Program Overview

Introduction to the Juris Doctor Program

The College of Law's three-year curriculum for the Juris Doctor degree begins with traditional courses and expands to include the latest in theoretical and interdisciplinary analyses.

Program Structure

The first-year curriculum provides the foundation in history, doctrine, process, and analysis that students need to fully appreciate more specialized courses offered later in law school. In the second and third years of law school, the program is almost entirely elective, including a wide range of courses and approaches. Some classes are purely theoretical and doctrinal, while others focus on particular industries, such as health, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment and sports law.

Specialized Programs and Opportunities

• Business and Tax Law
• Environmental, Energy and Land Use Law
• International Law
• Joint Graduate Pathways with Law: The college offers one of ten joint graduate pathway programs, in cooperation with other colleges, schools, and departments at Florida State University.
• Live-client clinics in family law, children's advocacy, and law and business.
• Extensive externship offerings throughout Florida and elsewhere.
• Co-curricular organizations providing students with a wealth of ways to earn credit for "hands-on" legal activities.
• Mock Trial and Moot Court programs to prepare students to be trial and appellate advocates.
• Three student-run scholarly journals giving students additional opportunities to hone their research and writing skills.

Areas of Focus

The college has especially strong programs in:

• Business law
• Environmental law
• International law
• Criminal law: One of the best criminal law programs in the region.

Academic Resources and Support

• Clinical Programs
• Course Descriptions
• Academic Resources
• Stoops Center for Law and Business
• Institute of Law, Technology & Innovation
• Center for Environmental, Energy and Land Use Law
• Election Law Center
• Donald J. Weidner Summer for Undergraduates Program

Conclusion

The Juris Doctor Program at the College of Law offers a comprehensive and specialized legal education, preparing students for a wide range of careers in law, business, and government.