The Juris Doctor or J.D. program prepares students for careers in law.
Founded in 1949, re-established in 2002 and fully accredited in 2009 and again in
2014 by the American Bar Association, our programs for full-time day and part-time
evening students combine a rigorous traditional curriculum with practical experience,
public service, and career preparedness.
The law school offers a rigorous traditional curriculum of required and elective courses
that are complemented by extensive skills training that includes an intensive three-year
writing program and a strong clinical program. The College of Law’s curriculum is
designed to provide students with both the intellectual and practical skills necessary
to meet the demands of the modern practice of law by combining theoretical coursework
with clinical and practical experiences. Through the use of elective courses and leading
practitioners as adjunct faculty, students are introduced to emerging trends and developments
in the law.
The Florida A&M University College of Law is fully accredited by the Council of the
Section of Legal Education of the American Bar Association.
Why FAMU Law?
You can get anywhere from FAMU Law. At the Florida A&M University College of Law,
one of the most impactful HBCUs, the study of law serves as a catalyst for social,
racial, and economic justice.
Since opening its doors in Orlando in 2002, FAMU College of Law has:
Produced more than 2,800 graduates who are lawyers and leaders
Produced more than 1,700 minority graduates
Produced more than 1,800 licensed attorneys in Florida
Produced more than 1,100 licensed minority attorneys in Florida
Produced 10 sitting judges in Florida, Georgia and Missouri
Produced one sitting State Attorney in Florida
What is a Rattler for Justice?
A Rattler for Justice is someone who strives to shake up the status quo to encourage
growth; someone who seeks to rattle a few cages to ensure justice is served; or someone
who serves as a catalyst for change while assisting others in need.
Trial
Careers in the law
Lawyers and other legal professionals work in a wide variety of environments, ranging
from courtrooms to private practice. There are many career paths in the legal profession.
Legal careers include:
Administrative or Regulatory Attorney
Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer
Antitrust Lawyer
Appellate Lawyer
Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Resolution Attorney
Banking Lawyer
Bankruptcy Lawyer
Compliance Attorney
Corporate Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney
Data Security and Privacy Lawyer
Education Lawyer
Elder Law Attorney
Energy Lawyer
Entertainment Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Family Lawyer or Divorce Lawyer
Health Care Lawyer
Human Rights or Civil Rights Lawyer
Immigration Attorney
Intellectual Property Lawyer
International Lawyer
Judge
Judge Advocate in Military
Judicial Clerk
Labor and Employment Lawyer
Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer
Political Lawyer or Policy Lawyer
Real Estate Lawyer
Tax Lawyer
Trial Lawyer
And more
Expectations
Law Degree Salary Expectations
In 2020, the average attorney made:
an average of $44.08 an hour
a median salary of $91,010
the top 25% made an average of $106,060 annually
the bottom 25% percent made an average of $75,360 annually
The states with the highest employment rates for Law are:
California
New York
Texas and,
Florida
Career Planning and Professional Development
The Office of Career Planning and Professional Development (CPPD) is a comprehensive
resource center, designed to assist students and alumni in every phase of their career
planning process. CPPD serves as a professional employment and preparation resource,
offering year-round service to students, alumni and employers. More info
F.A.Q.s
Legal Career Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services does the Office of Career Planning & Professional Development provide?
The Office of Career Planning & Professional Development (CPPD) offers comprehensive
career guidance and job search assistance to FAMU Law students and graduates. We provide
individual advising and assessment, assistance on resumes, cover letters and mock
interviews, offers and salary negotiation. We produce career development programming
on a variety of topics. We also conduct outreach to law firms and organizations to
provide you with networking, learning, and work opportunities. We are also here to help you identify the skills, values, and guiding principles
that you will need to engage in the legal community.
2. Can you help me prepare for an interview?
Absolutely! CPPD can meet with students in person over the phone or by Zoom for a mock interview that closely mimics the
actual interview setting. Our office will review student documents including resume,
cover letter, writing sample cover sheets, and transcripts to ensure student responses
align with the position sought. After the mock interview has been completed, students
will receive feedback helpful to their specific professional needs.
3. How should I network?
Attending in person events or virtual events are always a good way to connect with
the professional community. You should consider attending events with attorneys and
other professionals (in your target industry). You should also consider taking advantage
of informational interviews, observing court, and shadowing opportunities.
Are you thinking about pursuing a career in law? Our program prepares students to
become highly-trained legal professionals.
If you are thinking about attending law school, consider what some of our Rattlers
for Justice are saying about law as a career.
"In choosing law as my career, I am driven by a profound desire to be the voice for
the voiceless, particularly those underprivileged and overlooked. I see my law degree
as a potent tool to address cultural disparities, working towards a more equitable
and just society. It's not just a profession for me; it's a pathway to advocate for
those whose experiences are often marginalized."
"As a child of immigrants, I have witnessed first-hand the disparities many immigrant
families face in this country. The lack of resources and access to basic human rights
plague immigrant families and I allowed my experiences to further my desire to be
a pillar of hope to my community."
"FAMU Law has such a rich history. Additionally, the types of connections that students
can make at FAMU Law are great. Orlando is a great city for networking and job opportunities."
