Legal Academy Launched by John Jay College & LaGuardia Community College
John Jay College of Criminal Justice and LaGuardia Community College announced the launch of the Legal Academy, a new interdisciplinary initiative designed to prepare students for careers in law, justice and public service. The Legal Academy will provide students with academic and professional opportunities while strengthening the pathway from LaGuardia to John Jay and, ultimately, to law school.
The initiative was formally unveiled on the LaGuardia campus at an event attended by students, faculty and staff from both institutions. Speakers included John Jay President Karol V. Mason, LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams, LaGuardia Interim Provost Dr. Eric Hofmann and John Jay Provost Dr. Allison Pease.
A key component of the initiative is a new transfer agreement that provides a direct route from select associate degree programs at LaGuardia to bachelor’s degree programs at John Jay. Building on the longstanding relationship between the two institutions, the Legal Academy also offers advising, mentorship, career exploration and experiential learning experiences that support students as they pursue bachelor’s degrees, law school and careers in related fields.
“John Jay educates fierce advocates for justice,” said Karol V. Mason, president of John Jay College. “Through the Legal Academy, LaGuardia students have a clear path to a John Jay degree, along with the mentorship and real-world experiences that spark lives of leadership, service, and impact. Red Hawks, welcome to the Bloodhound community!”
“The Legal Academy reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for students interested in law, public service, and civic leadership,” said President Adams. “By building on our longstanding partnership with John Jay, we are creating a pathway that helps students move from community college to bachelor’s degree study and beyond preparing them for careers in law, public service and related fields.”
The Legal Academy brings together students from diverse academic disciplines who share an interest in law, government and public service. Students remain enrolled in their chosen majors while participating in programming focused on legal systems, public policy and legal careers. The Academy currently includes students majoring in Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts: Political Science, Liberal Arts: History and Paralegal Studies, with additional disciplines, including English and Philosophy, are expected to participate in the coming year.
“The Legal Academy helps students connect their academic interests with future careers,” said Dr. Hofmann. “By bringing together students and faculty from both institutions, the program gives students opportunities to explore the legal field, connect with mentors and practitioners and prepare for the next stage of their education.”
“John Jay is nationally recognized by the Law School Admission Council as a top producer of diverse law school applicants,” said Dr. Allison Pease, John Jay senior vice president and provost. “We are thrilled to partner with LaGuardia through the Legal Academy to provide robust academic preparation and real-world exposure to the legal system for the next generation of legal professionals.”
The initiative was developed over the past two years by a cross-disciplinary team of faculty and administrators led by Aarti Maharaj, a lecturer in LaGuardia’s Business and Technology Department and coordinator of the Legal Academy.
“The law touches virtually every aspect of society, and students increasingly want to understand how legal systems influence the communities where they live and work,” said Maharaj. “The Legal Academy gives students a place to explore those interests, build professional connections and prepare for future educational and career opportunities. It also emphasizes the values of integrity, empathy and public service that are essential to a strong and equitable legal system.”
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a diverse and inclusive community seeking justice in its many dimensions. Through distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs, we prepare students for meaningful and rewarding careers and lives of impact in New York City and beyond. As a Minority, Hispanic, and Asian serving institution committed to historically marginalized communities, we educate and empower every graduate to strengthen communities, expand equity and advance justice.
