Florida State University - College of Law

Florida State University's College of Law is located in the heart of the state capitol, just “steps away” from the Florida Supreme Court and numerous other courts and agencies, which makes it “prime real estate” for law students. “The location is ideal for hands-on experience” and the school has a historically strong reputation within the state, offering students access to more than 500 internships and clerkships at nearby firms, courts, and government offices, as well as more than 100 externships located throughout the country. Many students “have the opportunity to work amazing externships at these locations and still attend classes.” This balance is greatly appreciated, as the school “does not force a student to choose between getting the typical law school experience and getting hands-on work experience.” As one student puts it, FSU features “a state school price tag …[that] lets you get a J.D. without taking on too much debt.” The school's Public Law Center, which gives students an opportunity to earn credit for providing services to real-world clients, houses the Business Law Clinic, Children's Advocacy Clinic, Gender and Family Justice Clinic, Veterans Legal Clinic, and Immigration Law Clinic. The school also features an extensive alumni network with opportunities for mentorship and networking. They can even appear as guest lecturers or adjunct professors, often proving to be “great resources for getting students internships and jobs.” Additionally, “the involvement in the school of the local attorneys, judges, and other people in the field” provides “so many opportunities to get legal experience.”

The school's “small class sizes … allow for more intimate class settings” and also help to maintain an elaborate support network of “well-respected and knowledgeable professors” who go out of their way to make sure they are available to the students whenever they need.” They are “insightful and experienced but also grounded and relatable.” Not only does the faculty at FSU “truly care about you as a person and want the best for you and your legal career,” but “Career Services is always extremely helpful” as well. The office “really works with students to make sure that we are ready for employment and know about all employment opportunities out there.” The “absolutely wonderful” administration “is always there to talk and iron out issues,” and the staff is “very open and welcoming” while “always trying to do better for the students.” Everyone at FSU “can always reach out … about any questions”—as one student shares, “We can even stop someone in the hallways and they will answer our questions.”

FSU fosters a “communal yet scholarly environment” where “everyone is friendly, which provides an ‘at home' atmosphere that cannot be beat.” The school hosts “a lot of socials” to allow students to better know their peers. Overall, there are “so many opportunities to take breaks and enjoy a well-balanced life,” with many additional resources such as “Facebook groups, organizations, and office hours with administrators and professors” all of which help to keep the “student environment connected and friendly.” It's the sort of place where “people regularly share notes let others borrow computers when theirs breaks, pet sit, and help each other move.” That connection goes beyond the campus too: Student-run organizations “are continuously giving back to the school and the community.” And since the “main building is newly renovated,” it's a great place to host “a diverse array of clubs [and] clinics to participate in for additional experience,” and “there's always plenty of room to study.”