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Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, near Orlando, FL., describes itself as "an independent, coeducational Catholic international institution of higher education, within the Judeo-Christian heritage and the tradition of St. Dominic." It offers both a full-time and a part-time law program. The law school went from provisional ABA approval to full ABA accreditation in 2006.
Contents
History
The University of Orlando, School of Law, is a respected institution of higher learning, established in 1993 and admitting its first class two years later in 1995. As part of the more prominent, private Catholic university Barry University located in Miami Shores, Florida, the School of Law has committed itself to providing a rigorous academic learning environment that challenges students to explore their intellectual, personal, ethical, spiritual, ecological and social responsibilities in an atmosphere of academic freedom.
The School of Law offers a wide range of degree programs designed to equip its graduates with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for success in the legal profession and other related fields. Through relevant courses such as legal writing and research, constitutional law, and legal ethics, graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact on the judicial system and society. Additionally, courses focusing on the environment and ecology have been added to the curriculum to help students become conscientious citizens who strive for a responsible relationship between humans and their natural surroundings.
Admissions
Students at Barry Law gain access to many resources that enable them to succeed in law school and beyond. With extensive library resources, hands-on clinical programs, and pro bono legal service opportunities, Barry Law is dedicated to developing well-rounded attorneys. The school also offers a wide array of student organizations and activities that provide unique opportunities for students to network and interact with each other in meaningful ways.
Looking for an outstanding education and an engaging community to call home? Look no further than Barry Law. Take the first step and apply today to join their family of legal professionals in Orlando! You won't regret it. If you're not sure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, then please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 147-149-152 | 148-150-152 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.95-3.24-3.51 | 2.91-3.21-3.53 |
| Acceptance rate | 53.8% | 60.2% |
| Applications received | 1431 | 1397 |
| Acceptances | 796 | 841 |
| Matriculants | 243 | 239 |
For the 2024 to 2025 admissions cycle at Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, the incoming class showed LSAT scores ranging from the 25th to 75th percentile at 148 to 150 to 152. The corresponding undergraduate GPA range was 2.91 to 3.21 to 3.53. The school received 1,397 applications for this cycle and offered admission to 841 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of 60.2 percent. Of those admitted, 239 ultimately enrolled as matriculants.
Application Date
Barry Law is a university that follows a rolling admissions policy and encourages promptly submitting applications as soon as all necessary requirements are fulfilled. In order to begin the application process for the Fall semester, students should apply by September 15th, with priority being given to those who submit their application by May 1st. Spring semester applicationsmust be submitted by March 1st, with priority given to those who submit by November 15th.
Admission Testing
Admission to Barry Law requires applicants to submit a valid Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. The LSAT is administered through the Law School Admission Council, and all applicants must register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service so their test score, transcripts, and recommendation letters can be processed together. Barry Law uses the LSAT as a core part of its admissions review, and recent entering classes typically fall within an LSAT range of 148 to 152 for the middle fifty percent of admitted students. While there’s no minimum LSAT score officially published, competitive applicants generally score within or above this range.
Admissions Policies / Decisions
The Admissions Committee evaluates all applications thoroughly upon receipt of a completed application, taking into account the LSAT score, GPA, and other factors such as the student's character and maturity. The LSAT is a standardized test created to measure aspects of mental and academic aptitude essential for the successful study of law; within certain bounds, it can be used as an effective indicator of a student's potential for success in the field. Grades earned in undergraduate courses are also considered when assessing applicants, as they can demonstrate not only a student's academic ability but also their persistence, self-discipline, and other qualities that may lead to success in law school.
Applicants who submit their applications by the deadline and meet the necessary criteria for admission, including good character and predicted likelihood of academic success, will generally be accepted to the School of Law. Once an applicant has been accepted, they must submit a seat deposit and an official transcript showing that they have earned their Bachelor's degree before enrollment can become finalized.
Student Employment
Students may feel the need to take on part-time employment while attending law school to pay for their education. However, the American Bar Association (ABA) demands that full-time students work at most 20 hours each week. Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas, School of Law, strongly advises against working outside of school during the first year of law school due to the intense learning requirements and time commitments associated with it.
Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas, School of Law, is fully approved by the Council of the Section for Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA). This program fulfills all criteria set forward by that organization. The ABA's office can be contacted at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, or by phone at 312-988-6738. All students enrolled in the program must adhere to ABA standards and policies.
Requirements
In order to apply to the School of Law, a prospective student must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution. This is vital, as the Department of Education only recognizes degree programs provided by approved agencies. The application process for admission into the school must be completed electronically via an online form and all relevant information should be included.
Personal Statement
The applicant must provide a comprehensive personal statement when submitting their electronic Application for Admission to Barry University School of Law. They highly value individuals who demonstrate diversity and a dedication to public service, which can be highlighted in the statement. The personal statement should range from 600 - 1,200 words and include details about any challenges that have been overcome, one’s motivation to attend law school, and any future goals once the degree has been awarded. Writing samples or other such material should not be attached to the application. However, applicants are free to attach a resume with their submission if they wish.
Character and Fitness
To become a lawyer in the United States, one must not only pass a bar examination but also fulfill specific character and fitness qualifications that vary from state to state. Many states employ a background investigation to ensure that individuals meet these requirements. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners takes this process particularly seriously and examines all applicants thoroughly to ensure they possess the necessary character and fitness for the bar.
To be eligible for admission, individuals must disclose all relevant information about their background and past incidents, including any criminal records or other issues that may impact their eligibility. Furthermore, if an individual has had any disciplinary action taken against them in the past, they must also disclose this information. It is important to note that the bar examiners are not necessarily looking for “perfect” individuals but rather those who demonstrate the proper character and fitness to practice law responsibly.
Tuition
For the 2025 to 2026 academic year, tuition and fees for the Juris Doctor program at Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law are approximately $43,150. Most students don’t pay the full amount out of pocket because the majority receive some form of financial aid or institutional scholarships. On average, about 82.4 percent of students are awarded grant assistance, with typical grant amounts around $16,000, which helps reduce the overall cost of attendance for many incoming and continuing law students.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025 to 2026 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for a full-time student at Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is approximately $72,636. This estimate reflects the full financial picture of attending law school for one year, including tuition, academic fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. It provides a realistic budget for students planning their first year in the JD program.
Because most students receive financial assistance, the actual out-of-pocket cost is often lower than the full cost of attendance. With the average institutional grant around $16,000, many students see their effective annual cost reduced to about $56,636, depending on individual eligibility. This lowered amount helps students better manage the financial side of law school while focusing on their academic and professional preparation.
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $43,150 |
| Living Expenses (housing, meals, utilities) | $29,486 |
| Books and Supplies | Included in total estimate |
| Other Expenses (transportation, personal, miscellaneous) | Included in total estimate |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $72,636 |
| Typical Net Cost After Average Grant | $56,636 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid options are also available through the school's Office of Student Financial Services to help students cover tuition and other expenses associated with attending Barry University's School of Law. The office works closely with students to assist with loans, grants, and scholarships. With the help of financial aid, students can make their legal education more affordable and attainable.
At Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, students are offered an unparalleled legal education, access to world-class faculty, and a vibrant law school community. The school strives to provide an excellent legal education at an affordable rate, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pursue a law degree in Florida. With its low tuition rates and generous financial aid options, the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law provides students an excellent opportunity to become successful lawyers and make their mark on the legal profession.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the class of 2024, reported in early 2025, Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law recorded a wide range of employment outcomes. Out of 196 graduates, 137 secured full-time employment and 17 secured part-time employment within the reporting period. These numbers represent a notable share of the graduating class entering the workforce soon after completing their JD program. Many of these roles were positions that required a JD or provided a strong legal foundation, including law firms, public service agencies, and other law-related sectors.
Employment type percentages show that 27.1 percent of graduates entered public service roles, making it one of the most common career paths for Barry Law graduates. Approximately 20.3 percent joined small law firms, 14.4 percent joined regional law firms, and 8.9 percent were hired by national law firms. A very small portion, around 0.4 percent, secured federal clerkships. These employment distributions highlight the school’s strong placement into public service and smaller private-practice settings.
On the licensing side, Barry Law’s first-time bar passage rate stood at 52.76 percent. Out of 163 first-time test takers, 86 passed the bar exam on their first attempt. This rate reflects the ongoing challenge many law graduates face when transitioning from academic preparation to bar examination requirements.
Academics
Barry Law has a typical first-year section size of around 105 students. The school has a 15.1:1 student-faculty ratio. Students claim to enjoy small class sizes and easy access to the 61 full- and part-time faculty members. All students at Barry must complete 90 semester hours of study with requisite first-year courses of civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, torts, and two legal research and writing classes. Students also must take specific upper-division courses, including business organizations, con law, crim pro, evidence, and professional responsibility.
Juris Doctor (JD)
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law offers an advanced and well-rounded program to prepare students for law practice in the 21st century. The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is awarded upon completing 90 semester hours of study in various core legal topics. This includes understanding and practicing legal codes while also developing skills in communication and analysis. The law school's experienced faculty utilizes traditional teaching methods and innovative approaches such as simulations and role-playing. Writing courses are also a requirement to hone students' writing abilities and further sharpen their legal insights. Seminars and advanced courses provide a more interactive platform for student engagement with the professors. All of these features combine to make Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law a comprehensive and well-rounded law school that will prepare students for successful legal practice. The program provides the knowledge, skills, and experience required to face 21st-century challenges with confidence.
Experiential Courses
Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law requires all JD students entering from Fall 2015 onward to complete at least 6 credit hours of experiential courses before graduation. These courses are designed to help students become practice-ready by blending legal theory with real-world application. Through clinics, externships, and hands-on skills courses, students build practical abilities in client representation, advocacy, negotiation, legal drafting, dispute resolution, and courtroom performance. Most experiential opportunities are available beginning in the second or third year, once foundational courses are completed.
Barry Law offers a wide spectrum of experiential-learning options across three main categories: skills courses, externships, and in-house clinics. Skills courses help students develop essential writing, advocacy, and drafting abilities. Externships place students directly into government offices, non-profits, law firms, or judicial chambers. Clinics allow students, under supervision, to represent real clients in areas such as juvenile defense, immigration, environmental protection, and family law. Together, these experiential offerings give students structured, supervised practice that strengthens their professional readiness.
Clinical Programs
Barry University School of Law, provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a legal career through its Clinical Programs. The Law School's emphasis on experiential learning allows students to enhance their legal education by gaining practical, hands-on experience through clinical programs, externships, and other related activities. In addition to providing valuable opportunities for their students, the Clinical Programs offer a service to the community by providing free legal services in areas such as immigration law, family law, and civil rights. Through these programs, their students gain invaluable experience supplemented with classroom instruction and other activities, allowing them to develop their skills and knowledge even more. The Barry University School of Law Clinical Programs gives students a unique opportunity to gain the necessary experience and make a real difference in their communities.
The clinical program offered by Barry University School of Law is an excellent way for law students to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for success after graduation. It is an essential part of their legal education that allows us to serve their communities and make a real difference. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced faculty, private attorneys, and judges dedicated to helping students succeed in their legal careers.
In-House Clinics
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law provides an array of in-house clinics to assist students in their legal studies. These clinics allow students to gain real-world experience while interacting with clients and experiencing firsthand the practice of law.
The Juvenile Defense Clinic is designed for those interested in advocating for juvenile defendants charged with delinquency or criminal offenses in the juvenile justice system. The Collaborative Family Law Clinic allows students to practice collaborative law, an alternative to litigating family disputes.
In addition, the Environmental and Earth Law Clinic provides a unique opportunity for law students to learn about issues such as climate change and water conservation. In contrast, the Immigration Clinic provides students with experience in all facets of immigration law, from asylum to deportation defense. Finally, the Bankruptcy Clinic provides students with the necessary practice and knowledge on handling debt restructuring and bankruptcy cases.
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is committed to providing its students with comprehensive legal education. The in-house clinics available are an excellent way for students to gain real-world legal experience. For those interested in participating in these unique opportunities, it is essential to note that all of these clinics are open to both full-time and part-time law students.
Externship Programs
The Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law offers an externship program that allows 2L and 3L students to practice the law as Certified Legal Interns in government, non-profit, and public sector offices in Florida or any other part of the world. This experience provides students with a unique opportunity to gain practical legal experience and be exposed to various legal systems.
The externship program consists of both placements and a weekly seminar. Placements may involve criminal prosecution, criminal defense, civil poverty law, civil government law, or any other specialty the student is interested in. During their placement, students could be assigned tasks like preparing legal documents, interviewing witnesses, or even trying actual life criminal and civil cases. Similarly, the weekly seminar is designed to give students the practical knowledge they need to become successful bar members.
Externships are an invaluable experience for law school students and help them gain professional skills. The Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law externship program offers students a comprehensive and challenging experience that provides the perfect foundation for their future careers.
Quality of Life
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is situated off the beaten path, surrounded by lush, green scenery and a quiet atmosphere perfect for legal studies. While there is no on-campus housing for law students, it's easy to find affordable rental apartments close by, allowing students to commute to their classes conveniently. The law school has a cutting-edge library with the latest legal research technology. It also houses advanced computer labs for its students' studies and research.
Barry University's law school provides a supportive atmosphere for its students, offering career planning and counseling services to guide them throughout their studies. Additionally, the school hosts student organizations and clubs to promote networking opportunities. These extracurricular activities provide an excellent platform for students to build relationships with mentors and professors, which can be incredibly beneficial as they progress in their legal careers.
These resources combined create the ideal environment for law students at Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. With all the resources and support available to its students, Barry University provides an excellent foundation for legal studies. It is no surprise that many aspiring lawyers pursue their studies here.
The vibrant city of Orlando offers plenty of other activities for law students when they want to take a break from studying. Tourist attractions such as Disney World and Sea World are close by, while fans of NBA basketball can support the Orlando Magic. There's no shortage of fun to be had in this vibrant city.
For those looking for an exceptional legal education combined with a beautiful setting and plenty of recreational activities, Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is a perfect choice. With its expert faculty and staff, cutting-edge facilities, and diverse student body, it provides the ideal environment for aspiring lawyers to learn and grow.
The law school is proud of its rich history; it has produced great legal minds since 1978. Alums have gone on to successful careers in government, private practice, civil service, and the judiciary. The school continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in legal education.
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is an ideal choice for those pursuing a career in law. Its fabulous resources, supportive atmosphere, and access to all that Orlando offers make it the perfect place for students to learn and grow.
Housing
Living in a residence hall while attending Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law provides students with an array of opportunities to learn and develop academically and socially. Research indicates that these students are more likely to graduate on time with higher grades than those who live off-campus due to their unique living experiences.
On-campus living also provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and become friends with people worldwide. The diversity of backgrounds found in residence halls allows students to learn about different cultures, beliefs, and mindsets that they can bring into their legal studies and, eventually, their professional lives.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the various resources available while living in dorms, including participating in student organizations and events. Living on campus provides students with an environment conducive to studying, learning, and developing as legal professionals. It also allows them to engage more deeply in the university community while widening their social circle.
Living on campus at Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is an experience that will further enhance your academic career and create lifelong memories with friends from across the globe. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to grow in your legal studies and broaden your horizons.
Contact Information
Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
6441 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
(321) 206-5683
krupert@mail.barry.edu
www.barry.edu/law/
Summary
| Established | 1999 |
| Location | Orlando, FL |
| Dean | Leticia Diaz |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 178th-195th |
| LSAT Median Score | 150 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.21 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 52.8% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | "$43,150 full-time,
$32,826 part-time" |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
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Reference
Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Orlando, Florida
https://www.barry.edu/en/academics/law/
LSD Law
Ranked #178-195
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