Core Values and Commitments

Professionalism

Professionalism is at the heart of our mission, shaping every interaction and initiative within the College of Law. It encompasses technical skill, ethical behavior, integrity, balance, wellness, reliability, and personal dedication.

• Integrity
  We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in every decision, interaction, and responsibility. This means separating personal interests from the work we do and remembering that we are all working on behalf of a greater community, shaping ethically grounded lawyers who go on to make a meaningful, positive impact in the world.

• Reliability
  Reliability means doing what we say we will do. Consistent follow-through builds trust with students, faculty, colleagues, and external partners, aligning our actions with our values and mission. 

• Personal Commitment and Dedication
  Our dedication to the College’s mission drives an intentional approach to problem-solving, student support, and collaboration. We work with purpose and reflect our institution’s culture of professionalism in all we do.

• Balance and Wellness
  By caring for ourselves and each other, we enhance our collective ability to serve the law school community effectively. That means stepping up to help others—even when it’s outside your job description—and fostering a sense of unity, where we all feel like part of the same team, working toward a shared mission.

Excellence

At the FSU College of Law, excellence is more than a standard — it is a way of life. We are committed to delivering outstanding academic programs, supporting our faculty and students at every stage, and continuously raising the bar for professional achievement. 

• Administrative Excellence
  We foster a collaborative environment where faculty and staff are empowered to support students in reaching their full potential.

• Quality Programming
  We deliver a best-in-class core curriculum, offer career-shaping experiential learning opportunities, and provide award-winning enrichment programs that develop students’ professionalism and professional identity. Supporting our faculty, enhancing academic and Bar exam support for students, and offering engaging “wrap-around” programming are central to our commitment.

• Quality Professionals
  We attract, develop, and retain excellent professionals through first-rate recruitment and a culture that values training, resources, advancement, collaboration, and excellence.

• Reputation for Excellence
  We build a strong reputation through:

  • Exceptional student recruitment, service, and support

  • Faculty excellence, service, and support

  • Active community engagement

  We are dedicated to promoting our achievements through clinics, partnerships, marketing, and branding efforts.

• Maintaining and Improving Rankings and Outcomes
  We strive for national competitiveness by aligning the efforts of Admissions, Student Advancement, Faculty, Centers, and Career Services. We aim to achieve outstanding quantitative rankings while maintaining our community’s strong sense of identity and culture. Our commitment to student wellness and quality of life ensures that students and graduates meet their personal and professional goals.

Collaboration & Connection

We believe strong connections and open collaboration are the foundations of a thriving law school community. We work to foster a culture of communication, inclusivity, and respect, where every individual’s contributions are valued. By working together across offices and disciplines and embracing flexibility and responsiveness, we create an environment where students, faculty, and staff can excel, innovate, and confidently lead.

• Communicative & Responsive
  We maintain clear awareness of each office's role and responsibilities, ensuring consistency and clarity in communication. Responsiveness is key: listening actively, providing timely feedback, and addressing issues promptly fosters trust, collaboration, and efficiency across the College.

• Engaged & Inclusive
  We are invested, enthusiastic, and passionate about our work. We create a culture where every community member feels valued, respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas.

• Flexible & Respectful
  We understand and respect the timelines and priorities of others, embracing flexibility and collaboration.
  Our commitment to adaptability and consideration builds trust and supports a positive, productive working environment.