Message from the Dean
Reflecting on 2025, I am struck by how much the Florida State University College of Law has accomplished together. This year was marked by momentum—defined by academic excellence, meaningful service, and a shared sense of purpose across our community.
We celebrated historic achievements, most notably our ranking for No. 1 Best Value Law School in the Nation by preLaw Magazine; The inauguration of the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic and the First Amendment Clinic, both of which immediately delivered tangible impact in our community; We welcomed a new class of 1Ls with record-setting credentials—a median LSAT score of 166; and our Florida Bar passage rate reached 88.5 percent, the highest since 2012—clear evidence that our programs prepare students to excel in both the classroom and the profession.
Our faculty continued to shape national conversations through scholarship published in the country’s most prestigious journals. Our students, in turn, demonstrated extraordinary leadership—winning competitions, supporting one another inside and outside the classroom, and even helping to champion the passage of a human trafficking bill. Their dedication and compassion reflect the values at the heart of this institution.
Throughout the year, we welcomed an exceptional group of lecturers and scholarly guests from around the world. Highlights included the Third Annual D’Alemberte & Palmer International Human Rights Law Lecture, featuring former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, who spoke powerfully on “The Rule of Law in International Human Rights.” We also convened two election law conferences that underscored the College’s leadership in shaping national dialogue on democratic governance. The Bush v. Gore Election Law Conference revisited one of the most consequential moments in modern election law, bringing together leading scholars and practitioners to examine its enduring impact on election administration, judicial oversight, and public confidence in democratic institutions. The 2025 Election Law Conference drew experts from across the country to engage emerging challenges in election law, including the evolving role of courts, election integrity, and the legal frameworks that govern democratic participation.
This year also brought moments of profound loss. We mourned the passing of John Thrasher (’73)—a proud alumnus, decorated veteran, public servant, and deeply respected leader at the College of Law. After serving as president of Florida State University, President Thrasher returned to the College as Associate Dean for External and Governmental Affairs and as a professor, where he mentored students with the same integrity and purpose that defined his public life. His influence is woven into the fabric of this institution—from the physical spaces we inhabit to the opportunities we provide our students—and he will be greatly missed.
The theme of this year’s magazine—Business & Technology—reflects both significant growth at the College and a defining force shaping the future of the legal profession. As innovation accelerates, lawyers are increasingly called upon to operate at the intersection of law, business, and technology. This issue highlights how FSU Law is preparing students to lead in these evolving spaces while contributing ideas that influence national discourse.
Our Stoops Center for Law & Business and the Institute for Law, Technology & Innovation have been driving forces in this work. Over the past year, these centers have convened thought leaders, hosted conferences that examine the legal frameworks shaping modern commerce and technology, and created new opportunities for students to engage directly with emerging issues.
None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff—or without the strength of our alum community. Your continued support, leadership, and engagement sustain the work we do every day. I encourage you to remain connected by mentoring students, guest lecturing, or providing internship opportunities. Our alumni shape business strategy, guide governmental decision-making, build institutions, and strengthen the bench and bar. Their achievements reflect the breadth and impact of an FSU Law education.
As we approach our 60th anniversary, the College stands at an exciting moment in its history. The work featured in this magazine reflects a community energized by innovation, grounded in rigorous scholarship, and united by a commitment to service. With this foundation, FSU Law is well prepared to enter its next decade with confidence, momentum, and pride.
-Dean Erin O'Hara O'Connor