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Colleen Skinner Becomes First Law Librarian at JU College of Law

Law students studying in Jacksonville University's law library.

News Summary

Colleen Skinner has been appointed as the first law librarian at Jacksonville University College of Law, marking a significant milestone for the newly established institution. With a diverse background and a passion for legal education, Skinner is set to inspire the next generation of attorneys while supporting the inaugural class of students as they prepare for the Florida Bar exam. This development highlights the growth and excitement surrounding legal education in Jacksonville, Florida.

Exciting Times in Jacksonville: Colleen Skinner Takes on a Significant Role as First Law Librarian at JU College of Law

Jacksonville, Florida, is buzzing with energy and anticipation as the community welcomes Colleen Skinner as the first-ever law librarian at the newly established Jacksonville University College of Law. This dynamic academic environment promises an exciting future for students ready to dive into the challenging world of law.

A Journey of Transformation

Colleen didn’t start her career in law. Growing up in the sunny city of Los Angeles, California, she initially took a path that led her to work as a pharmacy technician shortly after earning a two-year degree. During her time in the pharmacy field, she noticed something peculiar—the pharmacists often seemed to be taking a backseat while she busily handled most of the workload. This observation sparked an important realization for her: she needed a change.

With a desire to understand the inner workings of law, Colleen embarked on a transformative educational journey. It all began at Southern Oregon University, where she sought a pharmacy degree but quickly discovered a lack of passion for the science courses. This turning point led her to switch gears entirely, diving into criminology instead and eventually setting her sights firmly on law school.

Why Jacksonville?

After deciding to pursue a career in law, Skinner yearned for a change in scenery and chose Jacksonville, attracted by its affordable cost of living and the excitement of having an NFL team—the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2005, she enrolled at the Florida Coastal School of Law, ready for a new chapter in her life.

Shifting Career Paths

As she navigated law school, Colleen had a few interactions with seasoned legal professionals that made her retreat from the traditional path most law graduates choose. Concerns about overwhelming workloads pushed her to explore alternative roles within the legal realm. It was during her time in the law library that she found her niche; the librarians were not only knowledgeable but appeared significantly less stressed than their lawyer counterparts. It was a lightbulb moment that set her on the path to becoming a law librarian.

A Flourishing Career in Libraries

While still a student, Colleen didn’t sit idle. She took on a job at the library reference desk, conducting research workshops and lending a hand to fellow students in need. After graduating in 2008, she opted out of taking the Bar exam and was quickly snapped up for a full-time position at Florida Coastal’s library, where she stayed for over 11 years!

To further enhance her career and become a qualified librarian, she pursued a master’s in library science. Thanks to Florida Coastal’s funding, she could enroll in a two-year online program at Florida State University.

A New Venture at Jacksonville University

In 2019, after leaving Florida Coastal, Skinner opted to join the Jacksonville Public Library system. Fast forward to June 2022, and Colleen is now stepping into her significant new role at Jacksonville University, where she has taken on the dual responsibilities of law librarian and assistant professor. This summer’s classes in the law library, beautifully located in the VyStar Tower, promise to inspire the next generation of attorneys.

A Bright Future for Law Students

With the law school officially launching its permanent campus in August 2024, excitement is palpable. This spring marks a special occasion as the inaugural class of 14 students prepares to take the Florida Bar exam in July. Skinner is working closely with these students, supporting their dream of becoming successful attorneys and helping them navigate the challenging waters of legal research.

Accreditation and Growth

It’s been a long road to success, as Jacksonville University College of Law achieved provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association after approximately seven years of hard work. The school kicked off its journey with its inaugural class in August 2022, officially making it the 197th law school in America.

As Colleen Skinner takes on this groundbreaking role within Jacksonville University, the stage is set for an exciting legal future for all involved. The journey from a pharmacy technician to a law librarian and assistant professor is a remarkable example of how career paths can twist and turn, leading to fulfilling and impactful opportunities.