The Office of Admissions typically receives approximately 400 transfer applications each year and we anticipate that 45-60 students will enroll in the Law School's transfer program each year. Applicants are eligible to apply for transfer admission after having accrued a minimum of 28, and a maximum of 32*, credits from law schools that are either members of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) or approved by the section on Legal Education of the American Bar Association.
Most successful transfer students are in the top 5-10% of their law school class and transfer admission is indeed based on the entire applicant profile. Your first-year law school performance is paramount; however, the Admissions Committee does consider all other information in your file, such as your undergraduate and any other graduate transcripts, LSAT performance, letters of recommendation and a statement regarding why you are seeking transfer.
*Please note that after you have transferred, a review with the Director of Academic Counseling will determine how many credits will be eligible towards your Columbia Law School J.D. degree.
