Albany Law School President and Dean Cinnamon P. Carlarne Reappointed for Five-Year Term

Albany Law School has reappointed Cinnamon P. Carlarne to a five-year term as president and dean, reaffirming its confidence in her leadership and vision. This announcement comes at a pivotal time for the nation’s oldest independent law school, which celebrates its 175th Anniversary in 2026.

“President Carlarne has provided steady, forward-looking leadership during a critical time for legal education,” said Dan S. Grossman '78, chair of the Albany Law School Board of Trustees, in announcing the reappointment. “Her collaborative approach, commitment to access and inclusion, and ability to build on the School’s strong momentum have positioned the institution for continued success.”

Since assuming the role in July 2023, President Carlarne has guided Albany Law School through a period of growth and innovation. She has focused on strengthening academic programs, deepening the School’s commitment to student success, and enhancing its engagement with the legal profession and the broader community. Albany Law graduates have excelled during President Carlarne’s tenure, achieving an 87% bar passage rate on the July 2025 exam and a 93% employment rate within ten months of graduation for the Class of 2024, placing Albany Law among the top law schools in the state and nation.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving as president and dean of Albany Law School,” said President Carlarne. “We have worked together to strengthen our academic foundation, deepen our scholarly impact, expand access and opportunities for those seeking a legal education, and ensure that our students are prepared to practice, serve, and lead in a rapidly changing legal landscape. None of this progress would be possible without the extraordinary faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners who make Albany Law School such a vibrant and engaged community.”

The past three years have also seen some of the strongest incoming classes in Albany Law School’s 175-year history. More than 2,500 applicants applied for the Fall 2025 entering JD class, surpassing the prior year’s total by 30%. The median LSAT score for the entering class of 238 students was 158, an increase of two points from the previous year and four points over the past four years. The median undergraduate GPA also rose to 3.53.

Under President Carlarne’s leadership, Albany Law School launched a successful and nationally recognized Flex JD online Juris Doctor program that has attracted students from across the country and internationally. The program was recognized by Bloomberg Law as one of the top ten most innovative programs in the nation. Similarly, the Law School’s online graduate programs have expanded enrollment and strengthened community partnerships over the past three years.

Albany Law School’s national reputation and profile have continued to rise under President Carlarne’s leadership, including the continued growth in annual fundraising and the overall endowment, which stands at nearly $88 million. Notably, during President Carlarne’s tenure, Albany Law has been recognized as the leading law school for government law, as well as a top institution for health law, family law, technology law, international law, trial advocacy, and access and opportunity.

A strong commitment to public service has remained central to the School’s mission under President Carlarne’s tenure. The Edward P. Swyer Justice Center continues to thrive and to sustain its position as a pillar of excellence in clinical education and community engagement. The school proudly celebrated the Justice Center’s 50th Anniversary in Spring 2025 and, in Spring 2026, the Justice Center continued to expand its capacity to support underserved communities with the launch of a new Housing Justice Clinic. Each graduating class for the past three years has completed more than 50,000 hours of public service. In addition, Albany Law School has strengthened its academic and teaching excellence with the addition of more than a dozen nationally recognized legal scholars and professors during President Carlarne’s tenure. 

“President Carlarne is a thoughtful, principled, and mission-driven leader who brings clarity, compassion, and strategic insight to her role,” Grossman added. “We are grateful for her continued service and look forward to the next chapter of Albany Law School’s growth and impact under her leadership.”