Graduates enter the Duval County Courthouse for the JU College of Law's inaugural commencement ceremony.
Jacksonville University College of Law held its inaugural commencement ceremony on May 2, 2025, at the Duval County Courthouse. The first graduating class, known as the ‘Fab 14,’ achieved a remarkable 100% job placement rate before taking the Florida Bar Examination. This milestone showcases the effectiveness of JU Law’s program, strong community partnerships, and its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in legal education. Key speakers at the event emphasized the importance of legal professionals in society as the new graduates prepare for their future careers.
Jacksonville – Jacksonville University College of Law celebrated its inaugural commencement ceremony on May 2, 2025, at the Duval County Courthouse. The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the institution, which welcomed its first graduating class, referred to as the “Fab 14.” This class is notable for achieving a remarkable 100% job placement rate before even sitting for the Florida Bar Examination.
Graduates have successfully secured positions within local law firms and government offices, highlighting the effectiveness of JU Law’s program that emphasizes experiential learning and strong community partnerships. The strategic location of the law school in downtown Jacksonville, positioned near critical state and federal courthouses, has significantly contributed to the employment success of its graduates.
Nick Allard, the Dean of JU College of Law, expressed pride in the achievements of the graduating class, emphasizing the vital role of community support throughout the school’s development and its early successes. JU Law, the 12th law school established in Florida and the first in over 20 years, has aimed to set a high standard of legal education combined with community engagement.
Currently, JU Law has 78 students enrolled, including the Class of 2027, which brings in 44 students from 21 different undergraduate institutions. This diverse student body, with ages ranging from 20 to 49 and a reported 29.55% racial and ethnic diversity rate, reflects the college’s commitment to inclusivity and varied perspectives within the legal profession.
The establishment of JU College of Law followed a decade of meticulous planning and preparation, orchestrated by Tim Cost along with other members of the community and academic leadership. This long-term vision has laid the groundwork for the law school’s commitment to excellence in admissions and academic programs, with goals to continually enhance its educational offerings.
The inaugural graduation ceremony featured notable addresses from Fourth Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day and Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan. Their speeches underscored the significant role that legal professionals play in upholding justice and the importance of civics education in society. Additionally, Vice Dean Margaret Dees spoke to the newly formed alumni association, elaborating on its crucial role in shaping the future culture and commitment of the law school.
As the graduates prepare to take the Florida Bar Examination on July 29-30, 2025, in Tampa, which includes both the General Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, the focus remains on ensuring that they are well-equipped for their future careers in law.
JU College of Law’s leadership continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining strong ties with the local legal community. This connection not only enhances the educational experiences offered to students but also helps cultivate mentors and professional networks that are vital for the success of new attorneys in the field.
The celebration of the “Fab 14” at Jacksonville University College of Law represents not only a significant milestone for the graduates but also an important achievement for the institution itself. With aspirations for continuous improvement and a robust commitment to community involvement, JU Law is poised to contribute meaningfully to the legal landscape in Florida.
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