Florida Coastal School of Law

Lawyers and the legal profession have always been at the forefront of political, economic and social change. The present is no exception. Indeed, it is a particularly challenging and exciting time to contemplate a legal education.

As you consider the pursuit of a legal education and a career in law, the first major decision you will face is the choice of a law school. The basic curriculum and the traditional three year time period for legal education have remained very constant for over a century. Today, it is more important than ever that a law school take maximum advantage of this limited time to prepare its graduates to enter the profession well equipped.

Since its founding Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL) has placed the student at the center of the institution’s activities. At FCSL the study of law includes: acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the law and an understanding of the legal system and developing the critical thinking and lawyering skills essential to the practice of law. Consistently focusing on the students insures the proper balance of each of these components. We believe that: excellence in teaching, including an emphasis on rigor; innovative use of technology in the classroom; infusion of skills training and multi-culturalism into traditional courses; frequent student and faculty assessment with opportunity for feedback; and valuing listening and responding to student needs are essential hallmarks of a successful legal education. We further believe that this approach is essential to success on the bar exam and will better position our graduates to be successful and inspirational in their legal careers.

The FCSL experience is also fostered by the commitment of the faculty to mentoring and a climate of collegiality. We believe this operates to eliminate barriers to the student/ faculty partnership in the legal education endeavor. Our faculty is enthusiastic and energized about shaping and guiding students’ careers. All of our faculty members have “real world” experience that they bring to the classroom and to the rest of the student-centered environment. Some have practiced with large urban law firms, some have judicial experience, some have corporate experience, and others have governmental legal experience. All are committed to mentoring and educating students in a collegial and professional atmosphere.

We believe FCSL provides a unique opportunity for a quality legal education. But rather than just telling people how we are doing things differently and better, we are committed to making it obvious that we are student-centered and devoted to preparing students for entry into the profession.

The information contained in our publications and on our website is designed to assist you in making an informed decision about the study of law and, in particular, whether Florida Coastal School of Law is the right law school for you. We encourage you to talk with our students, graduates, faculty and staff about the school.

We welcome visitors at FCSL and are pleased to have students and staff ready to provide a tour and big picture presentation about the school. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

C. Peter Goplerud III
Dean and Professor of Law