House System

Launched in the fall 2019, the Fordham Law School House System fosters community and inclusion and optimizes the 1L experience by assigning all incoming students to a House, or close-knit sub-community within the Law School, with which they will affiliate throughout their law school careers. 

Building a Close-Knit Community

Each House is led by a faculty house leader and supported by designated upper-year student advisors, alumni mentors, house faculty, and administrative liaisons from all corners of the institution—all of whom are committed to helping the students in their House adjust to law school and take advantage of the broad array of resources and opportunities that Fordham has to offer.

1Ls can look forward to the following:

• Optional house sessions, where they can get to know their classmates and check in with their house support team in an informal setting

• Bi-monthly house social events and recreational activities, such as trivia nights, yoga classes, happy hours, and more

• Regular get-togethers with their advising group

Streamlining the 1L Experience

To alleviate first-year-related stresses, each House has a designated meeting time during which all mandatory 1L co-curricular programs occur. House meetings serve as an organizational filter through which all departments can reach students, resulting in a carefully curated series of programs designed to equip students with the critical knowledge and skills they need at every stage of the 1L year.

Delivering a Robust Professionalism and Wellness Curriculum

The House curriculum also incorporates sessions on professionalism and wellness topics –  such as self-care, growth mindset, and professional etiquette. These programs allow students to begin cultivating the social, emotional, and professional competencies required for success in the legal profession, as well as the tools and insights necessary to chart satisfying career paths.