Our Strategic Initiatives

INTRODUCTION

building outside on a sunny day.

One of the oldest law schools in New York State and the only law school in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, the University at Buffalo School of Law draws on more than 135 years of innovation in legal education. An early leader in the law and society tradition, many of our nationally prominent faculty members have a Ph.D. in addition to their law degrees, allowing multiple joint degree  opportunities and a curriculum with an interdisciplinary focus.

As the State of New York’s public law school, our mission is to promote justice and cultivate socially responsible lawyers in all areas of practice. Our students learn to view the world with compassion, knowing that regardless of where they ultimately choose to work, they have a moral responsibility, as lawyers and leaders, to use their skills and knowledge to serve justice.

bridge with text that reads Fight for Justice.

OUR MISSION

Research, teaching, and learning in the pursuit of justice.

UB School of Law’s strength in interdisciplinary legal scholarship and teaching should be the focal point for the university’s effort to illuminate and address questions of justice.

OUR STRENGTHS

Innovative and Interdisciplinary Faculty

UB School of Law faculty have long been associated with innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship, and critical approaches to the study of law. They take a creative and engaged approach to teaching and share a history of curricular experimentation.

Supportive, Collegial Environment

The UB School of Law community is firmly centered on mutual respect, collegiality, and a commitment to serving the best interests of our students. The law school takes pride in our shared sense of belonging and our team approach to education.

Deeply Engaged with Our Community

UB School of Law embraces experiential learning opportunities that serve the community and promote access to justice. Our fiercely loyal alumni dominate the Western New York legal market and partner with the law school to educate our students beyond the classroom.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

woman talking at a podium.
  • Goal One
    2/20/23
    Enhance our institutional reputation through the scholarly impact of engaged faculty who are thought leaders in the study of law.
professor holding a group discussion.
  • Goal Two
    2/20/23
    Provide a transformative and supportive educational experience that prepares students to uphold the highest standards of the legal profession and contribute meaningfully to the broader society.
recent graduates wearing cap and gown.
  • Goal Three
    2/20/23
    Cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that celebrates differences, encourages collaboration, and promotes the success, wellness, and sense of belonging of all members.
students sitting at a library table, talking to a professor.
  • Goal Four
    2/20/23
    Deepen our commitment to access to justice through nurturing a culture of service, fostering new and existing community partnerships, and pursuing positive social change.