Florida is home to some of the best law schools in the country. With its diverse population, thriving legal industry, and excellent opportunities for practical experience, Florida is a great study destination to study law and and pursue a successful career.
With all of these considerations in mind, we have compiled a list of the best law schools in Florida and what makes each of these institutions unique and noteworthy. Whether you are just starting your legal education or looking to advance your career, read on to find out why Florida is a great place to study law.
What Is A Law School
A law school, often referred to as a law center or college of law, is a professional graduate school that prepare students for the practice of law, which involves interpreting and applying laws and regulations to various situations. It is typically associated with the steps necessary to become a lawyer in a certain country.
Law schools provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a career in law and also offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, clinics, and other hands-on programs.
Degree Offered By Law Schools
Some universities offer a Master of Laws(LL.M.) program. It is a way to specialize in a particular branch of law.
Furthermore, the academic doctorate in law is known as the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) (in the United States or Canada). The Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) (in Canada or the U.K.). Or the PhD in law from European or Australasian universities are additional possible degrees.
Many jurisdictions also require graduates to pass a state or provincial bar test before they are allowed to practice law. In almost all American jurisdictions, the Multistate Bar Examination is a component of the bar test.
Why Do I Need To Enroll In A Law School
There are so many reasons to enroll in law schools, cause it is a crucial step in becoming a lawyer. Here are some of the reasons:
- Preparation for the legal profession: Law schools provide comprehensive training that prepares students for a career in the legal field.
- Several career alternatives: Law graduates are sought-after prospects for careers in a variety of disciplines. It opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including positions as a lawyer, judge, legal advisor, and more. Also, you will discover that pursuing a legal career can lead you to almost any place.
- Networking Opportunities: Law schools offer opportunities to build relationships with other law students, professors, and legal professionals. This network can be valuable in building a successful career in law.
- Critical thinking skills: Law schools provide students with the education, knowledge and abilities to analyze both sides of complicated situations or problems. They also come up with the best solution based on compelling logic and critical thought.
- The ability to use law to change things: You can have a strong sense of justice and want to fix the system’s flaws. You can ultimately make that huge shift if you study law. This is because it provides you with the legal education and credentials.
How To Get Accepted Into A Law School?
It might take a lot of time to get into law school, especially in the U.S. This is because numerous processes are considered before submitting your application. The following are the procedures you should take to apply:
- Examine what a lawyer does: Do a considerable research on the various aspects of being a lawyer, consider your motivations, commitments and willingness to pursue a career in law.
- Meet the eligibility criteria: To enroll, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and score well on it cause your test score plays a major role in determining whether you will be admitted or not.
- Prepare for the LSAT: The LSAT is a standardized test that assesses your analytical, logical, and verbal reasoning abilities. You can prepare for it by taking practice tests, studying sample questions, and reading test-taking strategies.
- Apply to any school of your choice: Once you are ready and done with your researches on which best fits your goals, you can start applying to any law school. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Interview: Some law schools may also require you to attend an interview, either in person or over the phone. During the interview, the admissions committee will assess your communication skills, motivation, and commitment to pursuing a career in law.
This requirements are not limited to any of the schools which will be mentioned later in this post, you are best advised to visit each of the school websites to get full detailed requirements and methods of application.
10 Best Law Schools In Florida By Tuition Acceptance Rate And G.P.A.
Here are the top law schools in Florida by tuition acceptance rate and G.P.A.:
1. University of Florida – Levin
Acceptance Rate: 27.9%
Average G.P.A: 3.72
Tuition: $26,070
Website: School Link
Overview
UofF Levin is currently ranked among the top 30’s. founded in 1909, it holds the record as one of the oldest law schools in Florida and is accredited by the American Bar Association.
The University of Florida Levin College of Law has a strong reputation for producing successful graduates and is well-regarded for its programs in environmental and land use law, tax law, and intellectual property law
Programs offered in University of Florida – Levin:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law for foreign-trained lawyers
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental and Land Use Law
- Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
- Joint degree programs with other graduate programs at the University of Florida.
2. Florida State University College of Law
Acceptance rate: 33.3%
Average G.P.A: 3.3
Average Tuition: $21,115
Website: School Link
Overview
Florida State University College of Law is another excellent academic institution for those who desire to study law in Florida. It has a pass rate of over 81%, which is far higher than Florida’s average of 67%. This is one of the factors that stick out in a very significant way.
FSU law is also well known for its research, including its expertise in the areas of criminal law, environmental law, and sports land and includes many renowned scholars and experts in various areas of law.
Programs offered in Florida State University College of Law:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M) in American Law for Foreign Lawyers
- Master of Laws (LL.M) in Environmental and Land Use Law
- Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Law
- Master of Laws (LL.M) in U.S. Law for International Lawyers
- Dual Degree Programs with Florida State University’s College of Business and other universities.
3. University of Miami School of Law
Acceptance rate: 33.1%
Average G.P.A: 3.15
Average Tuition: $57,078
Website: School Link
Overview
The University of Miami School of Law is a private law school located in Coral Gables, Florida. It was founded in 1926 and is affiliated with the University of Miami.
On the other hand, entrance to this institution does not strictly require applicants to have excellent LSAT scores.
Programs offered in University of Miami School of Law:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Intercultural Human Rights
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Real Property Development
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Estate Planning
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation
- Executive Master of Laws (EML) in Real Property Development
- Joint Degrees with other Graduate Programs.
4. Florida International University College of Law
Acceptance rate: 33.3%
Average G.P.A: 3.3
Average Tuition: $21,115
Website: School Link
Overview
Florida International University College of Law is a professional law school located in Miami, Florida. It was founded in 2000 and is one of the youngest law schools in the state of Florida.
Despite being a young faculty, it has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in enrollment and growth. However, this fact is based on several factors, mostly because some of the specialization classes it provides are among the best.
Programs offered in Florida International University College of Law:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree program
- Master of Laws (LLM) degree program
- Joint JD/LLM degree program
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law
- Graduate Certificate in Health Law
- Graduate Certificate in International Law
- Graduate Certificate in Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Graduate Certificate in Real Property Development Law.
5. Stetson University College of Law
Acceptance rate: 45.5%
Average G.P.A: 3.3
Average Tuition: $47,216
Website: School Link
Overview
Stetson University College of Law is a private, non-profit law school which was established in 1900. The fact that this law school is a 100-year-old institution is one of its qualities that you should consider. In actuality, it was Florida’s first law school.
Programs offered in Stetson University College of Law:
- JD Degree Program
- LL.M in Elder Law
- LL.M in Advocacy
- LL.M in International Law
- LL.M in Children’s Rights.
6. Florida Coastal School of Law
Acceptance rate: 37.8%
Average G.P.A: 3.14
Average Tuition: $36,968
Website: School Link
Overview
Florida Coastal School of Law is a private, non-profit law school located in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1996 and got accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 2002.
However, it should be noted that the average acceptance rate at Florida Coastal School of Law has greatly decreased.
Programs offered in Florida Coastal School of Law:
- J.D. degree
- Family Law Advocacy
- Criminal Practice Advocacy
- Civil Practice Advocacy.
7. Thomas University School of Law
Acceptance rate: 53.8%
Average G.P.A: 3.6
Average Tuition: $43,630
Website: School Link
Overview
This legal school was founded in the 1980s. It held the unique distinction of being the only one to provide a bachelor’s degree in politics and cyber-security.
Additionally, you (and others) can enroll in this program online. The university’s policy on distance learning is reasonably lenient.
Programs offered in Thomas University School of Law:
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Business Law
- Criminal Litigation
- Elder Law
- Environmental Sustainability
- Immigration Practice
- Intellectual Property Law
- Intercultural Human Rights
- Real Estate Law
- Tax Law.
8. Ave Maria School of Law
Acceptance rate: 55.1%
Average G.P.A: 3.05
Average Tuition: $43,206
Website: School Link
Overview
Ave Maria School of Law is a private, Catholic law school located in Naples, Florida. It was founded in 1999 and is dedicated to providing its students with a rigorous legal education that is guided by Catholic moral and ethical principles.
Therefore, the instructional programming heavily focuses on integrating Catholic moral and ethical values with the practical practice of law.
Programs offered in Ave Maria School of Law:
- LLB.Law.
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
- International Relation and Diplomatic Studies.
- Industrial Relation and Personnel Management.
- Business Administration.
- Accounting.
- Entrepreneurship Studies.
- Taxation.
9. Barry University School of Law
Acceptance Rate: 65.3%
Average G.P.A: 2.5
Average Tuition: $30,940
Website: School Link
Overview
Barry University School of Law is a private, not-for-profit, ABA-accredited law school located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1999, the school offers a juris doctor (JD) program and various LL.M. (Master of Laws) programs.
Barry has a comparatively high acceptance rate of about 60% and a post-graduation employment rate of about 53%.
Programs offered in Barry University School of Law:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LL.M. in Elder Law
- LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights
- LL.M. in Health Law
- LL.M. in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers
10. FAMU College of Law
Acceptance rate: 33%
Average G.P.A: 3.4
Average Tuition: $17,725
Website: School Link
Overview
FAMU College of Law, is a historically black law school and a part of Florida A&M University (FAMU). It was established in 1949 and is Florida’s only public historically black law school.
Programs offered in FAMU College of Law:
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- Elder Law
- Agricultural and Food Law
- International Law
Note: The above quoted acceptance rate, tuition fee and programs offered by the various schools are subject to change, you are best advised to visit any of the university website to check on its prerequisite, acceptance rate and current tuition fees.
Conclusion
Florida has many highly rated law schools that offer a range of programs for aspiring lawyers. Before applying to study in any of the best law schools in Florida listed above, make sure to research carefully and get detailed info about your choice of school before applying.
I hope this article is helpful to you. Will love to get a feedback from you as regards your questions and thoughts.
F.A.Q.s
What’s the Florida bar exam like?
The exam is regarded as one of the most challenging bar tests. Pass rates are frequently among the lowest in the nation.
How much does a lawyer in Florida make?
In Florida, an attorney makes $89,802 on average yearly.
What rank does Florida law have?
Florida State is the 17th top law school in the United States, according to the World University Rankings (2020).
References
usnews.com
allaboutcareers.com