Message from the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Services:
Success in law school involves more than just intellectual curiosity and sense of purpose. It involves refining time management skills, handling stress proactively and forging relationships with faculty and peers. It also involves making the best possible use of available services and opportunities. Through a coordination of efforts, the College of Law and the larger FIU campus provide a broad range of services and facilities that satisfactorily meet the personal and professional needs of our students.
Florida Bar Requirements
For information regarding requirements for the Florida Bar exam, visit their website at: http://www.floridabarexam.org
Mentor Program
The Florida International University College of Law Mentoring Program is designed to generate connections between practicing lawyers, judges and law students. The goal is to provide students with an insight into the everyday legal practice, apart from the academic experience in the classroom. In this way, the program hopes that its students can make better career choices and be better prepared to practice law upon graduation. The program puts a particular emphasis on one-on-one interaction between a student and a practicing lawyer or judge. Whenever possible, the program seeks to match a student’s interest in a particular legal specialty with a lawyer practicing in that field or judge presiding over a relevant court division. If you are interested in participating in this program, either as a practitioner, a member of the judiciary or law student, please contact the Associate Dean for Admissions and Students Services for further information. (305) 348-2444 or e-mail: mmason@fiu.edu.
Academic Advising
Faculty advisors are designated during Orientation but students should feel free to select from the College of Law faculty and administration for advice and consultation. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Tawia Baidoe Ansah is also available to counsel students regarding academic matters. Students should feel free to make an appointment to see Associate Dean Tawia Baidoe Ansah (305-348-2444 or e-mail: tansah@fiu.edu) or a faculty member at any time.
Student Organizations
In addition to receiving a rigorous and stimulating classroom experience, Florida International University College of Law students have the opportunity to enhance their educational experience by participating in organizations. Student organization members share unique talents, interests, skills, and goals enriching the lives of each other and the College of Law. The organizations promote various activities for law students. To view a list of all the organizations and obtain additional information please visit the Student Organizations section.
Academic Opportunities
The FIU Law Review
The FIU College of Law sponsors a student-edited scholarly law journal publishing articles of interest to lawyers, judges, and academics. Membership on the Law Review will be based on a writing competition open to the full-time students after the first year and part-time students after the second year of law school.
Board of Advocates
The FIU College of Law Board of Advocates is a student moot court organization designed to develop the student’s advocacy skills in a variety of legal contexts. Board members compete in regional, national and international appellate advocacy, trial advocacy, client counseling, mediation and negotiation competitions. Competing in its first year locally and against teams throughout the country the members of the FIU Moot Court team won the Runner-Up Trophy at the Annual Wechsler First Amendment Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., and a Best Brief, Semi-finalist finish in the 2004 Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition in Boca Raton, FL. The Board also sponsors an intramural appellate advocacy competition (in conjunction with the Appellate Practice I course) to hone the second-year law student’s brief writing and oral argument skills.
Trial Advocacy
Trial Practice is an intensive course of study that teaches the legal mechanics and human dynamics of trying a lawsuit. The class incorporates a lecture and performance component. Trial skills taught include developing a case theme and theory, presenting a persuasive opening statement and closing argument, conducting direct and cross examination, introducing exhibits and making objections. Student performances are videotaped weekly and made readily available for review and critique. Instead of a written final exam, each student participates in a mock jury trial before a sitting judge and experienced trial lawyers.