Court Observation Program

Court Observation Program

Touro Law Center's unique location adjacent to both a federal courthouse and a state courthouse, coupled with an innovative curriculum that integrates the classroom and the courtroom, offers students unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional advancement.

The Court Observation Program, an integral part of our curriculum and a requirement for graduation, enables students to experience the workings of the judicial system from the very first days of their legal education. The program introduces students to the courthouse environment and allows them to see law in action. Visiting the courthouse and developing relationships with court officials helps our students feel comfortable in the courts and begin to learn the art of lawyering from the earliest days of their law school careers.

"We've thoughtfully designed this program to be truly inclusive and accessible. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or FlexTime student, we've tailored the Court Observation Program to ensure every first-year student gets meaningful courtroom experience. This isn't just unique—it's essential to your development as a lawyer, and we're committed to making it work for everyone."
— Myra Berman, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Special Programs and Associate Professor of Law

Program Overview

All first-year students participate in Touro Law's Court Observation Program.
During the first year of law school, full-time and part-time students at our main campus on Long Island have the opportunity to visit the John P. Cohalan Jr. State Courthouse, where they meet with judges for an introduction and orientation, observe arraignments and other court proceedings, and then discuss with judges, lawyers, and court officials what they have observed.
Students in our Manhattan FlexTime program have the option of attending a scheduled court visit arranged specifically for them, or they may attend court on their own time at a date of their choosing if their schedule does not permit a pre-arranged visit.