The Columbia Law School Academic Calendar structure supports J.D., LL.M., and Executive LL.M. students through coordinated orientation, registration, examination, and graduation schedules throughout the 2026 academic year.
Columbia Law School operates on a term-based academic calendar for 2026, consisting of the Spring Term 2026 (January 20–May 15) and Fall Term 2026 (September 8–December 23), with a distinctive January Term bridge session running January 12–16, 2026.
The school serves J.D., LL.M., and Executive LL.M. students at 435 West 116th Street in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York.
This guide provides official dates from the Columbia Law School Office of Registration Services for planning enrollment, housing moves, exam preparation, and graduation ceremonies.
Table of Contents
Columbia Law School Academic Calendar Spring Term 2026
Spring Term 2026 classes begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following the completion of January Term intensive courses. The term concludes with final examinations from Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 15, 2026.
January 2026 Key Dates
| Date | Event | Students Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | May 2026 degree applications due | All graduating students |
| Monday, January 5, 2026 | Fall 2025 grade submission deadline for classes with 1L students | Faculty |
| Friday, January 9–Monday, January 12, 2026 | Add/Drop period for upper-year January elective classes | 2L, 3L students |
| Monday, January 12–Friday, January 16, 2026 | Legal Methods II and upper-year January elective classes | 1L students (Legal Methods II), upper-year students (J-Term electives) |
| Monday, January 13, 2026 | Add/Drop period opens for upper-class Spring 2026 electives | 2L, 3L students |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | Fall 2025 grade submission deadline for classes without 1L students | Faculty |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observed (no classes) | All students |
| Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | First day of all Law School classes | All J.D., LL.M. students |
| Tuesday, January 20–Monday, January 26, 2026 | Add/Drop continues; action required on waitlist notifications | All students |
| Tuesday, January 27–Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Withdrawal from classes permitted (W notation on transcript) | All students |
The January Term (J-Term) from Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026, offers intensive one-week courses between Fall and Spring terms. Upper-year students can enroll in specialized electives, while 1L students complete Legal Methods II during this period.
February 2026 Columbia Law Academic Calendar Dates
Thursday, February 6, 2026 marks the grade submission deadline for Legal Methods II and upper-year January elective courses. The conferral of February 2026 degrees occurs on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
| Date | Event | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 6, 2026 | Legal Methods II and upper-year January elective 2026 grade submission deadline | All J-Term courses |
| Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | Conferral of February 2026 degrees | Graduating students |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Final deadline to withdraw from Spring 2026 course with W grade | All students |
| Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 Welcome Webinar | Executive LL.M. students |
| Friday, February 20, 2026 | First day of online classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
After Sunday, February 15, 2026, students withdrawing from courses receive an F grade rather than a W notation on their transcript.
March 2026 Spring Break and Pro Bono Deadlines
Columbia Law School Spring Recess runs from Sunday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2026, providing a one-week break during the spring term. Third-year J.D. students must register their Pro Bono Project by Sunday, March 1, 2026.
The Pro Bono requirement ensures graduating J.D. students complete 40 hours of volunteer legal work before receiving their degree. Registration involves submitting project details through the Public Interest Law Center portal.
April 2026 End-of-Term Deadlines
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 serves as the last day of Law School classes for Spring Term 2026. Multiple critical deadlines converge in April:
| Deadline | Requirement | Students Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Final draft of Major Writing Credit paper due | 3L J.D. students |
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | All outstanding Fall 2025 written work with extensions due | All students |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | Last day of Law School classes | All students |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | Final day for 2Ls and 3Ls to submit digital Grade Adjustment form for Credit/Fail option | 2L, 3L students |
The Major Writing Credit fulfills Columbia Law School’s writing requirement through substantial research papers supervised by faculty members. Students must discuss alternative deadlines with supervising professors if extensions are necessary.
May 2026 Exam Period and Graduation
The Columbia Law School Spring 2026 exam period runs from Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 15, 2026. First-year students begin examinations on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, one day after upper-year students.
Study Period Schedule
- Upper-year students: Thursday, April 30–Saturday, May 3, 2026 (4 days)
- 1L students: Thursday, April 30–Monday, May 4, 2026 (5 days)
May 2026 Critical Deadlines
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | All outstanding Spring 2026 written work due for May 2026 degree candidates | J.D. and LL.M. graduating students |
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | LL.M. Essay final copy due to Office of Graduate Degree Programs | May 2026 LL.M. candidates |
| Monday, May 4–Friday, May 15, 2026 | Spring 2026 exam period | All students |
| Monday, May 4, 2026 | Last day of classes at other Columbia University divisions | Cross-registered students |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | Last day of online classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Monday, May 11–Monday, May 18, 2026 | Executive LL.M. Spring exam period | Executive LL.M. students |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Spring 2026 grade submission deadline for graduating students | Faculty |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Due date for submission of Spring 2026 written work (continuing students) | Non-graduating students |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Spring 2026 term ends | All students |
| Saturday, May 17, 2026 | Law School Graduation Ceremony | Graduating J.D., LL.M. students |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | University Commencement and Degree Conferral | All Columbia University graduates |
| Friday, May 22, 2026 | Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 on-campus orientation | Executive LL.M. students |
| Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | First day of on-campus classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Friday, May 29, 2026 | Spring 2026 grade submission deadline for classes with 1L students | Faculty |
| Friday, May 29, 2026 | Spring 2026 grade submission deadline for classes with 150 or fewer continuing students | Faculty |
The Law School Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2026 takes place separately from University Commencement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Degree conferral occurs officially at University Commencement.
June 2026 Post-Term Deadlines
Thursday, June 11, 2026 marks the Spring 2026 grade submission deadline for continuing students in classes with enrollment of 150 or more students. The Class of 2027 begins federal clerkship application review in June 2026 (specific date to be determined).
Federal clerkship applications represent competitive opportunities for graduates seeking judicial clerkships with federal judges. The Office of Career Services coordinates application reviews and recommendations.
Columbia Law School Academic Calendar Fall Term 2026
Fall Term 2026 classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following Labor Day. The term runs through Tuesday, December 8, 2026, with final examinations extending to Tuesday, December 22, 2026.
August 2026 Orientation and Pre-Term Sessions
Columbia Law School conducts distinct orientation programs for J.D. and LL.M. students in August 2026. The LL.M. Class of 2027 orientation begins on Monday, August 17, 2026, while 1L J.D. orientation runs Monday, August 24–Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
| Date | Event | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Outstanding grades converted to F | Students with incomplete work |
| Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Last day of on-campus classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Monday, August 10–Friday, August 14, 2026 | Summer II final exams for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Monday, August 17, 2026 | First day of program for LL.M. Class of 2027 | LL.M. students |
| Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | Start of LL.M. classes in Introduction to American Law and LL.M. Legal Research & Writing | LL.M. students |
| Friday, August 21, 2026 | First day of final online classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Monday, August 24–Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 1L J.D. Orientation | First-year J.D. students |
| Thursday, August 27, 2026 | Start of 1L classes in Legal Methods I and Legal Practice Workshop I | 1L students |
The LL.M. Introduction to American Law course runs from Wednesday, August 19 through Friday, September 4, 2026, providing international students with foundational knowledge of the U.S. legal system before regular fall classes begin.
September 2026 Fall Term Start
Monday, September 1, 2026 serves as the deadline for October 2026 degree candidates to submit outstanding 2025-26 written work and degree applications. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, with no classes scheduled.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, September 1, 2026 | Deadline for October 2026 degree candidates to submit outstanding 2025-26 written work | Graduating students |
| Monday, September 1, 2026 | Degree application deadline for October 2026 degree candidates | Graduating students |
| Friday, September 4, 2026 | Last day of 1L class Legal Methods I and LL.M. class Introduction to American Law | 1L and LL.M. students |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day (no classes) | All students |
| Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | First day of Fall 2026 term classes | All students |
| Tuesday, September 8–Monday, September 14, 2026 | Add/Drop period; action required on waitlist notifications | All students |
| Monday, September 14, 2026 | Digital registration forms on LawNet due | All students |
| Monday, September 14–Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Withdrawal from classes permitted (W notation on transcript) | All students |
| Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | Last day of final online classes for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Friday, September 25–Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | Final exam period for Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 | Executive LL.M. students |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | Final exam for LL.M. class Introduction to American Law | LL.M. students |
After the Add/Drop period ends on Monday, September 14, 2026, all course changes (excluding withdrawals) require Rules Committee petition approval.
October 2026 Midterm Period
First-year students take midterm examinations from Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, 2026. These examinations provide 1L students with early feedback on their performance in required courses.
| Date | Event | Students Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, October 5, 2026 | Grading deadline for Introduction to American Law | LL.M. faculty |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Deadline to submit outstanding 2025-26 written work for all upper-year courses | Upper-year students |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Deadline to withdraw from current course with W notation | All students |
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Conferral of October 2026 degrees | Graduating students |
| Monday, October 26–Friday, October 30, 2026 | 1L midterm exam period | First-year students |
November 2026 Fall Term Continuation
Sunday, November 1, 2026 marks the degree application deadline for February 2027 degree candidates. Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 is observed with no classes scheduled.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Degree application deadline for February 2027 degree candidates | Spring graduates |
| Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Election Day (no classes) | All students |
| Sunday, November 15, 2026 | Faculty grade submission deadline for all outstanding 2025-26 written work with extensions | Faculty |
| Thursday, November 26–Friday, November 27, 2026 | Thanksgiving Holiday (no classes) | All students |
Add/Drop Phase I dates for Spring 2027 enrollment are to be determined and will be announced by the Office of Registration Services.
December 2026 Fall Exam Period
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 represents the last day of Law School classes for Fall Term 2026. Final examinations begin on Thursday, December 11, 2026 and continue through Tuesday, December 22, 2026.
| Date | Event | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | Last day of Law School classes | All students |
| Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | Last day for 2Ls and 3Ls to submit digital Grade Adjustment form for Credit/Fail | 2L, 3L students |
| Wednesday, December 9–Thursday, December 10, 2026 | Upper-year study days | 2L, 3L students |
| Wednesday, December 9–Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 1L study period | First-year students |
| Friday, December 11–Tuesday, December 22, 2026 | Fall 2026 exam period | All students |
| Monday, December 14, 2026 | 1L exams begin | First-year students |
| Tuesday, December 23, 2026 | Fall 2026 term ends; due date for submission of Fall 2026 written work | All students |
| Thursday, December 31, 2026 | Deadline to submit outstanding written work for February 2027 LL.M. degree candidates | LL.M. graduating students |
The Fall 2026 term officially ends on Tuesday, December 23, 2026, which also serves as the last day for rescheduled examinations.
Columbia Law School Program-Specific Calendar Information
Columbia Law School operates three distinct degree programs with overlapping but differentiated academic calendars: the J.D. program, LL.M. program, and Executive LL.M. program. Understanding program-specific dates prevents missed deadlines and scheduling conflicts.
J.D. Program Calendar (1L, 2L, 3L Students)
First-year J.D. students follow a structured curriculum with mandatory orientation and Legal Methods courses. The 1L orientation for Fall 2026 occurs Monday, August 24–Wednesday, August 26, 2026, preceding the start of Legal Methods I on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
1L-Specific Dates Spring 2026
- Monday, January 12–Friday, January 16, 2026: Legal Methods II (mandatory intensive course)
- Monday, May 5, 2026: 1L final examinations begin (one day after upper-year exams)
- Monday, May 4, 2026: 1L study period begins (5 days total)
Upper-Year (2L, 3L) J.D. Dates
Second and third-year students access broader elective options, including January Term courses. Key deadlines include:
- Sunday, March 1, 2026: 3L Pro Bono Project registration deadline
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026: 3L Major Writing Credit paper final draft due
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Last day to submit Credit/Fail grade adjustment form
LL.M. Program Calendar 2026
LL.M. students begin their program earlier than J.D. students, with the LL.M. Class of 2027 orientation starting Monday, August 17, 2026. Introduction to American Law classes commence Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
| LL.M. Program Date | Event | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 17, 2026 | LL.M. orientation begins | Varies by program |
| Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | Introduction to American Law starts | August 19–September 4, 2026 |
| Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | LL.M. Legal Research & Writing starts | August 19–September 4, 2026 |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | Introduction to American Law final exam | Single exam day |
| Monday, October 5, 2026 | Introduction to American Law grading deadline | Faculty deadline |
LL.M. Graduation Requirements Spring 2026
May 2026 LL.M. degree candidates must submit their LL.M. Essay final copy to the Office of Graduate Degree Programs by Friday, May 1, 2026. Students should discuss deadline extensions with supervising professors in advance.
Executive LL.M. Program Calendar
The Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 follows a hybrid online and on-campus schedule, distinguishing it from traditional programs. Online classes begin Friday, February 20, 2026, following a welcome webinar on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Executive LL.M. Class of 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Welcome webinar | Virtual |
| Friday, February 20, 2026 | First day of online classes | Online |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | Last day of online classes | Online |
| Monday, May 11–Monday, May 18, 2026 | Spring exam period | Online exams |
| Friday, May 22, 2026 | On-campus orientation | In-person, New York |
| Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | First day of on-campus classes | In-person |
| Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Last day of on-campus classes | In-person |
| Monday, August 10–Friday, August 14, 2026 | Summer II final exams | On-campus |
| Friday, August 21, 2026 | First day of final online classes | Online |
| Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | Last day of final online classes | Online |
| Friday, September 25–Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | Final exam period | Online exams |
The Executive LL.M. program accommodates working professionals through this flexible format, allowing students to complete coursework while maintaining careers.
Important Columbia Law School Academic Deadlines and Policies
Add/Drop Period Procedures
Columbia Law School operates multiple Add/Drop registration windows depending on student year and term. Students must take action on waitlist notifications during designated periods.
Spring 2026 Add/Drop Timeline
- Friday, January 9–Monday, January 12, 2026: Upper-year January elective Add/Drop
- Monday, January 13, 2026: Spring 2026 elective Add/Drop opens for upper-class students
- Tuesday, January 20–Monday, January 26, 2026: General Add/Drop period (action required on waitlists)
Fall 2026 Add/Drop Timeline
- Tuesday, September 8–Monday, September 14, 2026: Add/Drop period for all students
- Monday, September 14, 2026: Digital registration forms on LawNet due
- To be determined: Add/Drop Phase I for Spring 2027 courses
After Add/Drop periods close, all course changes require Rules Committee petition approval, except for withdrawals during designated withdrawal periods.
Withdrawal Policies and Transcript Notations
Students may withdraw from courses during specified periods, resulting in different transcript notations depending on timing.
Spring 2026 Withdrawal Periods
| Period | Transcript Notation | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 27–Sunday, February 15, 2026 | W (Withdrawal) | February 15, 2026 |
| After Sunday, February 15, 2026 | F (Failing grade) | No withdrawal permitted |
Fall 2026 Withdrawal Periods
- Monday, September 14–Thursday, October 15, 2026: Withdrawal permitted with W notation
- After Thursday, October 15, 2026: No withdrawal permitted; F grade recorded
The Credit/Fail grade adjustment option provides flexibility for upper-year students. The deadlines are:
- Spring 2026: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
- Fall 2026: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Grade Submission Deadlines
Faculty members adhere to specific grade submission deadlines based on student level and class enrollment size. These deadlines ensure students receive grades before registration for subsequent terms.
Spring 2026 Faculty Grade Deadlines
| Deadline | Course Type |
|---|---|
| Thursday, February 6, 2026 | Legal Methods II and January elective courses |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | All graduating student courses |
| Friday, May 29, 2026 | Courses with 1L students; courses with ≤150 continuing students |
| Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Courses with >150 continuing students |
Fall 2026 Faculty Grade Deadlines
- Monday, January 5, 2027: Courses with 1L students
- Tuesday, January 15, 2027: Upper-year courses
Columbia Law School January Term (J-Term) 2026
January Term runs from Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026, offering intensive one-week courses between Fall and Spring terms. This unique five-day session allows students to focus on specialized topics or complete required courses.
J-Term Course Structure
J-Term courses meet for extended periods each day, typically 3-4 hours daily, to cover material equivalent to a multi-week regular term course. Upper-year students select from various elective topics, while first-year students complete the mandatory Legal Methods II course.
J-Term 2026 Registration and Deadlines
| Date | Event | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, January 9–Monday, January 12, 2026 | Add/Drop period for upper-year January electives | 2L, 3L students |
| Monday, January 12, 2026 | J-Term classes begin | All J-Term students |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | J-Term classes end | All J-Term students |
| Thursday, February 6, 2026 | J-Term grade submission deadline | Faculty |
Legal Methods II for 1L Students
All first-year J.D. students must complete Legal Methods II during January Term 2026. This course builds on Legal Methods I from Fall Term and develops advanced legal research, writing, and analysis skills.
Legal Methods II meets daily, Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026. Grades submit by Thursday, February 6, 2026, ensuring students receive feedback before Spring Term courses intensify.
Graduation and Commencement Information
May 2026 Law School Graduation
The Columbia Law School Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2026, celebrating J.D. and LL.M. degree candidates. This ceremony occurs separately from University Commencement.
The Law School ceremony typically convenes on the South Lawn of Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus, weather permitting. Graduates wear academic regalia and participate in processional traditions specific to Columbia Law School.
May 2026 Degree Conferral Timeline
| Date | Event | Degree Program |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | All outstanding written work due | May 2026 J.D. and LL.M. candidates |
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | LL.M. Essay final copy due | May 2026 LL.M. candidates |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Grade submission deadline | Faculty (graduating students) |
| Saturday, May 17, 2026 | Law School Graduation Ceremony | May 2026 graduates |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | University Commencement (official degree conferral) | All Columbia University graduates |
Degrees are officially conferred at University Commencement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, not at the Law School ceremony. Students must attend University Commencement to receive diplomas.
February 2026 Degree Conferral
Columbia Law School confers February degrees on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 for students completing requirements in Fall Term 2025 or January Term 2026. February graduates do not participate in a separate ceremony but may attend May ceremonies if desired.
October 2026 Degree Conferral
October 2026 degrees are conferred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for students finishing Summer 2026 coursework. Degree applications must be submitted by Monday, September 1, 2026.
Federal Clerkship and Career Services Timeline
The Class of 2027 federal clerkship application review begins in June 2026 (specific date to be determined by the Office of Career Services). This process supports students seeking competitive judicial clerkships with federal judges.
Columbia Law School’s Office of Career Services coordinates clerkship applications through a structured review system. Students submit draft applications, receive faculty recommendations, and gain access to alumni networks in the federal judiciary.
Clerkship Application Components
- Application materials review: Career Services staff evaluate cover letters, resumes, writing samples, and transcripts
- Faculty recommendations: Students request letters from professors familiar with their academic work
- Judge matching: Career Services provides guidance on selecting judges based on student interests and qualifications
- Timeline management: Application deadlines vary by circuit court and judge preference
Pro Bono Requirement for J.D. Students
All Columbia Law School J.D. students must complete 40 hours of pro bono legal work before graduation. Third-year students must register their Pro Bono Project by Sunday, March 1, 2026, and complete hours by the project deadline.
Pro Bono Registration Process
Students register projects through the Public Interest Law Center portal by submitting:
- Project description and supervising attorney information
- Estimated hours and completion timeline
- Learning objectives and practice areas
The deadline to complete Pro Bono Projects for May 2027 graduates is Monday, March 1, 2027 (as noted in the 2026-2027 calendar). Students should plan project completion well before final exam periods.
Approved Pro Bono Activities
Columbia Law School accepts pro bono hours from:
- Legal services organizations
- Government agencies providing civil legal services
- Law school clinics and externship programs
- Pro bono panels and brief projects
Direct client representation, legal research, community education, and policy work qualify as acceptable activities. Commercial work and law firm summer associate positions do not count toward the requirement.
Major Writing Credit Requirement
J.D. students must complete a Major Writing Credit to satisfy Columbia Law School’s writing requirement. Third-year students must submit final drafts by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The Major Writing Credit involves substantial legal research and analysis under faculty supervision. Papers typically range from 25-50 pages and address significant legal questions or policy issues.
Major Writing Credit Submission Process
- Faculty advisor selection: Students identify a faculty member to supervise their project
- Topic approval: Advisors approve research topics and provide guidance throughout the writing process
- Draft submission: Students submit drafts according to schedules established with advisors
- Final draft deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 for May 2026 graduates (discuss extensions with supervising professor)
- Grading: Faculty submit grades according to standard academic calendar deadlines
Official Columbia Law School Calendar Resources
Students access the official Columbia Law School academic calendar through the Office of Registration Services at Jerome Greene Hall. The registrar’s office maintains authoritative dates on law.columbia.edu/academics/academic-calendar.
Distinguishing Columbia Law School from Other Institutions
Columbia Law School in New York City should not be confused with:
- Columbia College Chicago (arts and media college in Illinois, domain
colum.edu) - Columbus School of Law (Catholic University of America law school in Washington DC, domain
law.edu) - Columbia University Faculty of Arts and Sciences calendar (uses different academic structure)
Columbia Law School operates exclusively at 435 West 116th Street, Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York, NY 10027.
Contact Information
Office of Registration Services
Jerome Greene Hall
Columbia Law School
435 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 854-2668
Students should verify all dates with the Office of Registration Services, as the calendar is subject to change. The registrar’s office sends official notifications through LawNet regarding schedule updates or modifications.
2026-2027 Columbia Law School Academic Calendar Preview
The 2026-2027 academic year calendar begins with Fall Term 2026, which starts on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Complete dates for the 2026-2027 academic year follow the established patterns from previous years.
Fall Term 2026 Quick Reference
- LL.M. Orientation: Monday, August 17, 2026
- 1L J.D. Orientation: Monday, August 24–Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- First Day of Classes: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Thanksgiving Break: Thursday, November 26–Friday, November 27, 2026
- Last Day of Classes: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
- Fall Exams: Friday, December 11–Tuesday, December 22, 2026
Spring Term 2027 Expected Dates
The Spring Term 2027 calendar follows similar patterns to Spring 2026:
- January Term 2027: Monday, January 11–Friday, January 15, 2027 (expected)
- First Day of Spring Classes: Tuesday, January 19, 2027
- Spring Break: Sunday, March 15–Friday, March 19, 2027 (expected)
- Last Day of Classes: Monday, April 26, 2027
- Spring Exams: Monday, May 3–Friday, May 14, 2027 (expected)
- Law School Graduation: To be determined (typically mid-May)
- University Commencement: Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Students should monitor official announcements for confirmed 2026-2027 dates as they become available from the Office of Registration Services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Law School Academic Calendar
When does Spring Term 2026 begin at Columbia Law School?
Spring Term 2026 begins on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following the completion of January Term (J-Term) from Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026.
What is January Term (J-Term) at Columbia Law School?
January Term is a one-week intensive session from Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026, offering specialized elective courses for upper-year students and Legal Methods II for first-year students.
When are Columbia Law School Spring 2026 final exams?
Spring 2026 final examinations run from Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 15, 2026. First-year students begin exams on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, while upper-year students start on Monday, May 4, 2026.
When is Columbia Law School graduation in 2026?
The Law School Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2026, with official degree conferral at University Commencement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
How do I add or drop courses at Columbia Law School?
Students add or drop courses during designated registration periods without penalty. For Spring 2026, the Add/Drop period runs Tuesday, January 20, through Monday, January 26, 2026. After this period closes, course changes require Rules Committee petition approval.
When can I withdraw from a Columbia Law course with a W grade?
Students may withdraw from Spring 2026 courses between Tuesday, January 27, and Sunday, February 15, 2026, and receive a W notation on their transcript. After February 15, 2026, withdrawals result in an F grade.
What is the Pro Bono requirement at Columbia Law School?
All J.D. students must complete 40 hours of pro bono legal work before graduation. Third-year students must register projects by Sunday, March 1, 2026, and complete hours before the designated deadline.
When is the Major Writing Credit deadline for 3L students?
Third-year J.D. students must submit final drafts of Major Writing Credit papers by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Students should discuss alternative deadlines with supervising faculty members if extensions are necessary.
How do LL.M. and J.D. calendars differ at Columbia Law School?
LL.M. students begin their program earlier than J.D. students, with orientation starting Monday, August 17, 2026, compared to J.D. orientation on Monday, August 24–Wednesday, August 26, 2026. LL.M. students complete Introduction to American Law before regular fall classes begin.
Where can I find the official Columbia Law School academic calendar?
The Office of Registration Services maintains the official academic calendar at law.columbia.edu/academics/academic-calendar. Students should verify all dates through this official source or contact the registrar at (212) 854-2668.
This comprehensive guide provides planning information for the Columbia Law School academic calendar 2026. Students should monitor official communications from the Office of Registration Services for any schedule changes or additional details as terms progress.
The calendar structure supports J.D., LL.M., and Executive LL.M. students through coordinated orientation, registration, examination, and graduation schedules throughout the 2026 academic year.
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