Florida Law Schools Forum

[Shazam21]

I just had a general question about Florida law schools.

Outside of the Top 4 Schools in FL (Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Stetson), are any of the lesser school worth the price of admission (Nova Southeastern, Florida International, Florida Coastal, St. Thomas, Barry, etc.)?

[TTH]

No.

[isaiah6v8]

Still may not be worth it, but I have heard that FIU is doing some good things. Stetson, likely does not rank with those other three unless you want to work in Tampa or surrounding.

[darknightbegins]

Yeah I think the top three are certainly USF, UF and Miami. To pay sticker for Miami seems a bit pricey considering the school, though I read their tax law is pretty good and well...it is Miami. But if you are an out of state person I guess it would not be a whole lot more than paying out of state for USF and UF. Anyone know if you can get residency for USF and UF after first year without working?

[ealvar01]

FIU is worth a look. It's still a young school (I think it graduated its first class in 2003), but it is very in expensive for FL residents, located in Miami and boasts a 90% Bar passage rate. I probably wouldn't go there over UFL or FSU, but it is definitely worth checking out if you're considering UM and are worried about the price.

[Grizz]

I just had a general question about Florida law schools.

Outside of the Top 4 Schools in FL (Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Stetson), are any of the lesser school worth the price of admission (Nova Southeastern, Florida International, Florida Coastal, St. Thomas, Barry, etc.)?

Miami and Stetson are probably not even worth sticker.

[Cupidity]

No is TCR

I know people at all these schools, they will never work as lawyers.

[swflgirl]

I currently live in Florida and love it so I want to go to law school in Florida and practice in florida. My top two choices are Stetson and Miami. I haven't even considered uf or fsu because I don't really want to live in a totally college town. I am 36 years old. I am not interested as many people are, in getting into one of the t14 schools because I don't want to live in any of those places. So if you knew you wanted to stay in Florida when it was all over what would be the top 3 choices. Am I understanding correctly that Miami's program is not worth the price tag What school in Florida is worth the price tag?

[Sky'stheLimit]

UFL.... USF....

Goddddddd

[scribelaw]

Blatant Stetson trolling.

[arl07]

I am currently an UG at Florida State. If anyone has any questions about the campus and Tallahassee (I have lived here my entire life) please feel free to ask! GO NOLES!

[Grizz]

I currently live in Florida and love it so I want to go to law school in Florida and practice in florida. My top two choices are Stetson and Miami. I haven't even considered uf or fsu because I don't really want to live in a totally college town. I am 36 years old. I am not interested as many people are, in getting into one of the t14 schools because I don't want to live in any of those places. So if you knew you wanted to stay in Florida when it was all over what would be the top 3 choices. Am I understanding correctly that Miami's program is not worth the price tag What school in Florida is worth the price tag?

Some would say no school outside HYSCCN is worth sticker. In FL, try to go for UF (best in FL) or FSU (close second). In-state tuition is worth the money. I know you don't want to be in a college town, but these are the clear bests in Florida.

[lawduder]

I wouldn't recommend paying sticker at anywhere other than FSU/UF.

[Sky'stheLimit]

No is TCR5

I know people at all these schools, they will never work as lawyers.

As is the case with every law school.... Yes, even Yale grads will go into academia, consulting, etc and never work as lawyers.

"I know people at all these schools..." is pretty open ended. He could know students ranked in the bottom 10% of their class, or he could know students that have no desire to "work as lawyers", etc any of which will result in them never practicing as attorneys. (though I bet someone could argue that there is still hope for one in the bottom 10%)

If your dream is to be an attorney, pick the best option for law school available to you. Be mindful of your debt, and have realistic expectations as a graduate of that school. I didn't crush the LSAT, and I don't have a 4.0 GPA, but barring any life-changing decisions, I promise you I will practice law, and if that's your goal, you will too.

PS i know an attorney, who was Valedictorian of her class, that graduated FIU who went on to clerk for a judge in Miami with 3 other T6 graduates. I also know an attorney who graduated in her same class, in the top 5 (students not %), that is now an attorney at Holland & Knight. These aren't realistic expectation, as these individuals are outliers, but nevertheless this sort of success is a remote possibility if your dream is to practice law.

[Sky'stheLimit]

Blatant Stetson trolling.

If you're referring to my comment, then wow. Google UFL Law or USF Law...

otherwise disregard

[Cupidity]

No is TCR5

I know people at all these schools, they will never work as lawyers.

As is the case with every law school.... Yes, even Yale grads will go into academia, consulting, etc and never work as lawyers.

"I know people at all these schools..." is pretty open ended. He could know students ranked in the bottom 10% of their class, or he could know students that have no desire to "work as lawyers", etc any of which will result in them never practicing as attorneys. (though I bet someone could argue that there is still hope for one in the bottom 10%)

If your dream is to be an attorney, pick the best option for law school available to you. Be mindful of your debt, and have realistic expectations as a graduate of that school. I didn't crush the LSAT, and I don't have a 4.0 GPA, but barring any life-changing decisions, I promise you I will practice law, and if that's your goal, you will too.

PS i know an attorney, who was Valedictorian of her class, that graduated FIU who went on to clerk for a judge in Miami with 3 other T6 graduates. I also know an attorney who graduated in her same class, in the top 5 (students not %), that is now an attorney at Holland & Knight. These aren't realistic expectation, as these individuals are outliers, but nevertheless this sort of success is a remote possibility if your dream is to practice law.

I know students in the top 10% at Stetson, Coastal, Ave, and FIU. They all want to slit their wrists because none of them, not even the 3L's can find work. If Florida is your place, FSU or UF are the only real options.

[scribelaw]

No is TCR5

I know people at all these schools, they will never work as lawyers.

As is the case with every law school.... Yes, even Yale grads will go into academia, consulting, etc and never work as lawyers.

"I know people at all these schools..." is pretty open ended. He could know students ranked in the bottom 10% of their class, or he could know students that have no desire to "work as lawyers", etc any of which will result in them never practicing as attorneys. (though I bet someone could argue that there is still hope for one in the bottom 10%)

If your dream is to be an attorney, pick the best option for law school available to you. Be mindful of your debt, and have realistic expectations as a graduate of that school. I didn't crush the LSAT, and I don't have a 4.0 GPA, but barring any life-changing decisions, I promise you I will practice law, and if that's your goal, you will too.

PS i know an attorney, who was Valedictorian of her class, that graduated FIU who went on to clerk for a judge in Miami with 3 other T6 graduates. I also know an attorney who graduated in her same class, in the top 5 (students not %), that is now an attorney at Holland & Knight. These aren't realistic expectation, as these individuals are outliers, but nevertheless this sort of success is a remote possibility if your dream is to practice law.

I know students in the top 10% at Stetson, Coastal, Ave, and FIU. They all want to slit their wrists because none of them, not even the 3L's can find work. If Florida is your place, FSU or UF are the only real options.

This. Absolutely this. If you can't get in to FSU or UF, don't go to law school in Florida. Miami is a valid option if you know for 100 percent certain you want to be in South Florida the rest of your life and get good scholly $$ (at which point, you probably have numbers to get into UF/FSU).

[scribelaw]

Blatant Stetson trolling.

If you're referring to my comment, then wow. Google UFL Law or USF Law...

otherwise disregard

No -- I meant the OP was a Stetson troll, for the way he framed this thread with the BS about the "top 4" law schools, trying to group Stetson with UF, FSU and UM.

[Sky'stheLimit]

Blatant Stetson trolling.

If you're referring to my comment, then wow. Google UFL Law or USF Law...

otherwise disregard

No -- I meant the OP was a Stetson troll, for the way he framed this thread with the BS about the "top 4" law schools, trying to group Stetson with UF, FSU and UM.

My appologies Scribelaw

[Mickey Quicknumbers]

I'd like to mirror what has already been said in this thread. FSU and UF's dirt cheap in state tuition make them viable options. Miami and Stetson carry some level of respect but are not nearly worth the price tag, and FIU, Nova, Ave Maria, Barry, and FAMU are some of the worst law schools in the nation.

[swflgirl]

Thanks for the advice. I am new to the forum and have only recently made the decision to apply to law school. I am looking to the forum for help in doing my research. I appreciate the advice. What is wrong with Stetson? Keep in mind, I do want to live in Florida and I am not really looking to practice Biglaw. I had thought Miami would be a good choice because of all the city has to offer. I currently live in Ft. Myers which has almost nothing to offer except for a very relaxed way of life. I am from the North and did my undergrad at SMU in Dallas.

[Grizz]

Thanks for the advice. I am new to the forum and have only recently made the decision to apply to law school. I am looking to the forum for help in doing my research. I appreciate the advice. What is wrong with Stetson? Keep in mind, I do want to live in Florida and I am not really looking to practice Biglaw. I had thought Miami would be a good choice because of all the city has to offer. I currently live in Ft. Myers which has almost nothing to offer except for a very relaxed way of life. I am from the North and did my undergrad at SMU in Dallas.

Stetson is not a good choice because it is an inferior law school (in terms of prestige and rankings), plus it is expensive. Also it has a very limited regional market (mainly Tampa). It's not the best choice because you could go to FSU or UF for less money with better job prospects. If you were to go to Stetson, plan to be top 10% or possibly marginally employed upon graduation and saddled with large debt.

Miami isn't bad, but it's fairly regional and expensive. If you could get money, it could be worth it. However, if you have the scores to get money, why not go to UF? It's more portable in the state, if plans to stay in Miami fall through.

[swflgirl]

Thanks for the advice. I am new to the forum and have only recently made the decision to apply to law school. I am looking to the forum for help in doing my research. I appreciate the advice. What is wrong with Stetson? Keep in mind, I do want to live in Florida and I am not really looking to practice Biglaw. I had thought Miami would be a good choice because of all the city has to offer. I currently live in Ft. Myers which has almost nothing to offer except for a very relaxed way of life. I am from the North and did my undergrad at SMU in Dallas.

Stetson is not a good choice because it is an inferior law school (in terms of prestige and rankings), plus it is expensive. Also it has a very limited regional market (mainly Tampa). It's not the best choice because you could go to FSU or UF for less money with better job prospects. If you were to go to Stetson, plan to be top 10% or possibly marginally employed upon graduation and saddled with large debt.

Miami isn't bad, but it's fairly regional and expensive. If you could get money, it could be worth it. However, if you have the scores to get money, why not go to UF? It's more portable in the state, if plans to stay in Miami fall through.

Thank you very much!

[gradKK]

1st post ever on here. ok, first of all--obviously, if u recognize my writing--its me!!
I see all the FIU bashing on here. I'm an undergrad right now at FIU. I used to hate it, now I love it. I spoke to a lawyer--young gun--UM grad. He said that FIU grads are being hired by law firms. So, if you get only into FIU, go for it! My first choice in-state is UF. I've heared some stories about people getting accepted to both UF, and FSU; yet, ended up in Florida State. I can't explain their decision. However, Florida State is a great school, people in Tallahassee are amazing, I always have a great time up there. The Campus is beautiful, and Tallahassee is our capital. UF pretty much has everything else going for it. I'd love to attend either one. I was told to consider UM, I don't feel like it's a choice--but maybe (no haters here). I don't know to much about Stetson, the pictures look nice. If you get 160-165 stay in-state (UF, FSU). Anything lower FIU is 1st choice. Good Luck--and do your best, it's not an easy ride.

[gdane]

I went to FIU for undergrad. I would say that one should consider FIU if they are Instate and Instate only. Contrary to what people say, UM is king around here. It seems like UM grads rule this place and this includes law grads. If you want to stay in Miami, go to UM. If you feel that UM will leave you with a lot of debt go to FIU since Instate tuition costs roughly a 1/4th of what it would cost at UM. However, FIU is still a fairly new school and a lot of grads find themselves employed in mediocre fields.

One girl that I went to UG with and is going to be a 3L is going to work for a "Ticket Clinic". Garbage in my opinion. Im not sure too many people want to work at one of these places. If you want to work in Biglaw or clerk for a judge, go to UM. But understand that you will graduate with a lot of debt. If you want to graduate with relatively little debt, go to FIU, but be warned to keep your employment options open.

Good luck!