Florida’s First Law School | Founded in 1900 | Tampa Bay, Florida
Fall 2017
STETSON LAW: WHERE LAW STUDENTS BECOME GREAT LAWYERS If you are ready for a superior legal education that prepares you to succeed as a lawyer and leader with ethics and professionalism, I invite you to consider Stetson as your law school.
Dean Pietruszkiewicz
Stetson Law is ranked #1 in Trial Advocacy and #4 in Legal Writing by U.S. News & World Report. Stetson also is a leader in Elder Law, Environmental Law, International Law, Veterans Law and more.
Practical experience is a tradition at Stetson. Stetson Law leads the nation in blending legal doctrine with practical training and was the first law school in Florida to open an in-house clinic. Today, more than 400 clinic and externship opportunities are available for our students. Our students gain real-world experience by appearing in court representing real clients in real cases under the supervision of a practicing attorney. I invite you to join a law school that offers real legal experience and a rigorous curriculum. With more than 45 student organizations, see for yourself why students describe Stetson as a warm and welcoming environment. I hope to see you on campus.
Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz Dean and Professor of Law
BY THE NUMBERS
Total J.D. Students
STETSON PROFILE 2017 Entering Class Entering Class 75th percentile Median 25th percentile
37 Part-time
118 Part-time 676 Full-time
25.19%
233 Full-time
LSAT 157 155 152
GPA 3.56 3.34 3.10
54.07%
26 STATES 25.19% minority in the Fall 2017 J.D. entering class
77
54.07% female in the Fall 2017 J.D. entering class
undergraduate colleges and universities represented
87.6% $42,326 full-time 2017–18 fall/spring tuition
Data as of August 21, 2017
represented in Fall 2017 J.D. entering class, plus one foreign country
new J.D. students receiving scholarships
$36,833
part-time 2017–18 fall/spring/summer tuition (Summer session is required for part-time students.)
Today’s legal profession wants graduates who know the law and are
READY TO
PRACTICE STETSON has known this for
117
years
LAW FIRMS are demanding practice-ready graduates. Stetson Law
has been doing this from its beginning in 1900 with its first trial advocacy course. Beyond Stetson’s required curriculum, you can prepare for the practice and build relationships with mentors in a variety of ways: • Participate in Stetson’s championship Dispute Resolution Board, Trial Team or Moot Court Board • Complete at least 60 hours of pro bono service to graduate • Work with your professors on research and service projects to begin building your network with leading attorneys • Compete in intramural competitions for opening statements, closing arguments or full trials • Serve as a student editor for one of Stetson’s four academic law journals • Participate in Stetson’s Student Leadership program
“Stetson provided me with a well-rounded and worthwhile law school experience. Between thought-provoking academic courses, practical legal externships and engaging student organizations, I had numerous opportunities to develop the skills needed to advance my legal career.” Lane Cryar ’14 Honors Attorney, Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.
#1 NATION’S BEST IN
ADVOCACY Stetson Law has been ranked first in the nation for Trial Advocacy by U.S. News & World Report
19
TIMES
STETSON LAW long ago set the standard for excellence in advocacy education. The Stetson Law community is 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 to do the right thing. At Stetson Law, you will examine legal theory, review best practices, and understand the professional responsibilities required of lawyers. You will learn the tools to research the law effectively, communicate clearly, persuade successfully, and represent clients ethically from the pretrial stages through the final appellate argument.
“If you are serious about finding your own unique voice as an advocate for others, then let me welcome you to a place where you will immediately feel at home. Professors, attorneys and students all find opportunities for developing their advocacy skills here, and I am sure that you will, too.� Charles H. Rose III Director, Center for Excellence in Advocacy; Professor of Excellence in Trial Advocacy
AWARD-WINNING ADVOCATES Since 1980, Stetson University College of Law has won:
5 World (International) Championships 69 National Championships 80 Regional Championships 45 State Championships 55 Brief Awards 149 Best Oralist/Best Advocate Awards (including Best Direct
Examination, Best Cross Examination and Best Chair)
5 19
Professionalism Awards, including Spirit of Jessup Award and four Most Professional Awards Number of times Stetson has been ranked #1 in Advocacy by U.S. News & World Report
REACH YOUR
POTENTIAL
AS A LEADER AND PROFESSIONAL
MORE THAN 45 student organizations at Stetson Law provide
tremendous opportunities to develop leadership skills. You’ll find one that is right for you. Also, experience an expansive selection of programs, distinguished guest lecturers, workshops, events, clinics and extracurricular activities.
STETSON LAW STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY-WIDE ORGANIZATIONS • American Bar Association – Law Student Division (ABA/LSD) • Calvin A. Kuenzel Student Bar Association (SBA) • Stetson Ambassadors • Student Leadership Development Committee STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS • American Constitution Society • Amnesty International – Stetson Chapter • Asian American Law Student Association (AALSA) • Black Law Students Association (BLSA) • Business Law Society (BLS) • Child Advocates of Stetson Law • Christian Legal Society (CLS) • Dream Defenders • Education Law Association • Elder Law Society • Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Society (EASL) • Environmental Law Society (ELS) • Family Law Society • Federal Bar Association • Federalist Society • Florida Association of Women Lawyers at Stetson (FAWLS) • Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Law Student Division • Food Law Society • Health Care Law Association (HCLA)
• Hispanic Bar Association (HBA) • Immigration Law Student Association • Innocence Initiative: Reform and Education Division • Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) • International Law Society (ILS) • Investment and Finance Law Association • Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) • Labor & Employment Law Association • Lambda Legal Society • Maritime Law Society • National Organization for Women • Part-Time Student Society • Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) • Phi Delta Phi • The Pillars • Public Service Fellows (PSF) • Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the FL Bar: Stetson Law Chapter (RPPTL) • Second Amendment Society • Stetson Law Democrats • Stetson Law Parents • Stetson Law Republicans • Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) • Student Veteran’s Organization (SVO) • Student Wellness Society • Tax Law Society
“The practical, theoretical and experiential knowledge I gained from Stetson Law has enabled me to spread my wings in the legal arena in ways I could not have fathomed before beginning law school. This knowledge, and the passion for public interest Stetson cultivated in me, has allowed me to pursue international public law in Africa with a complete confidence that has been unlocked through my legal education.” Jessica Falkner ’14 The International Justice Mission Legal Fellow, Kampala Field Office, Uganda
“I am privileged to be able to coach, mentor and travel with students to Vienna and Hong Kong as part of our international commercial law moot court program.” Joseph F. Morrissey Professor of Law and co-author, “International Sales Law & Arbitration: Problems, Cases and Commentary”
ACADEMICS
The evolving legal profession demands well-educated, skilled and accomplished law graduates. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING has been Stetson’s strength for MORE THAN A CENTURY AT STETSON LAW, you will find a comprehensive J.D. curriculum that features more than 60 skills electives, 400-plus clinic and externship opportunities, and five J.D. certificate of concentration programs. You may specialize your degree by pursuing a J.D./M.B.A., J.D./LL.M. in Advocacy, or continue on to earn an LL.M. degree in Advocacy, Elder Law or International Law from Stetson.
REQUIRED J.D. COURSES Civil Procedure Constitutional Law I Contracts Criminal Law Evidence Real Property Research and Writing I Research and Writing II Professional Responsibility Torts For more information about area requirements and electives, visit stetson.edu/law/academics.
TYPICAL DURATION Full-Time: Three Years Part-Time: Four Years (including summer sessions)
Professor Nina L. Hayden Professor of Practice and Director of Academic Success and Bar Prep Services To graduate, you will complete 88 credit hours and perform 60 hours of pro bono service. Full-time Stetson Law students spend the first year of their legal education completing most of the required curriculum. Part-time students attend classes in the evenings and typically take eight to 10 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, and five to seven credit hours each summer session. There are breaks between each academic session. The estimated time for completion is four years, including summer sessions. As a first-year student, you can adapt quickly to the academic demands of law school through the Academic Success Program, which offers workshops in time management, note-taking strategies and exam preparation. You’ll quickly discover that your greatest resource will be your Stetson faculty, which includes Supreme Court advocates, prolific authors and accomplished attorneys. These scholars not only love teaching, but many actively involve their students in research and service projects. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you will find mentors to last a lifetime while building valuable connections in the legal community.
CHART YOUR LEGAL CAREER Beyond Stetson’s wide-ranging curriculum, you can tailor your legal education through one of the following programs: ▪▪CERTIFICATES OF CONCENTRATION • Advocacy • Elder Law • Environmental Law • International Law • Social Justice Advocacy ▪▪DUAL AND JOINT DEGREES • J.D./LL.M. in Advocacy • J.D./M.B.A. from Stetson’s School of Business Administration • J.D./M.I.N.T.E.C. in International Economic Law from the University of Toulouse, France • J.D./M.E.B.L. in European Business Law from the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain
Above: Rich McKay speaks with students on campus.
“My legal training at Stetson has helped me tremendously in being prepared to make decisions today as a president in the NFL.” Rich McKay ’84
President, Atlanta Falcons; Past General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers B.A., Princeton University; J.D., Stetson University
▪▪INTERNATIONAL STUDY • Summer abroad in England, The Netherlands, Spain • Fall intersession in the Cayman Islands • Spring break in Cuba • Foreign exchange with the University of Granada, Spain; Comillas Pontifical University, Spain; Université Toulouse 1, Capitole, France; University of East Anglia, England; University College Dublin, Ireland; and Victoria University, Australia ▪▪LL.M. DEGREES • LL.M. in Advocacy (online) • LL.M. in Elder Law (online) • LL.M. in International Law ▪▪ACADEMIC JOURNALS • Stetson Law Review • Journal of International Aging Law and Policy • Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy • Stetson Journal for Advocacy and the Law
Professor of Legal Skills Lance N. Long’s classes focus on research and writing, and environmental advocacy.
Associate Professor of Law Ciara Torres-Spelliscy has testified before Congress and state and local legislative bodies as an expert on campaign finance reform.
AT STETSON, you’ll learn firsthand how to apply law by participating in one of approximately 30 clinic and externship programs offered at more than 60 hosting organizations. Organizations include state and federal courts, government agencies, corporations, law firms and legal aid groups. A clinic allows you to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. You also may interview clients and witnesses, write motions and advocate in hearings and trials.
An externship allows you to observe and participate in the activities of your host organization and experience how the law is applied on a daily basis. Your work may include reviewing documents, conducting research and writing memoranda of law.
HANDS-ON LEGAL EXPERIENCE Greg T. Barton, ’12, pictured at right when he was a Stetson Law student at the Public Defender Clinic. Barton is currently an attorney in Youngstown, Ohio.
EXTERNSHIPS & CLINICS American/Caribbean Law Externship Bankruptcy Externship Bankruptcy Judicial Externship Child Advocacy Clinic Civil Elder Law Clinic Civil Legal Services Clinic Elder and Disability Law Externship Environmental Law Externship Family Law Externship Federal Judicial Externship Federal Litigation Externship 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 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 Veterans Advocacy Clinic (In-House)
“My Stetson externship experience equipped me with the practical and communication skills every law student needs to become a successful attorney. The externship gave me more than just a worthwhile law student experience; it helped land me my dream job: Judicial Law Clerk for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.” Darnesha Carter ’16 Judicial Law Clerk, The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
STETSON LAW IS A
MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOL Serving those who serve us “At Stetson, we take pride in the large number of military veterans who make up our student body. Their insight and experience make them valuable and dynamic members of the Stetson family.” Associate Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox Director of Stetson’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic, and former Army Major and JAG Officer
• Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program • Student Veterans Organization, a chapter of the Student Veterans of America • Veterans Advocacy Clinic • Veterans Law Institute • Veterans Pro Bono Initiative
STETSON’S
SOCI
OUR ABILITY TO VALUE AND RESPECT HUMAN DIGNITY, to understand diverse cultural differences, and to raise the quality of life is what defines us as a socially just society. As lawyers, our unique abilities, talents and experience allow us the opportunity to improve the quality of individual lives. Stetson has a long history of commitment to social justice. These beliefs are woven into the very fabric of our educational mission. Stetson was one of the first law schools in the nation to establish a pro bono service requirement for graduation.
COMMITMENT TO
AL JUSTICE Professor Judith A.M. Scully focuses on issues related to pro bono service, diversity, inclusivity, public service and professionalism. She is faculty advisor to a number of social justice student organizations.
Our hope is that each of our graduating students carries with them a lifelong commitment to social justice. Not only does Stetson Law offer a certificate of concentration in Social Justice Advocacy, there are a number of student organizations working to close the justice gap, including the Innocence Initiative, the Pillars, the Street Law Program and the Dream Defenders.
EMPLOYMENT Class of 2016, status as of August 2017 294 total graduates* 294 graduates whose employment status is known** 4 pursuing graduate degree full-time 273 employed 170 employed/bar passage required 82 employed/J.D. advantage 2 employed/professional Employment Type*** 138 law firms 65 business and industry 47 government 11 public interest (including public defender) 8 judicial clerkship (federal, state, other) 4 academia * Stetson’s Class of 2016 consists of those who graduated in December 2015, May 2016 and July 2016. ** All graduate employment status is as of April 7, 2017, and reported to the American Bar Association in the required format. For more information regarding Stetson’s post-graduation employment rates, visit stetson.edu/ law. *** Of the 273 employed. For more information, visit http://employmentsummary.abaquestionnaire.org.
WHERE ARE STETSON ALUMNI?
Florida: 76%
100-199 alumni
25-49 alumni
75-99 alumni
10-24 alumni
50-74 alumni
fewer than 10 alumni
Stetson Law has alumni in 48 states, D.C., U.S.V.I. and Puerto Rico, + 55 countries
CAREER DEVE L OPMENT SERVICES At Stetson Law, we know your first job after law school is a big step. Stetson Law’s Career Development team will provide you with the services, support and tools you need to help you reach your personal career objectives. We are here to help employers find you, and help you launch the career you want.
CAREER SERVICES INCLUDE: • Individual counseling, mentoring and group workshops • Career strategy, planning and coaching • Job search materials preparation and publishing guidance • A robust practice interview program
• Communication, outreach, decision-making help • On campus recruiting — one of our most popular and successful signature programs Stetson’s innovative Career ToolKit provides a framework and essential information for career planning, job searching and landing that job. Our team is networked regionally and nationally with employer communities. Stetson Law provides lifelong career support. Alumni are encouraged to call anytime, whenever and wherever you are on your career journey.
ACADEMICS & LIFESTYLE:
YOU DESERVE BOTH.
On campus fitness center, heated pool and intramural sports
81ยบ average year-round high temperature
#1
city in Florida for attention to LGBTQIA issues, as ranked by the Human Rights Campaign
Downtown St. Petersburg, Dali Museum and beach photos courtesy of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau
400
parks and nature preserves in the Tampa Bay area
5,313
restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, including 24 featured on Food Network
130+
attractions, including Busch Gardens, zoos, aquariums, museums and other activities
5
professional sports teams
#1
ranked mid-sized city arts scene for four years, as home to the Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Chihuly Exhibit
Stetson University College of Law Stetson Tampa Law Center Museums Performing Arts Attractions Parks/Recreation Areas Professional Sports Downtown
WHY CHOOSE STETSON LAW? • Full-time and part-time options • J.D./LL.M. (advocacy), J.D./ M.B.A., J.D./M.E.B.L. (Spain) and J.D./M.I.N.T.E.C. (France) dual-degree programs • LL.M. degrees in advocacy, elder law and international law
• Ranked No. 1 for trial advocacy and No. 4 in legal writing by U.S. News & World Report • Concentrations in Advocacy, Elder Law, Environmental Law, International Law and Social Justice
• Ranked Top 25 Best Part-Time Law Programs by U.S. News & World Report • International programs in Australia, Cayman Islands, Cuba, England, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, and Spain
• Ranked #3 in 2016–17 Top Moot Court Programs and sixth best moot court of this decade by National Jurist • Championship advocacy competition teams
77 undergraduate colleges/universities represented in the Fall 2017 J.D. entering class Appalachian State University Auburn University Baylor University Bethune-Cookman University Centre College College of Charleston College of William & Mary Concord University Cornell University DePauw University Duke University East Carolina University Eckerd College Emory University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Southern College Florida State University Georgetown University Grinnell College
Hope College Jacksonville University Kalamazoo College Marshall University Miami University, Oxford The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale Niagara University Ohio State University, Columbus Patrick Henry College Rhodes College Rollins College Saint Mary’s University Saint Petersburg College Sam Houston State University Southern Methodist University Stetson University SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College at Plattsburgh Texas A&M University The Citadel
Transylvania University Troy University United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy University of Alabama University of Central Arkansas University of Central Florida University of Colorado, Boulder University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Kentucky, Lexington University of Maine at Augusta University of Mary Hardin–Baylor University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan–Dearborn University of Mississippi University of Mount Union University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of North Florida University of North Georgia University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester University of St. Thomas, Minnesota University of South Carolina, Columbia University of South Florida University of Southern Mississippi University of Tampa University of West Florida University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh Ursuline College Warner University Webber International University Western Carolina University Western Washington University Wlliams College
M. Zuppo Q&A Laura Assistant Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management When can new first-year J.D. students apply? The application for new J.D. students opens October 1 of each year with a May 15 deadline. Admitted students begin their studies in the fall semester (late-August) each year. What qualifications do I need to apply? Before enrollment, you must earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. You also must take the Law School Admission Test and register with LSAC’s J.D. Credential Assembly Service. We require a personal statement and a letter of recommendation. We strongly encourage a resume. When will I find out if I am admitted? Stetson’s Faculty Committee on Admissions and Entering Awards begins reviewing completed J.D. applications almost as soon as files are completed. At Stetson, we have a rolling admission process. Although applications are accepted until May 15, we highly recommend that you submit your application early. Seats and scholarship funding are competitive. Which LSAT scores will Stetson accept? LSAT scores are valid for admission purposes five years from the test date. June LSAT scores are accepted as long as the application is submitted by May 15. We will use your highest LSAT score for admission. When can transfer J.D. students enroll? Transfer applications are accepted for fall, spring and summer enrollment. Does Stetson offer support for veterans? Stetson participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering tuition assistance to an unlimited number of student veterans or eligible dependents. Stetson also offers endowed scholarships for veteran law students, and is a Military-Friendly® school.
How do I apply for scholarships? All admitted first-year J.D. students are automatically considered for multi-year scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence, a range of other personal accomplishments and experiences, and the ability to further Stetson’s mission. If you wish for your unique circumstances and background to be considered, please include an addendum with your application. We offer partial- and fulltuition scholarships. Are there other scholarship opportunities for students after they enroll? Stetson offers a number of partial-tuition scholarships based on first-year academic performance, leadership, community service, diversity and need. Stetson offers one full-tuition scholarship for a student entering his or her final year with a record of public service who plans to continue that path for three years after graduation. How do I apply for other forms of financial aid? Students seeking any type of federal financial aid must annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Stetson’s school code is E00342. For information about federal student loans or federal work study, visit studentloans. gov. Stetson offers financial literacy workshops and one-on-one sessions with counselors. Follow my blog at lawblog.law.stetson.edu
Laura M. Zuppo
Assistant Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management
STETSON LAW
THE COLLEGE OF LAW is part of Stetson University, with a College of Arts and
Sciences, School of Business Administration, and School of Music in DeLand, Florida. A university satellite center in Celebration offers advanced degrees.
IMPORTANT DATES Stetson University, DeLand
facebook.com/stetsonlaw twitter.com/stetsonlaw youtube.com/stetsonlaw @stetsonlawschool stetsonlaw Follow the Admissions blog at lawblog.law.stetson.edu
Š 2017 Stetson University College of Law. All rights reserved. Stetson University is an equal opportunity educational institution.
Stetson Center at Celebration College of Law, Tampa Bay
Stetson Law Information Day: Nov. 4, 2017 Stetson Law Experience: Feb. 24, 2018 Application deadline for new students: May 15, 2018 Application deadline for fall transfers: Aug. 1, 2018
Stetson Law Admissions stetson.edu/lawadmissions 727-562-7802 877-529-7838 lawadmit@law.stetson.edu Stetson Law Student Financial Planning stetson.edu/lawfinaid 727-562-7813 finaid@law.stetson.edu