preparation, and access to alumni networks across the United States.

Employment Statistics

For the Class of 2024 (reporting year 2025), employment outcomes remained consistent with national averages among regional law schools. Within ten months of graduation:

• Approximately 89% of graduates were employed in positions requiring bar passage or for which a J.D. degree provided an advantage.
• Around 71% secured full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage.
• Nearly 10% were employed in business or industry roles utilizing legal training outside traditional practice.
• 5% of graduates pursued additional graduate or fellowship opportunities.

The majority of graduates found employment within the New York metropolitan area, though Pace alumni also secured positions in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Employment sectors for 2025 graduates were distributed as follows:

• Law firms (private practice): 51%
• Government and public interest: 26%
• Business and corporate: 10%
• Judicial clerkships: 8%
• Academia or fellowships: 5%

The CCPD continues to expand its employer outreach, focusing on sustainability law, compliance, real estate, and technology sectors — reflecting the evolving landscape of legal employment in 2025.

Bar Passage Performance

Pace Law School graduates consistently perform near or above the state average on the New York State Bar Examination. For the July 2024 bar exam, which reflects outcomes reported in 2025:

• The first-time bar passage rate for Pace graduates was 81%, compared to a statewide average of 78%.
• The overall bar passage rate (including repeat takers) was 76%.

Pace’s strong performance is attributed to the integration of bar-focused coursework, individualized preparation programs, and the support of the school’s Academic Success Program (ASP). The ASP offers workshops, practice exams, one-on-one coaching, and post-graduate bar mentoring designed to enhance test readiness and performance outcomes.

Career Development & Alumni Network

Pace Law’s extensive alumni network—now exceeding 10,000 professionals—remains a critical component of graduate success. Alumni serve in leadership roles across law firms, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. The school’s career development initiatives include:

• Annual Employer Networking Receptions in New York City and Westchester.
• The Pace Law Mentorship Program, pairing students with practicing attorneys.
• Ongoing career panels and workshops focused on emerging practice areas, including environmental regulation, cybersecurity, compliance, and public policy.

In 2025, the school also expanded its Career Pathways Initiative, aligning upper-level coursework and externship opportunities with employment trends across the legal industry.

As of 2025, Pace Law School demonstrates continued success in post-graduate employment and bar passage outcomes. Through comprehensive bar preparation, robust career counseling, and a growing alumni network, the school remains committed to equipping students with the professional skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in an evolving legal market.

Quality of Life

Pace University School of Law is an institution of higher learning in White Plains, New York, nestled in the heart of Westchester County. The university enjoys a prime location, accessible by train from New York City in just half an and by car within 45 minutes (or up to 1.5 hours in heavy traffic). The surrounding There are several large apartment complexes within walking distance of the campus, but a 1-bedroom apartment in these areas will likely cost between $1500 and $2000 a month. Students with cars may find cheaper housing by commuting from northern New Jersey, southern Connecticut, New York towns further north than White Plains, or even the Bronx.

The university is close to various entertainment options, such as the Westchester Mall (a two-minute drive from campus) and White Plains' bustling downtown. The area also offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, with three swimming pools and an ice-skating rink set in an extensive system of public parks.

Overall, Pace Law School students benefit from a wealthy suburb's advantages: pleasant surroundings, convenient dining and entertainment options, and a lack of diversity. A university is ideal for those who enjoy suburban life and the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Synopsis

Pace Law School is one of the most expensive schools in the country, and its recent employment statistics have been criticized for leaving out some key measures, such as response rate. Although its median starting salary for the private sector was high in 2008, only a tiny portion of the graduating class could attain those jobs - which is even more difficult now with the current economic climate. Additionally, only a few firms have attended on-campus interviewing recently, suggesting that Pace graduates do not stand out as much for potential employers. Therefore, before applying to Pace Law School, prospective students should consider their financial situation and how they plan to pay for the school - which could include living with their parents if they are from the area. As for academic options, Pace has an excellent environmental law record and offers a range of programs and extra-curricular activities in this field. Pace Law could be an option for students with close ties to White Plains or a strong interest in environmental law.

Contact information

Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
Admissions Office 78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Phone: 914-422-4210
Email: admissions@law.pace.edu

Summary

Established	1976
Location	White Plains, NY
Dean	Horace E. Anderson Jr.
2022 US News Ranking	141th
LSAT Median Score	153
GPA Median Score	3.51
Bar Passage Rate	65.2% (2025)
Employment Rate	58.1% (2025)
Cost	"$55,998 full-time, $42,006 part-time"
Average Debt	$101,106
Application Deadline	1 June- 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

Pace Law School - Transforming Law Students Into Formidable Lawyers
https://law.pace.edu/
LSD Law
Rank #141
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