Florida’s First Law School

Where law meets practice: Ranked #1 in trial advocacy
Ranked #2 in legal writing
A clinic or externship available for every student
Establishing the standard for practical legal education since 1900. Now more than ever, the legal profession demands that law school graduates be prepared to think like lawyers and be ready to practice law. At Stetson, you learn both.
Our professors teach interactive courses that carefully balance legal theory, policy and world-class skills training. Through experiences inside and outside the traditional classroom, you will learn to connect facts with doctrine, develop creative solutions, and understand an evolving array of legal issues. And from the very first semester, you will learn to advocate persuasively for clients and causes.
You will complete a rigorous required curriculum that emphasizes both learning and doing. You will apply your knowledge by researching issues, negotiating and drafting legal documents, presenting oral arguments, participating in mock trials, and working closely with practicing attorneys.
With a solid foundation, you also will have an opportunity to customize the balance of your legal education. You may choose to focus your elective courses on a particular field, pursue dual degrees, study abroad, serve on a journal, or intern for a judge or government agency. Regardless of your chosen path, the hallmarks of a Stetson legal education remain the same:
• A nationally ranked program of skills training.
• Incredible opportunities for professional experience through clinics, externships and advocacy competitions.
• A commitment to professionalism and public service — which also integrates students into the legal system at an early stage in their career.
• Comprehensive career development and bar preparation resources.
• A talented, accessible faculty who care about your success and are available outside the classroom.
• A rich and diversified intellectual life that includes regular opportunities to interact with distinguished scholars, practitioners, government officials and judges.
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American/Caribbean Law Externship Appellate Advocacy Externship Bankruptcy Judicial Externship Child Advocacy Clinic Civil Elder Law Clinic Civil Legal Services Clinic Elder and Disability Law Externship Environmental Law Externship Equal Employment Opportunity Law Externship Family Law Externship Federal Judicial Externship Federal Litigation Externship Federal Public Defender Clinic* Florida Circuit Court (Appellate) Externship Florida Circuit Court (Trial) Externship Florida District Court of Appeal Externship Homeless Advocacy Externship Immigration Law Clinic
Individual Externship In-House Counsel Externship Intellectual Property Externship Labor Law Externship Local Government Clinic Military Justice Externship* Municipal and Administrative Law Externship Prosecution Clinic Public Defender Clinic State Litigation Externship State Supreme Court Externship Summer Law and Policy Externship in Washington, D.C. Tampa Prosecution Clinic U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Externship* Veterans Advocacy Clinic (in-house)
* inactive 2015-2016
“I urge every student to consider our clinic and externship programs. We know that employers value practical legal experience, and clinical programs provide important opportunities to expand your skills and distinguish yourself in the marketplace.”
Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz Dean and Professor of Law; Chair of the Bar Data Policy and Collection Committee, ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions; Florida Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Florida Bar Vision 2016 Commission, and member of the Law School Admission Council Board of Trustees,
B.A., University of Scranton; J.D., Loyola University (New Orleans); LL.M., Georgetown University
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With more than 400 opportunities available each year, every student can do a clinic or externship.
There is no better way to learn the practice of law than by actually practicing it. Clinics and externships do just that, allowing you the critical opportunity to do real work in a living legal environment. Stetson’s robust clinical program can provide you with this necessary experience of working with state and federal courts, government agencies, corporations, law firms or legal aid organizations.
Stetson’s clinical courses are unique. Full-time law professors are closely involved as they supervise and mentor the students enrolled in each program. Courses are designed to enhance classroom-based learning and give students opportunities to gain valuable, real-world experience. These experiences allow students to observe and participate in the application of substantive law, and find solutions to problems that confront attorneys on a daily basis.
Externship courses place students in off-campus, legal environments where they observe and participate in the activities of host organizations. Externship placements vary widely and include state and federal courts, governmental agencies and local corporations. Consequently, students enjoy the unique opportunity to observe how these entities operate from behind the scenes. Students routinely perform functions such as reviewing documents, conducting research, and writing memoranda of law.
Most clinic courses also place students in off-campus, legal environments where they are authorized to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Placements include legal aid organizations, local governments, public defender offices and state attorney offices. Students routinely conduct research, interview clients and witnesses, write motions or memoranda of law, and advocate during hearings and trials. Most clinic participants are approved by the Florida Supreme Court as Certified Legal Interns (CLIs) authorized to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Consequently, CLIs may speak in open court and often includes arguing motions and advocating during criminal proceedings, including jury trials.
Stetson also has one in-house clinic, the Veterans Advocacy Clinic. Students in the clinic help veterans navigate the disability benefits application and appeals process of the Department of Veterans Affairs through the federal courts. In Fall 2014, Stetson Law and USF Health formed a first-of-its-kind partnership by joining forces to help Florida veterans through supportive clinical services, collaborative student training, and joint research.
Stetson provided me with such a strong foundation to begin my legal career as a prosecutor. As a certified legal intern, I had four jury trials while still in law school. I never wanted to do anything else.
Pam Bondi ’90 Florida’s Attorney General B.A., University of Florida; J.D., Stetson University
By the numbers:
• 60 hosting organizations
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A national powerhouse recognized for preparing lawyers for every stage of the legal process.
As the nation’s top-ranked law school for advocacy education, Stetson offers you unparalleled opportunities to develop and test your legal abilities from the first client contact through the final appeal. Beyond the typical courses in trial procedure found at most law schools, at Stetson you’ll discover a comprehensive range of advocacy electives, clinical programs, intramural tournaments and interscholastic competition teams, as well as certificates of concentration.
Effective advocacy is one of a successful lawyer’s most important skills — regardless of practice area — and Stetson’s commitment to teaching advocacy is unmatched. Our lawyers and student-advocates excel in the classroom, in the courtroom, and in champion performances on our nationally and internationally lauded advocacy teams. Our professors have authored several leading books on advocacy, and our campuses feature seven courtrooms for experiential learning. Stetson annually hosts two interscholastic competitions: the International Environmental Moot Court Competition and the National Pretrial Competition.
JD/LLM in Advocacy Stetson students may pursue both the J.D. and LL.M. in Advocacy degrees in as little as three years, sharing 12 credit hours, through Stetson’s joint-degree program.
Students in the joint- degree program will further advance their skill sets and create a portfolio that includes writing and performance samples for prospective employers.
More information is listed on page 16.
During my skills classes and three externships, I learned how to be a lawyer through hands-on experience. My time on the Moot Court Board also has prepared me so well for my future career, giving me the opportunity to write briefs and argue in front of judicial panels. Jeremy Bailie ’15 Member, National Veterans Moot Court Competition Champion Team B.A., Northland International University J.D., Stetson University
Stetson University College of Law won the American Association for Justice National Student Trial Advocacy Competition. L-R team members: Kyle Ross, Phylicia Pearson, Brooke Batton Charlan and Stanton Fears.
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Legacy of Excellence Stetson’s winning record in mock trial, moot court and alternative dispute resolution competitions over the past 34 years is unmatched: • 17 national #1 rankings for trial advocacy by
U.S. News since 1995
Recent championships MOOT COURT BOARD • Andrews Kurth Moot Court National
Championship: 2015 champions • JMLS International Moot Court Competition in
Information Technology and Privacy Law: 2013 champions
• National Veterans Law Moot Court Competition: 2013 champions and best petitioner’s brief
• National Professional Responsibility Moot Court Competition: 2012 and 2013 champions
• E. Earle Zehmer Workers’ Compensation Moot Court Competition: 2013 champions
• New York City Bar’s 63nd National Moot Court Competition: 2013 national champions
TRIAL TEAM • AAJ National Student Trial Advocacy
Competition: 2015 champions and first school to win both first and second place in one year
• Golden Gate University Criminal Mock Trial Competition: 2015 champions and best advocate
• “Show Me Challenge” National Voir Dire Competition: 2014 champions, best advocate, best chair and professionalism award
• Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competition: 21-time champion in 32 years
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION BOARD • ABA Law Student Division National
Arbitration Competition: 2015 co-champions
• Liberty University National Negotiation Competition: 2011 champions
“ At Stetson, we are committed to the concept of the complete advocate — one who commands a superior understanding of the law, the ability to persuasively present evidence, and the humanity to know when and how to do the right thing. We empower students to find within themselves their unique voice — becoming the best possible advocate they can be.”
Professor Charles H. Rose III Professor of Excellence in Trial Advocacy; Director, Center for Excellence in Advocacy; author of Fundamental Trial Advocacy and co-author of Fundamental Pretrial Advocacy
B.A., Indiana University at South Bend; J.D., University of Notre Dame; LL.M., The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, U.S. Army
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A collegial atmosphere where professional relationships can last a lifetime.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice a difference at Stetson. A student ambassador serves as your personal mentor, guiding you through orientation and beyond. Classmates support each other, working together to achieve the shared goal of becoming lawyers. Involved and committed professors offer a level of access rarely found at larger institutions. A friendly administrative staff also provides personalized attention.
Faculty are involved in almost every aspect of campus life and are passionate about working with students both inside and outside the classroom. Professors from throughout the law school spend time serving as mentors, advising student organizations, and coaching advocacy teams. Student organizations provide opportunities for building leadership skills and relationships with peers, practicing attorneys and judges. An involved alumni community of more than 10,000 lawyers provides an international network of connections as you launch your legal career.
By the numbers:
Students • 673 full-time JDs • 159 part-time JDs • 75 LLMs
2015 entering JDs: • 55% female • 28% minority • 83 colleges/universities • 25 states • 2 foreign countries
as of October 5, 2015
The ability to learn the law was honed at Stetson and served me well in my LL.M. program. When I arrived at Georgetown, I thought I would be outgunned by my counterparts. But as it turned out, the skills I developed at Stetson were just what I needed, not only to learn the law, but to graduate with distinction from Georgetown’s tax program.
Frank Lago ’14 Tax attorney, U.S. Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and former IRS Revenue Officer B.A., SUNY Empire State College; J.D., Stetson University; LL.M., Georgetown University
First-year students take seven credits in Stetson’s #2-ranked legal research and writing program. Stetson’s Institute for the Advancement of Legal Communication offers training and resources for the legal community.
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Professor Judith A.M. Scully teaches criminal law and directs the Innocence Initiative Clinic at Stetson. She previously served as an administrative law judge and arbitrator, and her work has been presented at international conferences in India, Brazil and China. As a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, she worked with the African National Congress to help draft the constitution for a Free and Democratic South Africa in 1990.
Judith A.M. Scully Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law B.A., University of Chicago; J.D., George Washington University
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Distinguished Lecturers and Guests (Top) U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, (Bottom) Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin (Chief Justice of Canada), Jamaican Senator A.J. Nicholson and Kenneth Feinberg have served as distinguished lecturers at Stetson.
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The highest standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity are expected from all.
At Stetson, the practice of becoming a great lawyer takes on a deeper meaning. Professors and students alike appreciate the responsibility to serve the profession and improve society.
You will be regarded as a member of the legal profession beginning on your first day of law school. Stetson provides an environment that encourages and rewards the highest standards of professionalism. Every student has the opportunity to participate in a series of dynamic programs and presentations that foster discussion on current issues facing members of the legal profession.
During the 2014–15 academic year, Stetson law students donated 31,671 hours of pro bono service to more than 400 organizations. Stetson’s
commitment to community service includes a 60-hour pro bono requirement for all students to enhance their law school experience.
The Stetson Law
Mission Stetson University College of Law provides a dynamic and supportive scholarly community in which students learn, in and outside the classroom and by example, to become outstanding lawyers and leaders who serve the profession and society.
My years at Stetson prepared me well for the practice of law. Stetson offers a rigorous curriculum in an environment that fosters excellence. The high academic standards and emphasis on clinical practice provide students with an outstanding legal education. I give my alma mater substantial credit for my success in the legal and judicial system.
Chief Justice Carol Hunstein ’76 Supreme Court of Georgia B.S., Florida Atlantic University; J.D., Stetson University
Last year, Stetson law students provided more than 9,000 hours of non-legal community service and more than 22,000 hours of legal pro bono service to local organizations.
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The academic culture and its unique location make Stetson an ideal place to pursue the study of law. The professors take a strong interest in the development and success of each individual student, and there is a great camaraderie within the student body. The law school experience at Stetson is a very positive one. Andrew Bennett ’13 Attorney, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Member of New York and Florida state bars B.A., Hofstra University; J.D., Stetson University
A dedicated, accessible faculty is committed to the academic and professional success of every student.
Stetson’s greatest resource is its faculty, who share their experiences and passion for the law with generations of lawyers. Stetson professors genuinely enjoy teaching and guiding students into the profession and practice. They will challenge you to reach your full potential. They will create opportunities for you to consider not only what the law is, but what it should be.
Our professors are among the finest legal educators in the country: Fulbright scholars, Supreme Court advocates, acclaimed authors and public servants. Stetson educators inspire students through their dedication to teaching, demonstrated commitment to community service, and record of high-quality scholarship. The full-time faculty is supplemented by outstanding judeges and practicing attorneys who serve as adjunct professors in specialized areas.
Each year, speakers and visitors from around the world make presentations on campus, providing new perspectives for a balanced, comprehensive educational experience. Recent academic speakers have included law professors from Yale University, UCLA, King’s College London and Duke University.
By the numbers:
• 5 visiting full-time faculty
• 7 professional librarians
Fall 2015 data
Associate Professor of Law Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, left, is a leader in the area of election law, and her commentary has appeared on CNN, NPR, Huffington Post, SCOTUSblog, Voice of America, and other national news outlets.
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“ The Stetson community comprises a diverse student body from all over the country, working together in academic collegiality. Exceptional access to an outstanding faculty makes Stetson a wonderful academic environment for the rigorous study of law.”
Professor Luz Estella Nagle Professor of Law; Council Member, International Bar Association Legal Practice
Division; and Former Colombian Judge LL.D., Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana; M.A., LL.M., University of California at Los Angeles; J.D., College of William and Mary
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Full-Time J.D. Required Curriculum as of October 2015
Most full-time students complete the required curriculum in the sequence listed below.
FIRST SEMESTER (Fall) Civil Procedure Contracts Criminal Law Research and Writing I
SECOND SEMESTER (Spring) Constitutional Law I Real Property Torts Research and Writing II
THIRD SEMESTER (Fall) Professional Responsibility
Total credit hours required: 88
Estimated time for completion: Three years (may be completed in 2.5 years by attending summer sessions)
See page 15 for area requirements.
The curriculum is subject to change.
“Stetson is a very special place. The relationship between students and faculty is truly unique. Students learn about how to actually be lawyers both inside and outside the classroom. One of the joys of my job has been getting to know students and watching them succeed in their careers.”
Associate Dean Michael P. Allen Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Law and Director, Veterans Law Institute; Co-Author, Federal Courts: Context, Cases and Problems and An Illustrated Guide to Civil Procedure B.A., University of Rochester; J.D., Columbia University
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Part-Time J.D. Required Curriculum effective Fall 2016
All part-time students are required to take classes at both the Gulfport campus and the Tampa Law Center.
FIRST FALL SEMESTER Contracts Torts
FIRST SPRING SEMESTER Real Property or Civil Procedure Research and Writing I
FIRST SUMMER SESSION Real Property or Civil Procedure
SECOND FALL SEMESTER Criminal Law Professional Responsibility Research and Writing II
SECOND SPRING SEMESTER Constitutional Law I
Total credit hours required: 88
Estimated part-time course load: 8-10 credit hours in fall and spring 4-5 credit hours in summer
Estimated time for completion: Four years, including summers (Students who meet certain academic and other criteria may apply to transfer to the full-time program in any semester after completing 28 credit hours.)
See page 15 for area requirements.
The curriculum is subject to change.
A wide-ranging and innovative curriculum that includes practical training and diverse electives.
The J.D. curriculum combines foundational courses in contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, professional responsibility, evidence, and legal research and writing, with area requirements and electives for a comprehensive educational experience.
J.D. students complete 88 credit hours and perform 60 hours of pro bono service to graduate. Full-time students spend the first year of their legal education completing most of the required curriculum. As second- and third-year students, you can tailor your legal education with a wide range of electives. Credits also may be earned through international programs, co-curricular activities and externships.
Stetson Law’s Academic Success Program is committed to assisting students in developing their academic skills. Our director is also a full-time faculty member dedicated to helping you adapt quickly to the academic demands of law school. Workshops and specialized guidance help advance your critical thinking skills.
Stetson’s Office of Bar Preparation Services is designed to assist students with every aspect of bar admission. Full-time staff attorneys provide individual counseling and group guidance on bar preparation. Students benefit from a personalized study plan and a full simulated exam, with review of their sample answers by bar preparation staff. Stetson alumni also provide coaching support to graduates taking the bar exam.
Stetson’s bar-passage rate among first-time takers has historically ranked well above the state average in Florida, and those who follow the Stetson bar study plan pass at significantly higher rates than those who don’t participate. Stetson Law graduates also have been successful in passing the bar examination in other states.
By the numbers:
rate in 2014
• 72.1% statewide average in…