Celebrating Legacy and Looking to The Future
As we approach the landmark 60th anniversary of the Florida State University College of Law in 2026, I reflect on the remarkable journey we've embarked upon together and the legacy we are continuing to build. In 2024, we reached several important milestones, reaffirming our standing as a legal education leader and highlighting the dedication and innovation that continue driving us forward. From our faculty's groundbreaking scholarship to our student's success in academic and professional pursuits, each achievement is a testament to the excellence for which we strive.
We welcomed a new class of 1Ls with record-setting credentials, including an impressive median LSAT score of 165. These students come to us from 61 colleges and universities nationwide, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Their success reflects not only the rigorous standards of FSU Law but also the expanding appeal of our programs. This year, our Florida Bar passage rate reached 87%, the highest since 2012, demonstrating that our academic programs prepare students for success in both the classroom and the courtroom.
Equally noteworthy, six out of seven Florida legislative fellows this year were FSU Law students, underscoring the importance of our location near the Florida Capitol. Our commitment to preparing students for successful careers is also evident in our strong national employment ranking. FSU Law ranked 6th in the nation for employment outcomes, the highest among all law schools in Florida.
This year also marked the launch of the Institute for Law, Technology, and Innovation, a groundbreaking initiative designed to explore the intersection of law, technology, and business. With the digital world evolving at an unprecedented pace, the Institute brings together students, faculty, and industry professionals to stay ahead of these rapid changes. We co-hosted a highly successful conference in Washington, D.C., on the future of AI regulation with Holland & Knight. Later, we had a timely discussion in Miami with former SEC Commissioner Jay Clayton on the regulation of cryptocurrency—another growing area of legal practice. These events reflect FSU Law's commitment to producing cutting-edge research and focus on the legal implications of emerging technologies.
We were honored to host the Second Annual D'Alemberte & Palmer International Human Rights Law Lecture, which featured David Scheffer, the former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues. This event highlighted the critical role of international law in addressing global human rights crises, as Scheffer shared insights from his extensive experience in the field, including his work with the U.N. on war crimes trials. Our commitment to fostering dialogue around global issues was also reflected in our collaboration with Loyola University Chicago School of Law to co-host the Fifteenth Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium. This two-day event brought together over 75 presenters from law schools nationwide to engage in discussions about the latest developments in constitutional law.
We also remained committed to cultivating practical skills in our students with events such as our Second Annual Claude Pepper Moot Court Competition, which focused on elder law and brought together teams nationwide to debate critical issues facing our aging population. Similarly, our Trial Team achieved significant success, winning at the 2024 MLK Jr. National Civil Rights Competition, one of the nation's premier trial advocacy events. These competitions provide invaluable opportunities for our students to master their advocacy skills while learning how to tackle real-world issues.
All of these milestones are made possible by the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, and staff. However, they also reflect the strength and resilience of our broader FSU Law community—our alumni. Your continued support, leadership, and contributions are what truly make FSU Law a special place. Each of you is part of a legacy that inspires future generations of legal professionals. As we move forward, I encourage you to engage with students by mentoring, guest speaking, or providing internships. Your experiences and insights can offer invaluable guidance to those who follow in your footsteps. Together, we will continue to honor the rich history of FSU Law while embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we look toward our 60th anniversary and beyond, I am excited about the future of this great institution and the role we will all play in shaping it.
-Dean Erin O'Hara O'Connor