Practice Management

It seems that in everything I read about Florida International University College of Law the one point that seems to be first made is that it is ranked a 4th tier law school by U.S News.  But, I think who cares?  The law school has three things that you need if you want to practice law, and rankings really only serve branding and are not an indicator of success in the legal profession.

FIU Law has (1) location, (2) a high bar passage rate, and (3) cheaper than average tuition and costs.  In applying to law school that is what should count.

Location - Miami, Florida, the 7th largest city in the United States.  A global city that is rich in finance, commerce, culture, fashion, media, entertainment, arts and trade. All of this equals law and a demand for legal services.

Bar Passage Rate - Although a very young law school (it graduated it inaugural class on May 22, 2005) it consistently ranks 1st or 2nd in bar passage in the State of Florida.

Tuition - The tuition is only $13,226.50 for full time students and $9,069.30 for part time students if you are in state.  But, even if not, at $27,470.69 for full time students, it is substantially cheaper than many private schools in worse locations.

FIU is a public university made up of 26 schools and colleges.  The law school was only founded in 2000, but it is fully accredited by the ABA.  This means, of course, that a FIU Law graduate can pretty much take the bar and practice law anywhere in the United States.  Undoubtedly, much of its ranking is as a result of its young age.

The law school is now housed in the award winning Robert A. Stern designed building called the Rafael Diaz-Ballart Hall.  It cost $36 million to build and because it is part of a large university, on campus housing is available.

Florida International University College of Law is certainly a law school to consider in your quest to be a lawyer.