ABA Accredited Law Schools in Florida
University of Florida Levin College of Law
The University of Florida Levin College of Law, located in Gainesville, Florida, is one of the most prestigious law schools in the state. Known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and practical training, the school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for diverse careers in law and public service.
School History
The University of Florida Levin College of Law was founded in 1909 and has since established itself as a leading institution in legal education. Over the years, the school has expanded its curriculum and facilities, becoming known for its rigorous academic standards and influential faculty. The law school is named in honor of Fredric G. Levin, a prominent attorney and philanthropist whose contributions have significantly impacted the school’s development.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
The Levin College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, along with several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MPH (Master of Public Health), JD/MA in various disciplines, and JD/PhD programs. The school also offers advanced degrees such as LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Taxation, International Taxation, and Environmental and Land Use Law, as well as an SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science).
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at the Levin College of Law is approximately $21,803 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $38,039 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $3,000 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
The Levin College of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the Levin College of Law is approximately 30%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at the Levin College of Law is around 163. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for the Levin College of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Bob Graham – Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida.
- Charlie Crist – Former Governor of Florida and current U.S. Representative.
- Steve Spurrier – Former professional football player and coach, known for his coaching career at the University of Florida.
- Buddy Dyer – Mayor of Orlando, Florida.
- John Delaney – Former U.S. Representative and business executive.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Holland & Knight LLP – A leading law firm with significant hiring from the Levin College of Law.
- Greenberg Traurig LLP – Another top law firm that employs many graduates.
- Akerman LLP – A major law firm known for hiring graduates for various legal positions.
- State of Florida – Various state government agencies are significant employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- University of Florida – The university itself hires many graduates for various legal and administrative positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from the Levin College of Law can expect high starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $85,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $60,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $90,000 annually.
Florida State University College of Law
The Florida State University (FSU) College of Law, located in Tallahassee, Florida, is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to public service, and vibrant student community. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
The FSU College of Law was established in 1966 and has since grown into a top-ranked law school recognized for its academic excellence and innovative programs. The law school’s location in the state capital provides students with unique opportunities for internships and employment in government and public service. Over the years, the school has developed a reputation for producing graduates who excel in both private practice and public service.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
The FSU College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MSW (Master of Social Work), JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration), and JD/Environmental Science. The school also offers LL.M. (Master of Laws) degrees in Environmental Law and Policy, American Law for Foreign Lawyers, and Business Law, as well as a Juris Master (JM) degree for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at the FSU College of Law is approximately $20,693 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $40,705 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $2,500 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
The FSU College of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the FSU College of Law is approximately 35%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at the FSU College of Law is around 160. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for the FSU College of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Carlos Lopez-Cantera – Former Lieutenant Governor of Florida.
- Alan Levine – Healthcare executive and former Secretary of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration.
- Susan Story – Former CEO of American Water Works Company, Inc.
- R. Fred Lewis – Former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
- Scott Maddox – Former Mayor of Tallahassee.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Greenberg Traurig LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many FSU College of Law graduates.
- Holland & Knight LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from FSU.
- Akerman LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
- State of Florida – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- Florida State University – The university itself hires many graduates for various legal and administrative positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from the FSU College of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $80,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $55,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $85,000 annually.
University of Miami School of Law
The University of Miami School of Law, located in Coral Gables, Florida, is known for its diverse academic programs, commitment to public service, and strong emphasis on practical training. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
The University of Miami School of Law was established in 1926, making it one of the oldest law schools in Florida. Over the years, the school has built a reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs, and a vibrant student community. The law school’s location in South Florida provides students with unique opportunities for internships and employment in both domestic and international law.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
The University of Miami School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/LL.M. in Taxation, JD/LL.M. in Real Property Development, JD/LL.M. in International Arbitration, JD/MS in Marine Affairs, and JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration). The school also offers LL.M. (Master of Laws) degrees in various specializations such as Taxation, Real Property Development, Ocean and Coastal Law, and International Law, as well as a Juris Master (JM) degree for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at the University of Miami School of Law is approximately $56,250 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $4,000 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
The University of Miami School of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Miami School of Law is approximately 50%, reflecting its moderately selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at the University of Miami School of Law is around 159. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for the University of Miami School of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Janet Reno – Former U.S. Attorney General.
- Patricia Ireland – Former President of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
- Carol Browner – Former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Kendall Coffey – Noted attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
- Alex Ferrer – Former judge and television personality known for his role on “Judge Alex.”
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Greenberg Traurig LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many University of Miami School of Law graduates.
- Holland & Knight LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from the University of Miami.
- Akerman LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
- State of Florida – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- University of Miami – The university itself hires many graduates for various legal and administrative positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from the University of Miami School of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $85,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $55,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $90,000 annually.
Florida International University College of Law
The Florida International University (FIU) College of Law, located in Miami, Florida, is known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and commitment to public service. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
The FIU College of Law was established in 2000, making it one of the newer law schools in Florida. Despite its relative youth, the school has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and a strong focus on practical training. The law school’s location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities for internships and employment in both domestic and international law, reflecting the city’s diverse and dynamic legal landscape.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
The FIU College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) and JD/MSW (Master of Social Work). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in U.S. Law for foreign lawyers and a Juris Master (JM) degree for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at the FIU College of Law is approximately $21,396 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $35,954 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $2,500 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
The FIU College of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the FIU College of Law is approximately 33%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at the FIU College of Law is around 157. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for the FIU College of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Raúl Labrador – Former U.S. Representative from Idaho.
- Julián Castro – Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
- Francisco Alvarado – Noted journalist and investigative reporter.
- Cynthia Demos – Award-winning television journalist and anchor.
- Gonzalo Dorta – Prominent attorney and partner at a leading Miami law firm.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Greenberg Traurig LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many FIU College of Law graduates.
- Holland & Knight LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from FIU.
- Akerman LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
- State of Florida – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- Florida International University – The university itself hires many graduates for various legal and administrative positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from the FIU College of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $75,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $50,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $80,000 annually.