Information Technology is revolutionizing legal education, and FSU College of Law is helping to lead the way. Nearly all law schools now offer email and internet access, but few provide wireless internet access, 24-hour computer labs, and web-based discussion forums to supplement the classroom experience. In March, 2001, the National Jurist magazine rated us the 13th "most wired" law school in the country, in large part because of our integration of technology into the curriculum.

We are very proud of our accomplishments in this area. Below are a few of the things that set us apart from the rest of the pack.

Wireless Network/Laptop Requirement

The law school has a wireless Ethernet network throughout the facility. Students can connect to the Internet from classrooms, offices, and even the patio tables surrounding the buildings at speeds up to fifty times faster than a conventional modem can provide! In order to encourage students to take advantage of the awesome capabilities of the wireless network both inside and outside the classroom and to create possibilities for new computer-based instructional exercises, the law school instituted a laptop requirement beginning with the Fall 2000 entering class. Through the use of a laptop utilizing the law school's wireless network, students can easily view class materials, interact with others on the web-based discussion forums, or conduct legal research from whatever location is most convenient. Florida State University also provides students with free dial-up Internet access for use when they are out-of-range of the law school's wireless network.

Video-Conferencing

Through this interactive, real-time technology, our students are able to participate in specialized law courses taught by distinguished legal scholars and practitioners at other law schools. The use of video-conferencing allows us to offer a wider selection of courses than we would otherwise be able to, and combined with exciting new technologies like the wireless Ethernet and digital white-boards, the classroom experience is very similar to that of an ordinary class.

Case Management Software

Students participating in the Children's Advocacy Center clinical program are using cutting-edge legal office management software to track their cases, manage time, and even bill hours. Students use the software to plan their time and keep track of meetings, interviews, court dates, and important deadlines in their cases. They also file all their case notes, briefs, and memos in the system and log the time they spend on each case. This gives them practical experience with the methods large firms use to manage their cases.