Deans' Cup

The Deans' Cup is an annual charity basketball game between the law schools of Columbia University (CLS) and New York University (NYU). First held in 2002, the game raises money for public interest and community service organizations at both universities and is sponsored by many large New York City law firms. A game between faculty members of the two schools is held at halftime. The game is the single largest law school event in the United States, and has raised more than a half million dollars for public interest foundations at the two law schools.

The 2007 edition raised over $100,000 as the Cup was brought back downtown by NYU in a 68–65 thriller that saw several lead changes in the final two minutes. Columbia Law School did not leave the Village empty-handed, as the Lions won the halftime faculty challenge 7–6. The game was attended by over 2,500 students, faculty, alumni, and lawyers from donor firms.

The 2008 edition of the Deans' Cup was held on April 10, 2008, at NYU's Coles Sports Center. After taking a commanding lead early in the game, the Columbia Law School team won 83–64, surpassing the all-time record for points in a Deans' Cup match. The game raised over $140,000 for the Public Interest Law Foundations at both Columbia and at NYU. While the series usually alternates between host schools CLS and NYU, the 2007 and 2008 games were both held at NYU due to construction at Columbia University.