JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University College of Law marked a historic milestone as its inaugural class of 14 graduates, known as the “Fab 14,” prepares to enter the legal profession with a 100% job placement rate ahead of taking the bar exam.
“They’re tremendous,” said Nick Allard, Dean of the JU College of Law, speaking about the graduating class during a recent interview on This Week in Jacksonville.
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“What an experience we had at that commencement. They were appearing before their parents and family, but so many community leaders who have invested in making this early success of the law school.”
The achievement represents a significant moment for Jacksonville’s legal community, as JU Law becomes the 12th law school in Florida and the first to open in more than two decades.
Strategic Location Drives Success
Located in downtown Jacksonville’s legal epicenter, the law school’s strategic positioning near state and federal courthouses has proven instrumental in its graduates’ success. “The businesses and the economic infrastructure really needs a local source of high quality legal services to enter into the fray,” Allard said. “It’s just part of the model of what a great city needs and deserves.”
Community Investment Pays Dividends
The success of JU Law’s inaugural class reflects extensive preparation and community support. “There was ten years of preparation, led by Tim Cost and a lot of talented people who did feasibility studies and knew that this was necessary,” Allard said. He particularly praised Jacksonville’s bench and bar for their engagement and support of the program.
Growth and Future Prospects
The law school has already shown significant growth since its inception. Current enrollment stands at 78 students, with the Class of 2027 comprising 44 students from 21 undergraduate institutions. The program has attracted students from prestigious universities, including Florida State University, the University of Florida, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Texas.
Impact on Legal Community
All 14 graduates have secured employment before taking the bar exam, with positions ranging from local law firms to government offices. “Most of our students now are going to great jobs in the city, in the local courts and local, high-level law firms,” Allard said.
The success aligns with the school’s mission to provide quality legal education focused on experiential learning and community partnerships. “We are determined to keep returning that investment, that confidence in compound interest,” Allard emphasized.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, the law school continues to maintain high standards in its admissions and academic programs. The current student body reflects diversity in both background and experience, with student ages ranging from 20 to 49 and a 29.55% racial and ethnic diversity rate.
“We are not going for a C minus or a B or just to have another law school,” Allard said. “We are trying to be an A+ in everything we do.”
