FSU Law 60th Anniversary Timeline
1965
Launching of FSU College of Law
The Florida Legislature passed the act establishing the Florida State University College of Law and allocated funding to launch the school.
1965
The First Dean of FSU Law, Mason Ladd
Founding FSU Law Dean Mason Ladd, photographed by Richard Parks at his portrait studio "Richard Parks Photography", circa. November 1968.
An advisory committee was formed to identify the College of Law’s first dean. Mason Ladd was selected as the first Dean of the FSU College of Law.
1966
Longmire, The First FSU College of Law Building
FSU Law opened its doors in the Longmire Building with its inaugural class.
1966
First Law Faculty Photographed
Pictured from Left to Right - Standing: Professor Francis “Pete” N. Millett, Jr., Professor David F. Dickson, and Ronald T. Anderson, an Instructor at the School of Business, was selected as Assistant Dean;
Pictured from Left to Right - Seated: Dean Mason Ladd, Betty (Elizabeth) Martin Leeman, the first Law Librarian, and Professor Walter Ray Phillips.
The inaugural faculty included two deans, three professors, and the law librarian.
1966
Inaugural Class of 1966
Pictured from Left to Right: Dean Mason Ladd, Professor Ronald Anderson, and Senator Pete Gibson with the first FSU College of Law Student, Jon Kaney ('66). Kaney was an assistant in the Senator's office, and helped write the bill which started the College of Law.
1967
Professor Charles W. Ehrhardt Joins FSU Law
As enrollment grew, new faculty joined to strengthen the academic program, including Professor Charles Ehrhardt, who is still teaching today. Professor Ehrhardt was the fourth law professor to join our school.
1968
FSU Law Earns National Recognition
The College of Law advanced through the accreditation process, earning early approvals and national recognition.
1969
Receives Full AALS Accreditation
FSU Law achieved full AALS accreditation, marking its growing stature in legal education.
1969
Class of 1966 Graduates with 100% Bar Pass Rate
First class graduates with an incredible 100% pass rate on the Florida Bar exam.
1969
The Second Dean of FSU Law, Joshua M. Morse III
Dean Joshua M. Morse III carries FSU Law's legacy, photographed by Richard Parks at his portrait studio, "Richard Parks Photography", circa. October 1974.
Joshua M. Morse III became the College of Law’s second dean, guiding the school through a period of rapid expansion.
1969-71
The Law Campus Expands
Construction and campus development accelerated as FSU Law prepared for long-term growth.
1971
First Journal Established
Students launched Obiter Dictum, creating a new platform for campus journalism and community engagement.
1971
Enrollment Approaches 500 5tudents
Students Studying in the Campus Law Library.
Enrollment grows, reflecting the school’s growing reputation and demand.
1972
First Moot Court Case Heard by the Florida Supreme Court
FSU Law students argued the first moot court case heard by the Florida Supreme Court—an unprecedented opportunity that helped define the school’s advocacy tradition.
1973
The FSU Law Review Takes Off
The Florida State University Law Review began publication in 1971; however, the initial publication didn't take off. In 1973, the Law Review re-published its first edition in Winter and has since strengthened the College’s national scholarly presence.
1973
First Board of Visitors Meeting
The College of Law established its first Board of Visitors, deepening engagement with alums and legal leaders.
1976
First Decade Since Inception
FSU Law celebrated its first decade, marking ten years of rapid growth and institutional development.
1980s
FSU Law Campus in the 80s
Campus prior to the Village Green and Rotunda being constructed. BK Roberts Hall Building shown, Cattywampus Law Library shown in the back. Photo taken at the intersection of MLK and Pensacola Street.
1980
Memoriam Published for Founding Dean Mason Ladd
FSU Law Review publishes an In Memoriam for Dean Mason Ladd in the Spring of 1980.
Founding Dean Mason Ladd passed away, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the school’s early mission.
1980
Third Dean of FSU Law, Orin Slagle
Orin Slagle became dean, continuing the work of institutional growth and academic development.
1981
The Launch of the FSU Law Alumni Newsletter in Print
The alumni newsletter was launched, strengthening connections across the FSU Law community. It still goes out digitally every Friday.
1983
The Launch of JLUEL
The Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law was established, expanding the College’s scholarly reach in environmental and land-use policy.
1984
The Fourth Dean of FSU Law, Sandy "Talbot" D'Alemberte
Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte served as dean during a period of institutional momentum and statewide visibility. After serving as Dean of FSU Law, Sandy D'Alemberte continued to nurture his connection to FSU by serving as University President from 1994 to 2003.
1985
Law Library is Dedicated
Ed and Marianna Schroeder with Justice Stevens and his wife, photographed at the FSU Law Library Dedication Weekend Event in 1985.
The College of Law hosted Law Library Dedication Weekend, highlighting its commitment to research and scholarship.
1986-87
Village Green Begins to Form
Cawthon House, photographed in 1987; not pictured are Ausley House and Damon House.
Several historic homes — including the Caldwell House, Damon House, and Cawthon House — were moved to the Law School’s Village Green, forming a distinctive community gathering space for FSU Law.
1988
Law Rotunda is Dedicated
The D’Alemberte Rotunda at the Village Green is dedicated, becoming a central gathering and event space for the College of Law community.
1989
The Fifth Dean of FSU Law, Sheldon F. Kurtz
Sheldon F. Kurtz joined as the fifth dean and continues to grow the College’s scale and influence.
1989
Last Addition to the Village Green
Ausley House added to the Village Green, photographed in 1989.
The Ausley House was dedicated as the final piece of the Village Green, serving as the home of the Florida State University Law Review and enriching the campus’s historic character.
1990s
Launching of Clinical and Advocacy Programs
FSU Law expanded its public service mission through strengthened clinical and advocacy programs.
The College deepened its commitment to experiential learning through clinics, externships, and community partnerships.
1991
Founding of the Children's Advocacy Clinic
1991
The Sixth Dean of FSU Law, Don Weidner
Dean Donald Weidner joined the law school in 1991 and served as the sixth Dean of the Law School until the Summer of 1997. In 1998, Weidner picked up the role again and remained Dean until 2016. Dean Weidner was one of the longest-serving law school deans in U.S. history.
Dean Don Weidner began a transformative era of leadership focused on academic excellence and national reputation.
1997
The Seventh Dean of FSU Law, Paul LeBel
Dean LeBel was previously a professor at William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law, was selected to be Dean from a field of more than 100 candidates.
Dean LeBel began serving as Dean in the Summer of 1997. After the end of his stewardship as Dean, LeBel remained with the College of Law as a professor through 2003.
2000
The Launch of the Florida State University Business Review
The Florida State University Business Review was founded to enhance student scholarship in business and commercial law.
2000
Modernizing Academics in the Wake of the 2000s
FSU Law continued to modernize academic programs and student services, laying the groundwork for future innovation.
2012
FSU Law Expands
The Florida State University College of Law Advocacy Center opened in January 2012 in the renovated old First District Court of Appeal courthouse, adding 50,000 square feet of space. The $12.9 million project provided five new, high-tech courtrooms for moot court and mock trials, alongside additional offices for clinics and faculty. The Center includes five courtrooms for use by our Mock Trial and Moot Court teams, making it the finest advocacy training facility in the nation. In addition, the Advocacy Center houses the law school’s Public Interest Law Center, including client interview rooms, conference rooms, and offices for clinical professors and students.
2014
FSU President John Thrasher Joins Law Faculty
Following his presidency at FSU in 2014, Thrasher returned to FSU Law as Associate Dean for External and Governmental Affairs and Professor of Law in 2021.
Under the leadership of FSU President John Thrasher, the University strengthens its statewide influence, fundraising capacity, and institutional investment, supporting continued growth and innovation at the College of Law. Thrasher would later join the FSU Law faculty. Read our tribute to President John Thrasher.
2016
The Eighth Dean of FSU Law, Erin O'Hara O'Connor
Dean O'Connor is a renowned legal scholar in the areas of conflict of laws, arbitration, and the law market.
Erin O’Hara O’Connor becomes the first woman dean of the College of Law and leads the College to new heights in academic excellence and national reputation.
2017
Launch of the Juris Master Program at FSU Law
2018
FSU Partners with Community Professionals and Organizations
FSU Law strengthens employer partnerships and professional development programs, expanding career pathways for graduates.
2018-19
National Recognition
FSU Law earns national recognition for graduate employment outcomes, bar passage, and value, reflecting sustained academic and career success.
2020
During the pandemic, FSU Law adapted quickly to ensure academic continuity and student support.
2021
Establishment of the Stoops Center for Law and Business
A 2021 contribution from the Stoops Family Foundation established the Stoops Center for Law and Business. This generous gift was made possible by FSU alumni Jeff and Aggie Stoops.
The Stoops Center for Law and Business launched, expanding the College’s leadership in business law and innovation.
2024
Establishment of the Institute of Law, Technology & Innovation
The Institute of Law, Technology & Innovation was launched, focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property.
2025
Cumulative Rankings Earned
FSU Law continues to rise in the rankings and is named No. 1 Best Value in the Nation by preLaw Magazine, No. 17 Public Law School in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 6 Best Professors by the Princeton Review.
2025
FSU Election Law Center is Codified
2025
The Launch of the Pro Bono Bankruptcy Law Clinic and the First Amendment Clinic
2026
FSU Law Reaches Six Decades
FSU Law celebrates 60 years of excellence—honoring its history while preparing for the next generation of impact.