Law Schools in Jacksonville

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Exploring law schools in Jacksonville FL opens doors to unique opportunities for aspiring attorneys. Students now have multiple pathways, including the Jacksonville University College of Law and the FSU 3+3 program with UNF, which gives students an accelerated route to a J.D. 

With a strong legal community and growing demand, Florida is a top state for lawyers, making Jacksonville an ideal place to begin a legal career.

Jacksonville University College of Law

The Jacksonville University College of Law is Florida’s newest law school, created to address community and regional needs. Located in historic downtown Jacksonville, the school places students in the heart of the city’s legal district. In 2024, it earned provisional ABA accreditation, ensuring high standards of legal education.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

JU Law offers a three-year Juris Doctor program totaling 90 credits. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, legal research, and practical lawyering skills. Students benefit from faculty expertise across diverse fields, including media law, business law, environmental regulation, tort law, and telecommunications policy.

Student Experience and Networking

With its close proximity to the Duval County Courthouse, students gain real-world exposure from day one. Networking opportunities with lawyers in Jacksonville are built into externships, bar events, and mentoring. A strong focus on community and hands-on learning shapes well-prepared graduates.

University of North Florida & FSU 3+3 Program

Is there a UNF Law School?

The University of North Florida (UNF) does not operate its own law school. Instead, it partners with the Florida State University College of Law through the innovative 3+3 Accelerated Law Program, giving students a direct pathway to earn a law degree more quickly. While FSU Law is located in Tallahassee, the partnership is still significant for Jacksonville students because it creates a direct local pathway from UNF into law school. 

How the 3+3 Program Works

This program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and J.D. in just six years instead of seven. Eligibility requires meeting SAT/ACT benchmarks, maintaining a strong GPA, earning 90 credits, and completing the LSAT. Students typically apply in their junior year for early admission consideration.

Benefits for UNF Students

The program saves time and tuition while offering early exposure to law school. For motivated students, it provides a competitive edge and a valuable route into top law schools in Florida.

FSU College of Law - Law Schools Near Jacksonville FL

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Is Florida a Good State to Become a Lawyer?

Florida ranks among the top states for lawyers, offering strong career opportunities across major cities like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. 

With a large and diverse population, the state’s legal market continues to grow, supporting both established attorneys and new graduates entering the profession.

The state’s expanding population creates rising demand for legal services in areas ranging from business law to family law. Florida also provides a supportive environment for young professionals to build careers. Florida is a good state for lawyers, with abundant prospects and a thriving, competitive market.

Additional Law Opportunities in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is home to a thriving legal community with well-established firms such as Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite. Students and graduates benefit from access to large firms, an active bar association, and a professional network that strengthens their career prospects from the start.

Beyond Law School

Opportunities extend well past the classroom, with networking events, internships, and local bar prep resources. Jacksonville’s dynamic legal ecosystem ensures students can transition smoothly from education to professional practice, building connections and skills that support long-term success in the legal field.

FAQ

Students can choose between the Jacksonville University College of Law and the FSU-UNF 3+3 program partnership (in Tallahassee).

Jacksonville University law school is ABA-provisionally accredited, located downtown, and emphasizes community-focused education, and is known as Florida’s newest law school.

While law schools in Florida are diverse, JU Law and the UNF-FSU program make Jacksonville distinctive.

While UNF does not have its own law school, it partners with FSU to give prelaw students an opportunity to get admitted to a local law school.

Graduates can pursue roles in local firms, government agencies, and nonprofits, with strong networking through the Jacksonville Bar Association.

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