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 #3 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 representing real clients in real court 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 JD Students 131 Part-time 675 Full-time
27.68%
STETSON PROFILE 2016 Entering Class Entering Class 75th percentile Median 25th percentile
35 Part-time 236 Full-time
LSAT 156 154 152
GPA 3.59 3.35 3.07
49.45%
22 STATES 27.47% minority in the Fall 2016 JD entering class
89
49.45% female in the Fall 2016 JD entering class
undergraduate colleges and universities represented
76%
$41,134 full-time 2016-17 fall/spring tuition Data as of August 22, 2016
represented in Fall 2016 JD entering class, plus one foreign country
new JD students receiving scholarships
$35,752
part-time 2016-17 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
116
years
LAW FIRMS are demanding practice-ready graduates. Stetson Law has been doing this from the beginning.
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
18
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 bid you welcome 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 66 National Championships 74 Regional Championships 43 State Championships 52 Brief Awards 138 Best Oralist/Best Advocate Awards (including Best Direct
Examination, Best Cross Examination and Best Chair)
5 18
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 UMBRELLA GROUPS • 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) • Christian Legal Society (CLS) • Dream Defenders • Education Law Association • Elder Law Society • Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Society (EASL) • Environmental Law Society (ELS) • Equal Justice Works (EJW) • 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.” 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 a J.D./M.P.H. You also can 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)
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, notetaking 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 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
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
▪▪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.P.H. from the University of South Florida College of Public Health • 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 • J.D./LL.M. in one of five concentrations from the University College Dublin, Ireland ▪▪INTERNATIONAL STUDY • 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. 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 also focus on 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. 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. 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.
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 Judicial Externship Child Advocacy Clinic Civil Elder Law Clinic Civil Legal Services Clinic Elder and Disability Law Externship Elder Consumer Protection 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 Military Justice Externship 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 • 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 allows 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 is the William Reece Smith, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and 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 in 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 2015, status as of August 2016 276 total graduates* 276 graduates whose employment status is known** 4 pursuing graduate degree full-time 262 employed 185 employed/bar passage required 70 employed/J.D. advantage 4 employed/professional Employment Type*** 129 law firms 60 business and industry 48 government 12 public interest (including public defender) 8 judicial clerkship (federal, state, other) 5 academia * Stetson’s Class of 2015 consists of those who graduated in December 2014, May 2015 and July 2015. ** All graduate employment status is as of March 15, 2016, 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 276 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 and comprehensive presentation support
• Communication, outreach, decision-making help • On campus recruiting — one of our most popular and successful signature programs Stetson’s innovative Career ToolKit workshop series and curriculum 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 in Fall 2014
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 three 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.P.H., 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. 3 in legal writing by U.S. News and World Report
• Concentrations in Advocacy, Elder Law, Environmental Law, International Law and Social Justice • Florida’s first private university and first law school
• International programs in Australia, Cayman Islands, Cuba, England, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, South Korea and Spain • Championship advocacy competition teams
89 undergraduate colleges/universities represented in the Fall 2016 JD entering class Alfred University American Public University System Arcadia University Arizona State University Auburn University Ball State University Clemson University College of Saint Elizabeth Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University Columbia University School of Nursing, New York Cornell College Covenant College David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia (country) DePaul University Eckerd College Elon University Emory University Evangel University Flagler College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Fordham College, Rosehill Furman University George Washington University Georgia College and State University Hampton University Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana University, Bloomington Kennesaw State University Keuka College Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Mars Hill University Maryville College Mercyhurst University Monroe College Mount Allison University Muhlenberg College New College of Florida
Oakland University Otterbein University Saint Leo University Saint Louis University Saint Petersburg College Southeastern University Southern Methodist University St. John’s University, Queens SUNY at Albany SUNY College at Buffalo SUNY College at Oneonta Syracuse University Temple University Texas Christian University The City College of New York The College of New Jersey Tulane University United States Air Force Academy United States Coast Guard Academy Universidad ICESI, Republic of Colombia University of Central Florida University of Connecticut, Storrs University of Florida
University of Georgia University of Iowa University of London International Programmes University of Miami University of Minnesota, Minneapolis University of Mississippi University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of North Carolina, Charlotte University of North Carolina, Wilmington University of North Florida University of North Georgia University of Rhode Island University of South Carolina, Columbia University of South Florida University of Tampa University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of West Florida University of Western Ontario Vanderbilt University Webber International University West Chester University of Pennsylvania Western Carolina University Wheeling Jesuit University
M. Zuppo Q&A Laura Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Planning 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 Veterans Affairs 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- through full-tuition 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, available each January 1. 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 http://lawblog.law.stetson.edu
Laura M. Zuppo
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Planning
STETSON LAW
IMPORTANT DATES
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.
Stetson Law Information Day: Nov. 12, 2016 Admitted Students Open House: April 8 and May 19, 2017 Application deadline for new students: May 15, 2017 Application deadline for fall transfers: Aug. 1, 2017 IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Stetson University, DeLand
facebook.com/stetsonlaw twitter.com/stetsonlaw youtube.com/stetsonlaw @stetsonlawschool Follow the Admissions blog at lawblog.law.stetson.edu
Š 2016 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 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