Overview

Applicants
1,823
Acceptance Rate
29%
Median Undergrad GPA
3.58
Accepted Applicants Who Attend
112

Test Scores

LSAT
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
151 - 158

Deadlines

Application Deadlines
May 1

Application Process

Rolling Admissions
Yes

Application Fee
$20

CAS Service Used
Yes

Applicants accepted in terms other than fall
No

Transfer Applicants Accepted
Yes

Deferred Admission
Yes

Other Admission Factors

Academic

LSAT Score
Undergraduate GPA

Selectivity Rating

Faculty Information

Student/Faculty
11:1
Total Faculty
79

45.57
Underrepresented Minorities
40.5
Female


Students Say

Florida International University College of Law is a relatively new school. It received its full accreditation from the ABA in 2006. It was created to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups and to serve the immediate community. Students come from all over the globe, and most agree it’s a great educational experience for the cost—truly “an affordable gem.” One student says, “The school has surpassed all of my expectations.” The school offers eight clinical programs, giving students the chance to gain experience in the courtroom by representing real cases. In the human rights and immigration clinic, they represent clients in political asylum, as well as other immigration cases. This real-world experience is “something employers are always looking for” and is a part of the “hands-on” experience many students refer to. At FIU, education is practical. Community service is required, as well as a three-semester legal writing program. Professors spend time teaching how to write memos, petitions, appeals, and oral arguments. Students are prepared for the tangible world of legal practice and claim they measure up well against those of other more established institutions, performing highly in both national and international moot courtroom competitions. “FIU compares to the top law schools of the country,” one student boasts. Students attribute this to the faculty, who are some of the “most qualified and brilliant professors in the field.” “They care about our success.” Another thing that sets this program apart from others is the school’s “focus on international education.” There’s an international law requirement in the first year. Most classes devote some time to global issues, respecting “current legal trends and the importance of globalization.” “The curriculum is challenging but fair and offers a good variety of electives in the second and third years.” However, some students would prefer a chance to specialize in areas such as tax, business, or criminal law. They hope FIU will confer the LLM degree in the future, as well.
Students love the “familial atmosphere” of FIU, claiming “the deans and administrators know most students by name.” The class sizes are small, and students say professors honestly appear happy when they drop by their offices. The professors “provide real-world insight,” and even the administrative body is “committed” to its students. The career development office assists students with writing résumés and cover letters, as well as prepping them for mock interviews. “The administration does not just ‘operate’ the school, but understands itself to be partners of the students in their journey through law school.” There are many opportunities for internships within Miami. Another perk is the school’s proximity to both state and federal courts. In addition to the many Miami firms, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals is situated right behind the campus. Furthermore, “the dean and the professors do everything that they can to bring the legal world to us.” The school hosts visiting lecturers from across the country. Some students argue the school’s newness might hamper their vocational opportunities beyond state lines, citing its lack of recognition outside of Florida. “Not many employers conduct on-campus interviews here,” but “the administration is working hard at facilitating networking and externship and internship opportunities that could lead to jobs down the road.” Most students feel confident that FIU’s reputation as a law school will grow, claiming “it has already made excellent progress in its short history.”

Career overview

Pass Rate for First-Time Bar Exam
79%
% of graduates who are employed within ten months of graduation
93%

Career Services

On campus summer employment recruitment for first year JD students
Yes

On campus summer employment recruitment for second year JD students
Yes

# of Employers that Recruit on Campus Each Year
32

Employers who most frequently hire graduates
Astigarraga Davis, P.A.; Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.; Cole Scott & Kissane; Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans & Abel, DLD Lawyers; Fowler White Burnett, P.A.;Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Hogan Lovells, LLP; Holland & Knight LLP; Kubicki Draper; Lydecker Diaz; Piedra & Associates, P.A; Rivero Mestre LLP; Wicker Smith; Florida Third District Court of Appeal; Broward County Attorney's Office; Miami-Dade County: Attorney's Office,Public Defenders' Offices, and State Attorneys' Offices.

Graduates Employed by Area

56%
Private Practice
18%
Business/Industry
16%
Government
2%
Academic

Prominent Alumni

Rebeca Mendez
Atty, Holland & Knight

Christopher Kokoruda
Atty, Miami-Dade County Attorney's Office

Katie A. Edwards
Member, Florida House of Representatives

Carlos Lago
Atty, Greenberg Traurig

Andrea Canona
Fellow, Dept. of Justice Honors Program

Dates

Financial Aid Rating
Feb 15

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Annual Total Aid Package Awarded
$33,254

% Students Receiving Some Aid
92%

Expenses per Academic Year

In-State Tuition
$18,398
Out-Of-State Tuition
$31,964
Estimated Off-Campus Room and Board
$18,322
Estimated Cost for Books / Academic Expense
$8,876
Fees
$4,024

Student Body Profile

Total Enrollment
487
Parent Institution Enrollement
54,099

Number of Foreign Countries Represented
22
Average Age at Entry
26

Demographics

73% are full time
27% are part time
55% female
45% male

Campus Life

Students Say

Students at FIU are “very down-to-earth, easily approachable, and thoroughly diverse.” They challenge each other in a way better characterized as “Olympic spirit” rather than “academic Darwinism.” The student body is comprised of people from more than twenty-two countries, and “there are student organizations for just about every interest you can imagine.”
FIU students enjoy a “beautiful” library, “state-of-the-art facilities,” and “courtyards decorated with professional and student art.” Students say going to law school in a city is fun for the downtimes when you’re not studying. Miami, although admittedly difficult for some transplants, is a true multicultural hub with a population of more than two million people. Students also have access to the Everglades National Park, as well as miles of Florida’s beaches.

More Information

% of Classrooms with Internet Access
100%

Admissions Office Contact

Contact
Alma O. Miró
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Address
FIU College of Law, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
11200 SW 8th St., RDB 1055
Miami, Fl 33199

Phone
305-348-8006

Email
lawadmit@fiu.edu