Tampa Bay, Florida Florida’s First Law School
Founded 1900
Not every law school teaches “I invite you to join a law school committed to preparing lawyers and leaders to serve the legal profession and society. Stetson leads the nation in blending legal doctrine with practical training, evidenced by our top-ranked programs in advocacy and legal writing. Through our academically rigorous curriculum and commitment to social responsibility, Stetson lawyers are ethical advocates ready to succeed in the legal profession.� Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz
Dean and Professor of Law; Trustee, Law School Admission Council and Southeastern Association of Law Schools; Chair, Data Policy and Collection Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar B.A., University of Scranton; J.D., Loyola University (New Orleans); LL.M., Georgetown University
how to become a great lawyer. U.S. News ranks Stetson #1 for trial advocacy and #2 for legal writing, essential skills for excellent attorneys.
At Stetson University College of Law, you will gain the real experience needed to excel in your legal career. Here, you will find more than 60 skills electives, seven teaching courtrooms, five concentration programs, and clinic and internship programs with more than 400 spots available each year. Stetson’s comprehensive bar preparation and career development services provide students with a foundation needed to become a valued leader in the legal community.
Now more than ever,
the profession demands that graduates not only understand the law, but be ready to practice it.
Stetson has known this for 116 years.
“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
Many law schools are just beginning to address the call by legal employers to prepare graduates with the expertise needed for the everyday practice of law, but Stetson has been doing this throughout its history. Stetson offered its first trial course in 1902 and became the first law school in Florida to open an in-house clinic in 1963. In 1994, Stetson became the first — and remains the only — law school to win all five national trial advocacy competitions in a single year. As a future Stetson lawyer, you will take 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, craft 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.
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 alternative dispute resolution board, trial team or moot court board.
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Complete at least 60 hours of pro bono service to graduate.
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Work with your professors on research and service projects to begin building your network with leading attorneys.
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Compete in intramural competitions for opening statements, closing arguments or full trials.
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Serve as a student editor for one of Stetson’s four academic law journals.
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Specialize your elective curriculum from a wide range of legal subjects.
“With its excellent research and writing program, #1-ranked trial advocacy program, and clinics and internships, Stetson provided me all the tools necessary to be successful in my legal career.”
Robert Stines ’09 »
Attorney, Phelps Dunbar LLP, Tampa, Florida Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and Tampa Bay Business Journal “Up & Comer” B.F.A., New York University; J.D., Stetson University
Advocacy competition teams defined The TRIAL TEAM participates in mock trial competitions before a judge. Teams give opening and closing statements, question witnesses, argue motions, make and respond to objections, and introduce evidence.
MOOT COURT BOARD members argue appellate cases. Students must submit a written brief and orally argue their positions before a panel of judges.
“Teaching is the number one priority for Stetson faculty. We believe in an open-door culture and welcome students to our offices.” Professor Ellen S. Podgor (judge/coach in picture)
Gary Trombley Family White-Collar Crime Research Professor; co-founder of NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College; editor of the White Collar Crime Prof Blog; Southeastern Association of Law Schools past president; and co-author of more than 25 books
The ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION BOARD focuses on legal skills used outside the traditional courtroom: client counseling, negotiation, arbitration and mediation.
Advocacy:
Apply the law to make a difference.
“I chose Stetson for its incredible advocacy program, beautiful campus, and great professors, who really focus on the well-being of their students.”
Yaffi Hilili ’15
Clerk, Rahdert, Steele, Reynolds & Driscoll, P.L. B.A., University of South Florida J.D., Stetson University
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Stetson’s primary strength is its holistic approach to teaching advocacy. As an attorney, your clients will expect you to have the knowledge and ability to advocate for their legal rights. The skills you develop in Stetson’s nationally ranked advocacy and legal writing programs can give you an important competitive edge as you launch your legal career. Here, 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.
Stetson’s winning record in mock trial, moot court and alternative dispute resolution competitions over the past 34 years is unmatched:
• 5 world/international titles • 68 national championships • 64 regional championships • 43 state titles • 43 best brief awards • 111 best oralists/advocates
Number of times Stetson has been ranked #1 in advocacy by U.S. News & World Report
Realize your potential
as a leader and professional.
“Stetson is all about community collaboration. The faculty, staff, fellow students and alumni work together to help you achieve success.”
Ying “Laura” Gao
Candidate for Juris Doctor, 2016 Stetson Law Review associate and parttime program task force member B.A., Beijing Language and Culture University
As a Stetson student, you will be regarded as a member of the legal profession from day one. Opportunities abound for you to develop as a professional. You’ll find a wide range of programs, workshops, events, clinics, coursework and extracurricular activities. Even in your first year, you will gain experience and build connections through pro bono service. Stetson’s ABA-acclaimed Leadership Development • ABA Law Student Division • American Constitution Society • Amnesty International – Stetson Chapter • Arts Society at Stetson Law* • Asian-American Law Student Association • Black Law Students Association • Business Law Society • Christian Legal Society • Dream Defenders • Education Law Association • Elder Law Society • Entertainment and Sports Law Society • Environmental Law Society • Equal Justice Works • Family Law Society • Federalist Society • Florida Association of Women
Educational Series features workshops taught by community and legal leaders. Students who attend 10 presentations will earn a certificate at graduation. Stetson’s 44 student organizations represent a variety of interests and legal specialties, providing additional opportunities for you to connect with your peers, demonstrate leadership, and serve your community.
Lawyers at Stetson • Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division — Law Student Division • Food Law Society • Health Care Law Association • Hispanic Bar Association • Immigration Law Student Association • Innocence Initiative at Stetson • Intellectual Property Law Society • International Law Society • Investment and Finance Law Association • Jewish Law Student Association • Labor and Employment Law Association • Lambda Legal Society • Leadership Development Committee • Maritime Law Society
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National Organization for Women Part-Time Student Society Phi Alpha Delta Phi Delta Phi Public Service Fellows Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Association Stetson Ambassadors Stetson Law Democrats Stetson Law Parents Stetson Law Republicans Stetson Solo and Small Firm Society* Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Bar Association Student Veterans Organization Student Wellness Society Tax Law Society *inactive for 2015–16
Stetson’s two law libraries serve as
the academic heart of the law school experience, with 50 group study rooms, eight professional librarians (five have both law and graduate library science degrees), a Googlemapped floor plan, and wireless internet access everywhere.
31,671 ÂŤ
Number of public service hours Stetson law students donated in the 2014-15 academic year
Distinguish Yourself Beyond Stetson’s wide-ranging curriculum, you can tailor your legal education through one of the following programs: •
Certificates of Concentration
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Dual and Joint Degrees
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International Study
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LL.M. Degrees
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Academic Journals
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- Advocacy - Elder Law - Environmental Law - International Law - Social Justice Advocacy
- J.D./LL.M. in Advocacy - J.D./M.B.A. from Stetson’s School of Business Administration - J.D./M.P.H. from the University of South Florida College of Public Health - J.D./M.I.E.L. 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 - J.D./LL.M. in one of five concentrations from the University College Dublin, Ireland - Summer abroad in England, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain - Semester in London, England - 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 Leicester, England; University of East Anglia, England; University College Dublin, Ireland; and Victoria University, Australia - LL.M. in Advocacy (online) - LL.M. in Elder Law (online) - LL.M. in International Law - Stetson Law Review - Journal of International Aging Law and Policy - Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy - Stetson Journal for Advocacy and the Law
Intellectual Property Semester Exchange
with the University of New Hampshire School of Law
“ As a coach for Stetson’s Vis Moot team, I have been able to mentor students and help them develop as professionals in every way.” Professor Joseph F. Morrissey
Professor of Law and co-author, International Sales Law & Arbitration: Problems, Cases and Commentary B.A., Princeton University; J.D., Columbia University
An innovative curriculum
taught by dedicated professors.
The courses you will take in the J.D. curriculum include 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. To graduate, you will complete 88 credit hours and perform 60 hours of pro bono service. Full-time students spend the first year of their legal education completing most of the required curriculum. Part-time students complete most of the required classes over their first three full semesters and a summer session, taking electives and other requirements over the last two-and-a-half years. Upon completing your initial requirements, you can tailor your education with a wide range of electives, including international programs, co-curricular activities, clinics and internships.
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full-time regular faculty /
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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 Fulbright scholars, Supreme Court advocates, prolific authors and accomplished attorneys. These scholars not only love teaching, but many also actively involve their students in research and service projects. By taking advantage of such opportunities, you will find mentors to last a lifetime and build valuable connections outside the Stetson community. Practicing attorneys and judges serve as adjunct professors in specialized areas, and speakers from around the world — including U.S. Supreme Court justices — periodically make presentations on campus.
professional law librarians /
196
number of law electives
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 summers)
Practice makes perfect. “My externship at the Ramsar Convention Secretariat enabled me to learn firsthand about the inner workings of a multi-lateral environmental agreement. I met wonderful people from different cultures and diverse professional backgrounds whose common goal is wetland protection worldwide.”
Marcela Bonells ’12
Scientific and Technical Support Officer, Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland B.A., University of South Florida; J.D., Stetson University
At Stetson, you’ll learn first hand how to apply law and experience legal practice by participating in one of more than 30 clinic and internship programs offered at more than 60 hosting organizations each year. These organizations include state and federal courts, government agencies, corporations, law firms and legal aid organizations. While working closely with a full-time Stetson faculty member, you will enhance what you learned in the classroom and build your network through valuable, real-world experience. • American/Caribbean Law Internship • Appellate Advocacy Internship • Bankruptcy Judicial • Child Advocacy Clinic • Civil Elder Law Clinic • Civil Legal Services Clinic
In an internship, you will observe and participate in the activities of your host organization, getting a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the law is applied on a daily basis. Your work may include reviewing documents, conducting research, or writing memoranda of law. In a clinic, you will be authorized to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. In addition to traditional intern responsibilities, you also may interview clients and witnesses, write motions, or advocate in hearings and trials.
• Federal Public Defender Clinic* • Florida Circuit Court (Appellate) Internship
• Municipal and Administrative Law Internship • Prosecution Clinic
• Florida Circuit Court (Trial) Internship
• Public Defender Clinic
• Florida District Court of Appeal Internship
• State Supreme Court Internship
• State Litigation Internship
• Homeless Advocacy Internship
• Summer Law and Policy Internship in Washington, D.C.
• Immigration Law Clinic
• Tampa Prosecution Clinic
• Environmental Law Internship
• Individual Externship
• Equal Employment Opportunity Law Internship
• In-House Counsel Internship
• U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Internship*
• Family Law Internship
• Labor Law Internship
• Federal Judicial Internship
• Local Government Clinic
• Federal Litigation Internship
• Military Justice Internship*
• Elder and Disability Law Internship
• Intellectual Property Internship
• Veterans Advocacy Clinic (inhouse) *Inactive 2015–2016
“ At Stetson, I learned to aspire for high achievement while treating my peers with respect and courtesy. These skills propelled me to where I am today.” Gregory W. Coleman BBA ’85, JD ’89
Florida Bar President, 2014-15 Partner, Critton Luttier Coleman LLP, West Palm Beach B.A., J.D., Stetson University
400+ «
Number of clinic and internship spaces available for Stetson students annually; at least one for every eligible student
79.8%
« Stetson’s Tampa Law
Center, adjacent to downtown Tampa, is the home to some Stetson part-time J.D. program classes and the Tampa branch of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal.
Percentage of Stetson Law graduates who passed the Florida bar exam on the first try in 2014. The state average for first-time takers was 72.1%.
Employment Class of 2014, status as of March 15, 2015 307 total graduates* 307 graduates whose employment status is known** 7 pursuing graduate degree full-time 278 employed 191 employed/bar passage required 76 employed/J.D. advantage 8 employed/professional
Where are Stetson alumni?
Employment Type*** 137 law firms 44 business and industry 61 government 11 public interest (including public defender) 17 judicial clerkship (federal, state, other) 6 academia 0 employer type unknown
* Stetson’s Class of 2014 consists of those who graduated in December 2013, May 2014 and July 2014. ** All graduate employment status is as of March 15, 2015, 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 278 employed. For more information, visit http://employmentsummary.abaquestionnaire.org.
Florida: 75% 100-199 alumni 75-99 alumni 50-74 alumni 25-49 alumni 10-24 alumni fewer than 10 alumni
Be ready for life Career Development Services At Stetson, we know that your first job after law school is a big first step in a lifelong, rewarding career. Accordingly, we offer you useful tools and a selection of preparatory services to help you launch your chosen career. An accessible, insightful and enthusiastic career development staff supports your professional choices through individual performance planning and coaching sessions, group meetings and programs. Stetson’s Career ToolKit workshop series and curriculum — based on insight gained from relationships within the employer communities — provides a framework and essential information for career planning and job searching. Through the ToolKit and other services, we offer instruction in: •
Planning and Organizing Your Job Search
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Job Search Documents and Publications (including resumes and cover letters)
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Professional Etiquette
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Career Preparation During School Breaks
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Social Media Strategies
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Building Your Network
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Talking Points and Conversation
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Judicial Clerkship Preparation
after law school.
We build relationships and develop opportunities for students and graduates across a number of employer communities. Many of Stetson’s 10,000-member law alumni community stand ready to help students and new graduates get started. While around 75% live in Florida, Stetson Law graduates practice in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 foreign countries. Bar Preparation Services Stetson’s Office of Bar Preparation Services is designed to assist students with every aspect of bar admission. Three full-time attorneys provide individual counseling and group guidance, and participants who follow Stetson’s bar prep plan pass at significantly higher rates than those who do not. Students benefit from a personalized study plan and a full simulated exam, with review of their sample answers by bar preparation professionals. Stetson alumni also provide tactical and coaching support to graduates taking the bar exam. Stetson’s bar-passage rate among first-time takers consistently ranks above the state average, and our graduates also have been successful in passing the bar examination in other states.
“My Stetson education has been a crucial foundation to all of my successes as an attorney. The rigorous writing and skills programs, along with a solid ethical foundation taught at Stetson, have allowed me to provide my clients with superior representation.”
Jason Turner ’04
Listed in Billboard’s 2007 “30 under 30” most influential young music executives Shareholder, Keller, Turner, Ruth, Andrews, Ghanem & Heller, PLLC Stetson Adjunct Professor, Entertainment Law B.B.A., Belmont University; J.D., Stetson University
Academics and lifestyle: Expect both. Busch Gardens
The active yet relaxing Florida lifestyle is an ideal counterpoint to the rigors of academic study. As part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan region, Stetson offers you access to one of Florida’s most vibrant business and legal communities, and positions you in a thriving cultural center with numerous environmental and international activities.
3
of the top 10 best beaches in the United States, as ranked by TripAdvisor, are located in Tampa Bay. The #2-ranked St. Pete Beach is five minutes from campus.
On Stetson’s palm-lined campus, you can participate in an active intramural program that includes team sports, competitions and exercise classes. A spacious fitness center and temperature-controlled pool are located on the Gulfport campus, which is also a short distance from several public beaches, bike trails and community dog parks.
Ybor City
Tampa Bay Rays
Life in Tampa Bay 81ยบ average year-round high temperature 5 professional sports teams (including the Rays, Lightning, Rowdies and Buccaneers), plus the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
#1 city in Florida for attention to LGBT issues, as ranked by the Human Rights Campaign in Fall 2014 #1 ranked mid-sized city arts scene for 3 years as home to the Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Chihuly Exhibit 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
Stetson University College of Law Stetson Tampa Law Center Museums Performing Arts Attractions Parks/Recreation Areas Professional Sports Downtown
Stetson Law 2015 Profile
673/159 total full-time JD/part-time JD students 216/33 full-time/part-time students in the Fall 2015 JD entering class Entering credentials LSAT 75th percentile 156 Median 154 25th percentile 152
GPA 3.58 3.27 3.00
83 undergraduate colleges/universities represented in the Fall 2015 JD entering class:
25 states represented in Fall 2015 JD entering class, plus two foreign countries
55% new JD students receiving scholarships $39,936 full-time 2015-16 fall/spring tuition $34,745 part-time 2015-16 fall/spring/summer tuition (Summer session is required for part-time students)
Data as of Aug. 24, 2015
28% minority/55% female in the Fall 2015 JD entering class American Public University System Auburn University Babson College Barry University Berry College Bowdoin College Brown University Bucknell University Clafin University Coker College Cornell College Devry University Duke University Eastern Connecticut State University Elon University Excelsior College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Southern Florida State University Furman University Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College Husson University
Illinois State University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana State University, Terre Haute Johns Hopkins University Le Moyne College Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Loyola University Lynchburg College Miami University, Oxford New College of Florida Northeastern University Northwood University Norwich University Ohio State University, Columbus Paine College Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Rider University Rollins College Rowan University Rutgers University School of Arts & Sciences Saint Francis University Saint Leo University
Saint Petersburg College,   St. Petersburg Saint Petersburg College, Clearwater Southern Utah University Spelman College St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stetson University SUNY College at Buffalo Troy University Truman State University United States Naval Academy University of Alabama University of Central Florida University of Colorado, Boulder University of Connecticut, Storrs University of Florida University of Georgia University of Maryland, University College University of Miami University of Pennsylvania University of South Carolina, Columbia University of South Dakota, Vermillion University of South Florida University of Southern Maine
University of Tampa University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Martin University of The Philippines Diliman University of West Florida University of Wisconsin, Whitewater West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Liberty University West Virginia University, Morgantown West Virginia Wesleyan College Wheaton College, Massachusetts William Carey University Wittenberg University Xavier University of Louisiana
Admissions and Financial Planning When do new first-year J.D. students start? Each fall. 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. When should I apply? Stetson’s Faculty Committee on Admissions and Entering Awards begins reviewing completed J.D. applications in late fall of the preceding academic year. Although applications are accepted until May 15, we highly recommend that you submit your application early, since scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. When can transfer J.D. students enroll? Transfer applications are accepted for fall, spring and summer enrollment. Which LSAT scores will Stetson accept? LSAT scores are valid for admission purposes five years from the test date. June LSAT scores may be accepted. We will use your highest LSAT score for admission. Does Stetson offer support for veterans? Stetson participates in the Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program, offering tuition assistance to 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. Are there scholarships available after or during my first year? Stetson offers a number of partial-tuition scholarships based on first-year academic performance, leadership, community service and need. Stetson offers one fulltuition 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. Can I become a teaching or research assistant? Teaching assistantships and faculty research assistantships are available on a competitive basis to upper-level students who have a strong academic record and an interest in scholarly research and writing. How do I apply for other financial aid? Students seeking any type of federal financial aid must annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available each January 1. Stetson’s school code is E00342. For information about federal student loans, visit www.studentloans.gov. Stetson offers financial literacy workshops and one-on-one sessions with counselors.
Important dates Stetson Law Information Day: Nov. 7, 2015 Admitted Students Open House: April 9, 2016 Application deadline for new students: May 15, 2016 Application deadline for fall transfers: Aug. 1, 2016
Important contacts Stetson Law Admissions: stetson.edu/lawadmissions 727-562-7802 877-529-7838 (LAW-STET) lawadmit@law.stetson.edu Stetson Law Student Financial Planning: stetson.edu/lawfinaid 727-562-7813 finaid@law.stetson.edu LSAT and Credential Assembly Service registration and information: lsac.org 215-968-1001 Free Application for Federal Student Aid: fafsa.ed.gov Stetson code: E00342
Stetson University, DeLand Stetson Center at Celebration College of Law, Tampa Bay
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Full-time and part-time options
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J.D./LL.M. (advocacy), J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.P.H., J.D./M.E.B.L. (Spain) and J.D./M.I.E.L. (France) dual-degree programs
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LL.M. degrees in advocacy, elder law and international law
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Ranked No. 1 for trial advocacy and No. 2 in legal writing by U.S. News
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Concentrations in advocacy, elder law, environmental law, international law and social justice
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International programs in seven countries
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Championship advocacy competition teams
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Four academic law journals
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Florida’s first private university and first law school
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.
J.D. APPLICATION DEADLINES for fall enrollment: May 15 for New Students | August 1 for Transfer Students
College of Law Admissions and Student Financial Planning 1401 61st Street South • Gulfport, Florida 33707 1700 North Tampa Street • Tampa, Florida 33602 (877) 529-7838 (LAW-STET) • (727) 562-7802 • Fax: (727) 343-0136 lawadmit@law.stetson.edu • stetson.edu/lawadmissions ©2015 Stetson University College of Law. All rights reserved.
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Stetson University is an equal opportunity educational institution.