Are you willing to study law in Florida? Do you want to know the various law schools that are located in Florida? Then this article is meant for you. We will be discussing the 10 best law schools in Florida in it to help you make the right choice of school.
When thinking about law schools, states like California or Massachusetts come to mind. After all, they are home to some of the most prestigious schools in the nation and the world.
And when one thinks of top-notch schools, Harvard, Yale (in Connecticut), and even Stanford are household names. See Best Law Schools in Georgia.
However, law schools in Florida have several characteristics that are unique to them.
In response, the founders of these law schools wanted to make opportunities available to the marginalized and underserved, developing comparable curriculum and training.
Those same colleges continue that legacy to this day, imbuing academic excellence and training with a sense of justice and interest in the public good.
Others are rooted in specific cultural and spiritual values that create a unique campus atmosphere and culture.
Students at these schools enjoy great employment prospects, inspired by the notable alumni who preceded them.
Resident and visiting faculty are world-renowned scholars, many with years of practical experience in their field. The curricula of these schools are equally devoted to rigorous, in-depth classroom learning, as well as relevant, experiential education.
Here are the best law schools in Florida
- University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Florida State University College of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- Florida International University College of Law
- Stetson University College of Law
- Ave Maria School of Law
- Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
- Florida A&M University College of Law
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
1. University of Florida Levin College of Law
University of Florida Levin College of Law is the oldest operating law school in the state of Florida.
In recent years, approximately 80% of each graduating class found full-time employment in the law sector within a year of degree completion.
It was ranked 21st in “Best Law Schools” and 2nd and 20th for its Tax law and Environmental Law programs, respectively.
The acceptance rate for 2020 was a mere 20%, making it the most competitive school on this list. Levin College of Law faculty are experts in their field and have very active research profiles to complement their outstanding teaching.
A myriad of “hands-on” opportunities are offered to students, ranging from faculty-supervised clinics and field placements to externships and advocacy programs.
2. Florida State University College of Law
Florida State University College of Law has made it to the top spot across a variety of rankings and lists. PreLaw Magazine named it as the 1st law school for careers in government and 7th for human rights and public policy.
It is the first school on this list to break into the top 20 on the US News and World Report list for top law schools.
Its Center for Environmental, Energy, and Land Use Law is nationally recognized, providing students with excellent practical law, advocacy, and policy training.
The Director, Dr. Erin Ryan, has presented her wide-ranging research throughout Florida State University and the world and has authored many scholarly works, including a book on federalism, published by the preeminent Oxford University Press.
Over 70% of graduates obtain full-time employment within ten months of graduation. The bar passage rate for the school hovers around an impressive 80%. Of course, FSU College of Law is a selective school, with an acceptance rate of 35% in 2019.
3. University of Miami School of Law
The University of Miami School of Law is the oldest law school in South Florida. Its programs and reputation have stood the test of time, being one of the country’s top law schools. See the University of Miami Transfer Acceptance Rate.
The school boasts 18 areas of study and more than 300 course offerings. Opportunities for experiential education are abundant, with 18 clinics and practicums. In sum, students receive thorough and rigorous training in their areas of interest.
The school has a reputable Environmental Law program, which includes an Environmental Justice Clinic and access to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Indeed, Florida’s Everglades National Park is the natural backdrop for this program.
A Miami Law student was recently awarded a very prestigious fellowship at the Washington DC-based Environmental Law Institute. Miami Law is consistently touted as a top school for International Law as well.
4. Florida International University College of Law
FIU College of Law is the only public school in South Florida, ranking high in overall bar exam passing rates.
The passing rate for the class of 2019 was an outstanding 94.8%. Approximately 75% of the class of 2018 obtained full-time employment after graduation.
In addition to a Clinical Program and a variety of externships, Florida International University Law offers third and fourth-year students a Semester-In-Practice Practicum.
For an entire semester, students work full time at a private firm, a non-profit agency, corporation, or government agency.
Through the practicum, students have an opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice and develop their skills as prospective lawyers. See Best Immigration Law Schools in the US.
The school is located in Miami’s vibrant metropolis, where professional development opportunities and multicultural experiences abound.
Florida International University is one of the most selective schools on this list; in 2020, only 33% of applicants were admitted.
5. Stetson University College of Law
With a post-graduation employment rate that breaks into the 90s and top programs in Trial Advocacy and Legal Writing, Stetson Law is one of the top schools in Florida and in the country.
It is also one of the very few schools in the country where every student is guaranteed an externship. With these highlights, it is no wonder why Stetson Law breaks into the top 5 on this list.
Stetson Law Trial and Moot Court teams have won dozens of national competitions and championships.
The school encompasses several institutes and centers, including the one-of-a-kind Institute for Caribbean Law and Policy and its numerous initiatives.
Its world-class faculty have made appearances on Netflix and Apple TV documentaries and have published work in top journals.
Admission to Stetson Law is quite selective, with less than half of applicants gaining admission in recent years.
Conclusion
Everything in this article was focused on the law schools that are situated in the state called Florida. It was written to guide future law students efficiently in making the right choice of school. Was it helpful to you?
Last Updated on May 7, 2023 by Admin
