Legal Writing (LSV): Cultivating Precision and Clarity
FIU Law’s Legal Skills and Values (LSV) program — the cornerstone of its legal writing curriculum — ranked No. 26 among public law schools, reflecting its strong emphasis on clear writing, analytical rigor, and professionalism. Through immersive instruction and personalized feedback, LSV equips students with the foundational tools needed for effective legal communication from day one.
“Our dedicated LSV faculty has worked hard to create a dynamic program that develops our students’ written and oral communication skills so they are confident going into their summer jobs and post-graduation careers. We are proud that the legal community has recognized the LSV program’s strength in providing our students with the foundation to be successful attorneys,” said Marci A. Rosenthal, director of the Legal Skills and Values Program.
The LSV program is a three-part curriculum that simulates real-life legal problems, teaching students how to recognize and address legal issues, conduct thorough research, and communicate their findings effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only proficient in legal writing but also prepared to tackle complex legal challenges in their future careers.
Trial Advocacy: Preparing Advocates for the Courtroom
FIU Law’s Trial Advocacy program ranked No. 20 among public law schools, further reflecting the strength of its practical training. The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, enabling students to develop courtroom skills, refine litigation strategies, and compete successfully at the national level.
Recently, FIU Law’s Trial Team advanced to the Elite 8 at the American Association for Justice (AAJ) National Student Trial Advocacy Competition, showcasing the program’s commitment to excellence and the students’ dedication to mastering trial advocacy skills. This achievement underscores the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for real-world legal challenges and its role in cultivating the next generation of skilled trial lawyers.
“The Trial Advocacy Program is proud of our amazing students who are committed to excellence, refuse to be outworked, and are shining examples of civility and professionalism,” said H.T. Smith, founding director of the FIU Law Trial Advocacy Program.
These rankings highlight FIU Law’s continued commitment to delivering a practice-ready legal education that empowers students to lead with confidence — in writing, in court, and in their careers.