Pursuing a career as a lawyer starts with finding the right institution for your academic qualifications. In Florida, several institutions provide esteemed law programs, most being nationally recognized.
If you are looking for top law schools in Florida, then you are in the right place. Today, we will highlight 15 of the best law schools in Florida based on factors such as accreditation, tuition, and even acceptance rates.
The state of Florida is a popular choice for many students looking to study law. With its warm weather and abundance of beaches, it’s no wonder that the state is a top pick for those who want to enjoy their time in law school. But with so many options, it is difficult to decide which Florida law school is the best fit for you.
Here are the 15 best law schools in Florida, based on factors like admissions requirements, scholarships, and job placement rates.
Table of contents
- Are Law Schools Worth It In Florida?
- How Much Does Law School Cost in Florida?
- What Are The Requirements for Getting Into a Law School in Florida?
- How to Apply for Law School or How To Get Into A Law School in Florida
- Overview Of The 15 Best Law Schools in Florida
- #1. University of Florida Levin College of Law
- #2. Florida State University College of Law
- #3. University of Miami School of Law
- 4. Florida International University College of Law
- 5. Stetson University College of Law
- #6. Florida Coastal School of Law
- 7. St. Thomas University School of Law
- #8. Ave Maria School of Law
- #9. NSU Southeastern University
- #10. Florida A & M University College of Law
- #11. Barry University School Of Law
- #13. Thomas Goode Jones Law School Faulkner University
- #14. Birmingham School of Law
- #15. Mercer University School of Law
- What Are The Highest-Paid Law School Jobs in Florida?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Recommendations
Are Law Schools Worth It In Florida?
There is no simple answer to whether law schools are worth it in Florida. The cost of attendance is high, and the job market for lawyers is competitive. However, there are many benefits to attending a law school in Florida.
One of the biggest benefits is the ability to network with other students and faculty. Law schools in Florida have strong connections to the legal community, which can help students find jobs after graduation. Likewise, many law schools in Florida offer scholarships and other financial aid options, which can help offset the cost of attendance.
Another benefit of attending a law school in Florida is the opportunity to learn from some of the best legal minds in the country. Florida is home too many top-ranked law schools, including the University of the Miami School of Law and Florida State University College of Law. Students at these schools learn from experienced faculty and gain exposure to a variety of legal topics.
There are many benefits to attending the best law schools in Florida.
How Much Does Law School Cost in Florida?
The cost of law school in Florida varies depending on the school you attend. However, the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time student at a public law school in Florida is $21,530 per year. The average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time student at a private law school in Florida is $38,890 per year.
There are several ways to finance your education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. You may also be eligible for need-based financial aid.
If you aspire to attend one of Florida’s law schools, you should read this article intensively, as it contains information about the best law schools in Florida. Research more on the school that interests you to find out more about their specific requirements and costs.
What Are The Requirements for Getting Into a Law School in Florida?
There are several requirements that you must meet to be eligible to attend a law school in Florida. First, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Second, you must take and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a standardized test that measures your reading and analytical skills.
Third, you must apply to the law school of your choice.
Aside from that, meeting the above requirements, you may also need to submit additional materials, such as letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Next, you will need to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program. This program typically takes three years to complete. During your studies, you will take courses in topics such as constitutional law, contracts, and criminal procedure. After completing your JD program, you will be eligible to take the bar exam and become a licensed attorney in Florida.
How to Apply for Law School or How To Get Into A Law School in Florida
There are many ways to get into law school, but the most common is to take the LSAT. The LSAT is a standardized test that measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. Law schools use the LSAT score as one of the main factors in admissions decisions.
To apply to law school, you will need to submit your LSAT score, transcripts, and a personal statement. Some law schools may also require letters of recommendation. The admissions process can be competitive, so it is important to put your best foot forward when applying.
If you are enthusiastic about attending the best law schools in Florida, there are many great options to choose from. Some of the top law schools in Florida include the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Miami.
Each of these schools has different admissions requirements. We will discuss more these schools in the sections that come next.
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Overview Of The 15 Best Law Schools in Florida
There are many outstanding law schools in Florida. To find the best one for you, it is important to consider your personal goals and objectives. Do you want to practice law in a specific area? Do you want to work for a particular type of law firm? Are you looking for a school that offers scholarships?
Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Florida has both public and private law schools. Private schools tend to be more expensive, but they also tend to have smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors. Public schools are usually larger, but they offer a more traditional law school experience.
Here are 15 of the best law schools in Florida.
- #1. University of Florida Levin College of Law
- #2. Florida State University College of Law
- #3. University of the Miami School of Law
- #4. Florida International University College of Law
- #5 Stetson University College of Law
- #6. Florida Coastal School of Law
- #7. St. Thomas University School of Law
- #8. Ave Maria School of Law
- #9. NSU Southeastern University
- #10.Florida A & M University College of Law
- #11. Barry University School Of Law
- #12. Cumberland School of Law
- #13. Thomas Goode Jones Law School Faulkner University
- #14. Birmingham School of Law
- #15. Mercer University School of Law
#1. University of Florida Levin College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Tuition: $30,000
The US News and World Report annual rankings place the University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law at #31. This places it among the best law schools in Florida.
Several members of the faculty actively contribute to the institution’s scholarly community through publishing, reviewing, and assisting student research.
According to the US News and World Report, UF Law offers the top public tax law programs. There were 241 students in the graduating class of 2024. Average high school grades for 2024 entrants were 3.86, while the average LSAT score was 167.
Among the best law schools in Florida, UF Law has a 70.9% bar passage rate, putting it in elite company.
75.3 percent of 2024 graduates of UF found jobs within ten months of graduation. In light of the relatively high number of new entrants, the 12.7% unemployment rate is very remarkable.
First-year salaries for UF Law grads in government agencies average $45,000.
#2. Florida State University College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 35.9%
- Tuition:
Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, is one of the best law schools in Florida. The institution has a brand new 50,000-square-foot advocacy center with five mock courts.
U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the 48th best law school in the country among those with American Bar Association accreditation. For the upcoming 2024 admissions cycle, prospective students will need an LSAT eligibility score of at least 160.
Applicants should be able to easily meet the minimum 3.63 GPA requirement.
Their current acceptance rate is 35.9%, so you have a good shot if your application is complete. The Florida State University College of Law boasts an impressively high bar passage rate of 81.1%, which is significantly higher than the 67.9% statewide average in Florida.
Given these numbers, the Florida State University College of Law is a fantastic option for prospective students in and out of state.
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#3. University of Miami School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 33.1%
- Tuition: $40,0000
The Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida, is one of the best in the state and ranks 67th in the nation by US NEWS. There are a variety of courses available, from the Juris Doctor to the Master of Laws and even dual degrees. LLM (Master of Laws) in International Arbitration and LLM (Law) in International Law are just two of the international programs offered at this university.
The latest admitted students have an average GPA of 3.43 and an LSAT score of 159. Applying is a good idea, even if your LSAT score is below average. The applicant’s statement, employment history, volunteer activity, and extracurricular activities are also taken into account.
According to data collected from 2024 graduates, the average time to find a job after graduation was nine months.
Students can quickly form close-knit communities and networks thanks to the school’s welcoming environment and rich library resources.
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4. Florida International University College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: $33%
- Tuition: $20,180
The College of Law at Florida International University (FIU) is rapidly becoming one of the best law schools in Florida. U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida International University’s College of Law as the 91st best law school in the country (US NEWS).
Even though it received its final accreditation in 2006, the FIU College of Law is well-known for its excellent program of study. The university provides a wide variety of vital options, including a Trial Advocacy Program, an Intellectual Property Certificate, a Legal Skills, and Values Board, an Internal Law and Comparative Law major, and many more.
It’s noteworthy that 87.5% of students at FIU College of Law are successful in passing the bar examinations. Notable legal clinics are available, such as the Death Penalty Clinic, Immigration, and Human Rights Clinic, and the Immigrant Children and Minors Justice Clinic.
The average undergraduate has a 3.64 GPA, whereas the average law student scores 157 on the LSAT. If your academic credentials are strong, enrolling at the FIU College of Law shouldn’t be too difficult.
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5. Stetson University College of Law
- Accreditation: Association of American Law Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 45.5%
- Tuition: $49,500
US News & World Report ranks Stetson University College of Law as the 104th top law school in the United States, and it has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1931.
The Stetson University College of Law is one of the best law schools in Florida. This opens up a huge door for students interested in pursuing professions in law.
Students should be able to meet the school’s median LSAT requirement of 155. The average GPA requirement is 3.36.
About three-quarters (77.2%) of Stetson University grads found work within a year of graduation.
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#6. Florida Coastal School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 37.8%
- Tuition: $40,000
In 2002, the Florida Coastal School of Law received its official accreditation. The institution offers various specializations in addition to the traditional Juris Doctor degree. Environmental law, international comparative law, and sports law are just a few of the many certificate programs available.
Florida Coastal’s acceptance rate is 37.8%, and the prior rate was 71.4%, thus this is a big drop. The median LSAT score is 150, while the median GPA is 3.14.
Passing the bar is not a “guaranteed formality” at this school, with a current passage rate of 42.5%.
In terms of employment, nearly half (46.6%) of the graduating class of 2024 found full-time positions within ten months of receiving their diplomas.
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7. St. Thomas University School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Tuition: $30,000
St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens is a highly regarded institution that offers a top-notch legal education. Since its founding in 1984, the school has made it a top priority to continue expanding its curriculum with innovative topics that will better equip today’s lawyers.
Only at St. Thomas University can aspiring lawyers in the state enroll in a freshman-level cyber-security and policy course. The university’s goal of fostering adaptable education led to the delivery of the program online. The school is one of the top law schools in Florida.
Compared to other Florida universities, St. Thomas University has relatively relaxed admissions standards. Prior admissions had a median LSAT score of 148 and a mean GPA of 3.1.
Within ten months of graduation, 54.7% of the class of 2024 had secured employment.
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#8. Ave Maria School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Tuition: $42,000
The Ave Maria School of Law seeks to integrate Catholic social and legal ideals into the legal system.
To those considering applying to Ave Maria School of Law, the acceptance rate of 55.1% is encouraging news. Applicants in 2024 will need a median LSAT score of 148 to gain admission. The median grade point average is only 3.
The school’s alumni have a 53.4 percent success rate on the bar exam, and 49.4 percent gain employment nine months after graduation.
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#9. NSU Southeastern University
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Tuition: $33,000
For law schools in Florida, the Nova Southeastern University School of Law is among the top.
It boasts a unique academic program that blends classroom theory with real-world legal practice. Because of this, its students can obtain practical experience in a legal setting.
Students at Nova Southeastern University can choose between a three-year program during the day or a four-year program in the evening.
It’s also important to note the rapid increase in the NSU graduate employment rate. About 49.8 percent of the 2018 NSU graduating class had full-time employment 9-12 months after graduation, as reported by the university in compliance with ABA requirements for such disclosure.
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#10. Florida A & M University College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Tuition: $26,000
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law in Orlando attracts a very international and multicultural student body. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University have maintained its status as one of the best law schools in Florida and the country.
The law school at Florida A&M University has been recognized for its superior teaching since July 2009, when it received full accreditation from the American Bar Association. It includes a moot court where students can put their legal knowledge to the test, a large law library with over 300,000 volumes, and space for over 50 academic members.
The law school curriculum consists of Six semesters or three full academic years.
In 2020, 67.9 percent of graduates from Florida A&M University’s College of Law passed the state bar exam. This is something to think about if attending the University of Florida or another top Florida law school is in your future.
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#11. Barry University School Of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Tuition: $39,000
The Barry University Law School in Orlando, which is also located in Florida, is part of the group that is ranked #147. It is less competitive than some of the other law schools in Florida since it accepts 59% of applications into its entering classes of approximately 250 students.
#12. Cumberland School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 74.1%
- Tuition: $39,600
The Cumberland School of Law, founded in 1847 and certified by the American Bar Association, is well-known for its excellent teaching and successful graduates. Unique features include:
Professional Master of Comparative Law (MCL) Degree Program for Juris Doctor Candidates
The mission of the Master of Comparative Law (MCL) program is to familiarize foreign lawyers with the core concepts of the law of the host nation.
With a student-to-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, the school can provide each student with the time and attention they need.
The official ABA disclosures show that 57% of the 2013 graduating class found jobs that require a J.D. within nine months of graduation.
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#13. Thomas Goode Jones Law School Faulkner University
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 44.6%
- Tuition: $33,000
When Faulkner University bought Thomas Goode Jones University’s law school in 1983, it became known as the Thomas Goode Jones Law School. The school of law has been around since 1928 and is one of the best law schools in Florida. You won’t find a more reasonably priced private law school anywhere else in Florida.
The Law school program comprises 88 semester hours of study. The institution admits slightly over 70% of applications and boasts a student-faculty ratio of 7.7:1.
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#14. Birmingham School of Law
- Accreditation: Law Society and the Bar Council
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Tuition: $30,000
The Birmingham School of Law, founded in 1915, is one of the best law schools in Florida that doesn’t have ABA accreditation. Law students can earn the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in a part-time format at this institution.
While the American Bar Association does not recognize this school’s legal program, if the students do well on the bar exam, they’ll be able to represent clients in state, federal, and local courts.
The institution has a reputation for providing a high-quality education at a reasonable price. When compared to the three ABA-accredited law schools in the state, however, its first-time success rate for the state bar attorney exam is significantly lower.
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#15. Mercer University School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Tuition: 36,900
As one of the nation’s pioneering legal institutions, Mercer University’s School of Law has been producing attorneys and legal scholars since its inception in 1893. As of 1925, Mercer Law School has earned full accreditation from the ABA, though it had been a member of the ABA since 1923. It’s one of the top law schools in Florida, according to Us News reports.
The median LSAT score at Harvard Law School is 153, and the median undergraduate GPA is 3.41. The current first-time bar passage percentage at the school is 83.2%, which is in line with the statewide average.
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What Are The Highest-Paid Law School Jobs in Florida?
The highest-paid law school jobs in Florida are typically in the corporate sector. Large corporations in Florida often have in-house legal teams that handle all aspects of the company’s legal business. These teams typically consist of lawyers who specialize in different areas of the law.
Balance Careers lists the following jobs as having the highest median salaries among legal professionals in Florida.
- Chief legal officers: Annual Salary: $285,000
- Members of Congress: Annual Salary: $194,000
- Managing partners: Annual Salary: $400,000
- Intellectual property lawyers: Annual Salary- $250,000
- Judges: Annual Salary: $177,000
Conclusion
From the list above, Florida is home to several leading law schools. Many criteria, including LSAT and GPA scores, all play a role in determining which applicants are ultimately successful in getting into any of the best law schools in Florida.
Be sure to research your prospective law school’s employment and bar exam success percentages before applying for a program there. If you have this data on hand, you’ll be in a much better position to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Florida, which ranks #21 among the best law schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report, is the best in Florida.
Attorney and lawyer are two similar terms. However, the primary distinction lies in the word’s use. Whether we’re talking about contract law, business law, corporate law, or commercial law, they’re all the same thing in practice.
If you need legal help but do not have the resources to employ a private attorney, you may get the help you need from a local legal services-legal aid agency.
Allen & Overy’s Global is the highest-paying law firm in the US. The firm advised on 12% more deals than any other law firm worldwide in recent years. The firm now has over 40 offices in different parts of the world with 5,650 employees.
Columbia Law School has the highest beginning wage for JD recipients, at almost $193,000.
References
- www.allaboutcareers.com– Best 10 law schools in Florida
- www.bestlawschools.net– Top Law Schools in Florida – Best Law Schools in the World
- www.magoosh.com – Best Law Schools in Florida – Magoosh LSAT Blog
- www.usnews.com– Best Law Schools in Florida
- www.vastlearners.com-Best Law Schools in Florida – Magoosh LSAT Blog
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