Jacksonville University launches College of Law at its downtown location
Jacksonville University will open a College of Law in downtown Jacksonville in the fall of 2022 supported by private funding and a $5 million commitment of public investment from Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
The College of Law anticipates an inaugural class of 20-30 students with a projected total enrollment of 150 students in Fall 2024. It will offer a three-year Juris Doctor degree program that is designed to prepare graduates for the Florida Bar exam.
“We are proud to partner once again with Mayor Curry and the City of Jacksonville to propel northeast Florida toward a stronger future,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost.
The Jacksonville University College of Law is the state’s first new law school in more than 20 years. It is Jacksonville University’s fifth college and fifth doctoral program.
“Jacksonville is currently the largest city in the U.S. that does not have a law school,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “This College of Law will offer a prime opportunity for current residents and serve as a magnet to attract talent back into our city and our downtown.”
Students will take courses at the university’s Downtown Jacksonville location in the VyStar Tower. The Duval County Courthouse and its extensive legal library are within a 10-minute walk, as are numerous legal organizations where students will secure externships and mentorship opportunities.
All applicants will be considered for merit scholarships, up to $14,400 per year, based on their transcripts from previous institutions and LSAT scores. No additional application is needed for merit scholarship consideration.
“Jacksonville University continually earns the support of the community and its alumni base which will ensure the success and prominence of the university’s law school graduates,” said Michelle Barnett, partner of Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, and immediate past president of the Jacksonville Bar Association.
Consistent with accreditation protocol dictated by the American Bar Association (ABA), the Jacksonville University College of Law will start classes in 2022 and will begin the accreditation process in the spring of 2023 with the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admission to the ABA. The University anticipates achieving conditional approval of accreditation by the time the first class of students graduates in 2024.
Jacksonville University is fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The University holds nine accreditations from national organizations serving business, healthcare, the arts, nursing and orthodontics.
The University is now accepting applications for the College of Law. For more information and to apply, visit www.ju.edu/law.
By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News
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