Miami • Florida

It’s About You.Your Goals. Your Success. Your Future.

At St. Thomas Law it has always been

about you. The Student. Founded on the

principles of access to legal education and

justice, St. Thomas Law has, since the beginning,

been focused on the student- each student as an

individual with unique interests and goals.

At St. Thomas Law, it truly is about you.

Read on to learn more about how

your dreams are our mission.

Welcome to St. Thomas University School of Law. The law school you choose to attend will significantly impact the type of lawyer you will become. At St. Thomas University School of Law, you will become a leader not only in the law, but also in ethics, professionalism, and service. Learning the law in our unique, student-centered community promises to be one of the most exciting times of your life. You will study law with leading scholars and practitioners, who have degrees from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and will serve not only as teachers but also as mentors. The open-door policy and small class size at St. Thomas will ensure you will have ready access and genuine interaction with the faculty guiding your legal education. You will experience and actually practice the law first-hand through our extensive and award-winning clinical and internship programs, including such unique opportunities as the United Nations internship in New York City, our in-house

Immigration clinic, and the Florida Supreme Court internship in Tallahassee. Through our Pro Bono program and other specialty programs such as our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, you will gain hands-on experience working with community organizations, clients, courts, and more. Our Summer-in-Spain and Netherlands programs will allow you to discover other cultures and to learn about the international dimension of the legal system. St. Thomas is continually ranked as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation. This global diversity enriches our community and promotes a truly cosmopolitan learning environment. The city of Miami, with its diversity, as well as its significant legal, business, entertainment, and arts communities, reinforces the international flavor of our campus. Our alumni have distinguished careers as members of large law firms, public service entities, the judiciary, and the business and entertainment worlds. Our cutting-edge, celebrated programs in Intercultural Human Rights and the Environment are training a new generation of leaders and advocates while making a significant difference for people struggling for human dignity and basic rights across the globe, and for our planet struggling for its health and its future. At St. Thomas University School of Law, you will study, practice, and experience the law in a law school community unlike any other in the nation- our small size coupled with our diversity makes for a friendly yet challenging environment where excellence and exploration are fostered, and where great legal minds are cultivated. I invite you to join our uniquely collaborative academic community for this challenging and exciting journey through the law.

Alfredo Garcia Dean

By the NumBers

286,000

100%

22,00016:1

Countries Represented by Our Current Students

The Number of People Helped by Our Human Rights Institute Annually

Placement in Our Clinical Programs

Student to Faculty Ratio

Pro Bono Service Hours Provided by Our Students Annually

5 Joint Degrees Offered At St. Thomas Law

$4 Awarded in Scholarships Annually to St. Thomas Law StudentsMillion

Your City:

MiamiMiami offers an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of a tropical paradise. Beautiful beaches grace the coastline while downtown areas offer unparalleled dining, shopping, culture and nightlife. Orlando is a morning’s drive to the north, and the Everglades lie just west of campus. A short drive to the south, and you find yourself surrounded by the sandy islands and crystal blue waters of the Florida Keys.

Life in South Florida features the year-round enjoyment of outdoor sports such as tennis, golfing, biking, fishing, diving, and more. Miami’s professional sports franchises include the Miami Dolphins (NFL), the Miami Heat (NBA), the Miami Marlins (MLB), and the Florida Panthers (NHL) teams.

South Florida’s bustling legal community affords St. Thomas Law students incredible opportunities to gain practical experience in nearly every aspect of the law. Miami, as well as the nearby cities of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, are home to federal, state, and county courts. Additionally, many prominent national and international law firms have a substantial presence here. As a global center for business and trade, South Florida has a significant international legal community, which provides our students with tremendous opportunities for internships, externships, clinics, and summer associate positions during law school, and a wealth of career options from private practice to judicial clerkships to sports/entertainment and corporate jobs upon graduation.

Explore Nature

Head to Shark Valley and bike the 15 mile loop through the spectacular Everglades while hundreds of alligators sun themselves along the path.

Foodie Adventure

Hit South Beach for the Food Network’s Annual Food & Wine festival to enjoy fabulous food and celebrity sightings.

Art Experience

Spend a day at Art Basel, one of the world’s largest and most famous contemporary and modern art shows.

You Want to Know

The average year-round temperature in •Miami is 75.9 degrees.

Miami averages 318 sunny days per year.•

The international airports in Miami, Fort •Lauderdale, and Palm Beach make travel inexpensive and convenient.

The legal hubs of downtown Miami, Fort •Lauderdale, and Palm Beach are within 70 miles of each other.

St. Thomas Law is located within •15 minutes of downtown Miami and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Sports Fanatic

Put on your fan colors and head to a game to watch one of South Florida’s four professional sports teams and cheer on your favorite athletes.

Day Trip to Florida Keys

Hop in the car and head to Key West for Mallory Square’s sunset festival. On your way, stop at Robbie’s to feed giant tarpon by hand.

Cultural Celebration

Join the crowds at the Calle Ocho Festival to celebrate Miami’s Latin heritage through food, song, and dance.

Your DegreeJ.D. Program

The J.D. program at St. Thomas Law is a full-time, student-centered program designed to shape students into knowledgeable, ethical attorneys who possess the skills today’s employers demand. The core curriculum enables students to master the fundamentals of the law, and the interactive classroom experience demands students master analytical and communication skills.

The law comes to life through a wide array of engaged learning opportunities that encourage students to develop practical lawyering skills such as client intake and interviewing, briefing, appearing in court for hearings, and more. Students are given a head start in the practice of law through extensive clinical programs, internship programs, and mentoring programs. These opportunities offer invaluable real-world experience to ensure success in the practice of law upon graduation.

Our core curriculum provides a solid foundation in substantive legal areas, and our extensive elective offerings range from environmental law to sports law, and more. Our courses are taught by dynamic faculty, and our low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes ensure personalized attention for every student.

True to the law school’s Catholic heritage, ethics, social justice, and professional responsibility are core beliefs intrinsic to the St. Thomas Law experience.

At St. Thomas Law, Brian Baptiste served as the vice president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, an experience that helped shape his future. “Having an interest in athletics administration and having the tremendous opportunity to explore the potential for a lawyer in that field, that experience opened my eyes to a world of possibilities.”

Now, as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance at Northwestern, he says, “The most satisfying part of my job is working in a field that I have a great deal of passion for. Athletics has always given me great joy and I am truly fortunate enough to make a living in an area that I love.”

Brian A. BaptisteAssociate Athletic Director for Compliance, Northwestern University

You Want to Know

St. Thomas Law is nationally ranked the 4th Best Law School Environment for Minority Students in the U.S. by the Princeton Review.

Joint Degrees

The joint degree programs offer our students the opportunity to complete the J.D. degree and the Master’s degree in the three years it typically takes to complete the J.D. degree alone.

J.D./M.B.A. in Sports Administration•J.D./M.S. in Sports Administration•J.D./M.B.A. in International Business•J.D./M.B.A. in Accounting•J.D./M.S. in Marriage & Family Counseling•

Certificate Programs

Elder Law Certificate•Environmental Sustainability Certificate•Intercultural Human Rights Certificate•Tax Law Certificate•

Graduate Law Programs

LL.M. In Intercultural Human Rights•J.S.D. in Intercultural Human Rights•

Two-Year J.D. Program

Beginning May 2015, St. Thomas Law will offer an Accelerated Two-Year option that allows the student to graduate sooner. A limited number of highly motivated students will be able to enroll in this two-year J.D. Program.

Students in the Two-Year J.D. program experience the same rigorous course load and have the same opportunities to participate in externships and clinics, as well as extra and co-curricular activities.

Advanced Standing Program for Foreign Attorneys

As an institution that prides itself on the diversity of its student body, St. Thomas Law is proud to offer an accelerated law program for foreign attorneys. Attorneys from abroad are able to complete their legal studies in an abridged program and receive their Juris Doctor degree after roughly two years (or 60 credits) of study at St. Thomas Law.

For more information, visit our website at www.stu.edu/law.

Your Options

Your Opportunities

Clinics & Internships

Appellate Litigation•

Bankruptcy•

Civil Practice•

Criminal Practice•

Elder Law•

Family Court•

Immigration•

Judicial•

Tax•

Fl• orida Supreme Court Internship in Tallahassee

U• nited Nations Pax Romana Internship in New York

Beyond the Classroom

It is imperative for today’s law students to graduate with an understanding of the practice of law, not just the letter of the law. Today’s employers demand it, and St. Thomas Law provides it. Not only does St. Thomas Law offer an extensive array of clinical programs, the law school also offers the rare opportunity to participate in more than one clinic and the opportunity to participate in clinics that no other law school offers, such as the United Nations internship. Additionally, as a small law school that is able to change and adapt to the needs of the students and the legal community, our clinical offerings remain flexible. For example, recent graduates interned for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the State Department at the United States Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

As clinical interns, St. Thomas law students engage in actual legal and trial practice including: records and witness preparation, oral arguments, plea bargain negotiations, trying cases to the court and to a jury, and sentencing negotiations. Students appear before Civil and Criminal Trial Courts, Family and Domestic Violence Court, Immigration Court, Tax Court, and the Department of Homeland Security, among others. These experiences develop the law students’ skills well beyond the classroom, preparing lawyers who can think on their feet, handle a witness, a defendant, or a judge, and who employers want to hire.

“There is a gap between the study of law and the practice of law. My experience in the appellate litigation clinic helped me bridge that gap and assist real clients while still receiving classroom-type guidance.”

Shannon HealeyAssistant Public DefernderMiami-Dade Public Defender’s Office

“St. Thomas’s writing program and its international perspective on practicing law greatly impacted my legal career. With the support of our dedicated faculty and administration, I was able to tackle my weaknesses, build on my strengths and explore my professional interests. Today, I am proud of the work I do for our clients, and am passionate about practicing international arbitration at a global law firm.”

Yara LorenzoAssociateHogan Lovells US LLP

United Nations intern Hannah Bible addresses the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City.

The U.N. Internship is a truly unique opportunity for St. Thomas law students to experience and participate in the daily workings of the United Nations. No other law school in the nation offers a program like it. The U.N. internship is a full-time, single semester clinical course that places students at the Pax Romana NGO Office for the United Nations in New York City.

You Want to Know

St. Thomas Law students have the

unique opportunity to take up to four

different clinical programs during

their law school tenure. This enables

our students to gain invaluable

practical experience and extensive

career contacts.

Summer-in-SpainFor more than fifteen years, St. Thomas Law has been hosting a summer abroad program in El Escorial, Spain. El Escorial is located in the beautiful foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains, about 45 minutes northwest of Madrid, and enjoys a pleasant year-round temperature.

The program is designed to prepare students to practice law in the globalized atmosphere of the 21st century by broadening their understanding of civil law.

Due to the accelerated pace of the coursework, weekday afternoons are generally devoted to study, though on occasion an evening may be spent in Madrid. A day

trip to the legal world of Madrid is included in the cost of the program. Weekend trips are at the option of the student and may be arranged through competent travel agents. Local activities include golf on a beautiful 18 hole course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and a modern gymnasium.

Classes are held at the Hotel Lanceros, a brand new facility with modern conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technical capabilities.

You Want to Know

“This was an excellent program overall, and I will highly recommend it to other students.”

- Villanova Law School Student

“The program allowed me to take courses in international law while completely immersed in a country with an entirely different culture.

The flexibility in class schedule allowed me to travel to four different countries on the

weekends, making the experience something I will never forget!”

-Joyner Aguiar, St. Thomas Law student

Netherlands Water Law Course Option

Based in Delft, Netherlands, the program is scheduled just prior to the Summer-in-Spain Program. The one-credit course is open to J.D. students on a first come, first served basis.

Your SupportStudent Support

St. Thomas Law has a culture of student support that is nationally recognized. Student success in law school and beyond is our primary goal.

Introduction to Legal Studies Program

Introduction to Legal Studies is a three-week, non-credit program offered the summer before students begin their legal studies. The program is offered to all admitted students and a select group of students seeking to be admitted. The program offers an introduction to the study of law that will allow you to gain a head start on acquiring skills essential to succeed in law school. Students admitted to the Introduction to Legal Studies Conditional Program are extended an opportunity to gain admission to our fall class upon the successful completion (top 20%) of the program.

The program format consists of one legal topic taught each week by a different faculty member. At the end of each week, students will be tested on the material covered that week.

The purpose of this three week course is to expose the student to a new way of learning. The classes and the examinations will introduce you to the teaching and testing methodologies used in law school. We will provide you all the materials for the course.

Scholarship Opportunity

Students who are in the top 5% at the end of the program will earn a one-time $5,000.00 scholarship award. Students in the top 20% will earn a one-time $2,000.00 scholarship award.

Program Fee

The cost for the program is a $1,500.00 non-refundable fee. The entire amount of the non-refundable fee will be applied to tuition.

You Want to Know

The faculty at St. Thomas Law maintain

an open-door policy, and welcome you to

stop by their offices to ask questions or

discuss legal issues brought up in class.

First-Year Student Support

Training for Optimal Performance (TOP)

The TOP program is designed to help students become effective and productive first-year law students and maintain that success throughout their law school and legal career. TOP provides first-year students the necessary skills to prepare for and to overcome the challenges of law school before classes start.

TOP will introduce learning methods and preparation skills necessary for law school success. During the TOP program, students will:

learn how to prepare for class, including reading and briefing •cases, and outlining class notes to effectively study for exams; learn how to study effectively and efficiently; •learn how to take a law school exam. •

TOP is a supplement to the Introduction to Legal Studies program. TOP is a free and voluntary program offered the week before Orientation.

Active Learning Instruction (ALI)

First-year students are offered an Active Learning program to aid in the development of the basic legal skills and work ethic needed for success in law school, and in the legal profession.

Each section of each first-year course is assigned a successful upper-level student to serve as an Active Learning Instructor. Students participating in the program are engaged in Active Learning Exercises designed to develop a better understanding of the careful reading, critical thought, and analytical writing skills required for success in law school.

Writing Enhancement and Skills Program (WES)

The Writing Enhancement and Skills program (WES) focuses on individual students, with specialized one-on-one sessions that identify areas in which students can benefit from further work—areas such as grammar, syntax, mechanics, expression, and style. During most of the fall and spring semesters, the WES program is available only to first-year students seeking a J.D. degree. At other times of the year, the WES program is open to all J.D. students—each of whom is encouraged to continue participating in the WES program to improve his or her overall writing skills.

Study Sessions

Upper-level law students lead study sessions for required first-year courses offering a review of the law in an informal, interactive setting. Skills Workshops

These workshops, run by Academic Support staff, cover requisite study skills such as outlining and exam-taking.

Individual Tutoring and Counseling

Individual tutoring is always available to students who require supplemental assistance in their studies.

Bar Application Information Sessions

The session addresses frequently-asked questions, common bar application errors, legal issues, and test-taking accommodations for students with disabilities. Twice a year, typically November and January, a professional fingerprinting service comes on campus.

Bar Exam Preparation

St. Thomas Law provides a commercial bar review course and MPRE review for each of its graduates. We also offer a series of workshops for students preparing for the Bar Exam. These workshops focus on both substance and techniques for success on the Bar Exam.

“St. Thomas Law is a wellspring of academics, fundamentals, internships, practical experiences, mentorships, friendships and inspirations. Personally, it is the ideal breeding ground to become an effective litigator. My decision to choose St. Thomas Law was the best decision I could have made. As a direct by-product of the education, tutelage, and encouragement I received, I entered the workforce prepared to practice law from day one. From competing and placing in a national moot court competition to interning for a federal judge and from obtaining my present employment through on campus interviews to developing close friendships with professors/judges, I am forever grateful for everything that St. Thomas Law did for my career. As a practicing attorney, St. Thomas Law is ever present with its robust alumni outreach.”

Armando G. Hernandez Associate, Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A.

“After law school I clerked for a federal judge before going into private practice. I left St. Thomas Law superbly equipped for both jobs—my civil procedure and federal courts courses, combined with the basic substantive courses, gave me the foundation to succeed and excel in my career.”

Brett BarfieldPartner, Holland & KnightPast President of theFederal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter

St. Thomas Law students graduate well-prepared to pursue a wealth of careers. Law School alumni are leaders in their fields of practice, in their communities, and within the Bar. St. Thomas Law’s programs, including our extensive practical skills training, our personalized career services, and our individualized environment will enable you to excel in your chosen career. Whatever your career goals may be, the Office of Career Services guides you to success with extensive, personalized career planning and placement services.

One of the greatest strengths of a law degree is the professional versatility it offers you. St. Thomas Law alumni are leaders in their fields serving as:

Judges•Legislators•Partners in international, national, and local law firms•Solo Practitioners•Law Professors•Corporate Leaders•Entrepreneurs•Public Servants•

Your Career

Class of 2013 Employment by Areas of Practice

Private Practice 59.5 %•Business 17.8 %•Government 12.9 %•Public Interest 6.7 %•Academic 2.5 %•Judicial Clerkship .6 %•

Career Services

Symplicity:• The online system which allows students and alumni access to job postings, events, and other resources.

Individual Counseling: • Career Services counselors meet with students and alumni to review résumés and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and talk about career goals/strategies.

On-Campus Interview Program: • Each fall and spring, the Office of Career Services hosts the On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program. OCI attracts national, regional and local law firms, government agencies, and public sector employers looking to hire students for summer and permanent positions.

Mock Interview Program:• The Mock Interview Program occurs every year in preparation for OCI. All students are encouraged to participate.

Lunch and Learn Programs:• Lunch & Learns take place weekly, and consist of presentations provided by practicing attorneys, business etiquette experts, judges, and other professionals. In addition, Office of Career Services counselors provide sessions regarding career-development topics such as networking, job search strategies, interviewing, and resume/cover letter formats.

Bar Application Information Session:• The session addresses frequently-asked questions, common bar application errors, legal issues, and test-taking accommodations for students with disabilities. Twice a year, typically November and January, a professional fingerprinting service comes on campus.

STU Loan Repayment Assistance •Program (LRAP): The goal of the LRAP is to encourage St. Thomas Law graduates to pursue public interest careers.

You Want to Know80% of the Class of 2013 is employed full-time or

seeking an additional degree.

St. Thomas Law alumna, Schuyler Smith ‘09 was recently featured in the Miami Herald/Legacy Magazine as one of the Top 40 black leaders in Miami-Dade county. Schuyler is an Associate at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel where she practices in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She serves as an 11th Circuit Representative on the Board of Governors for the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar, served as Director of the Dade County Bar Young Lawyers Section from 2011-2014, and is Past President of the Caribbean Bar Association.

About St. Thomas Law, Schuyler says, “My experience was the best! It was truly an environment that promoted the ‘open door’ policy that you often hear about but rarely realize. The faculty is amazing and I encourage incoming students to take advantage of the many internship and extra-curricular opportunities St. Thomas Law has to offer.”

Schuyler A. SmithAssociate, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel LLP

FIRMS

AkermanArnstein & LehrBaker BottsBaker & McKenzieBilzin SumbergBlack, Srebnick, Kornspan & StumpfBracewell & PattersonCarlton FieldsDechertDuane MorrisFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & JacobsonFulbright & JaworskiGreenberg TraurigGreenspoon MarderGunster YoakleyHogan LovellsHolland & KnightLydecker, Lee, Behar, Begar & DeZayasMayer BrownJackson LewisKirkpatrick & LockhartProskauer RoseSquire Sanders

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE

Federal Bureau of InvestigationFederal Energy Regulatory CommissionFederal Public Defender’s OfficeFlorida Attorney General’s OfficeFlorida Department of Children & FamiliesFlorida Immigrant Advocacy CenterFlorida State Attorney’s OfficeFlorida Public Defender’s OfficeFlorida Supreme CourtHuman Rights InstituteLegal AidState & Federal CourtsU.S. Air Force JAG CorpsU.S. Dept. of Homleand SecurityU.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban DevelopmentU.S. Dept. of JusticeU.S. Dept. of the NavyU.S. Marine JAG CorpsU.S. Patent & Trademark OfficeU.S. State Department

BUSINESSES & CORPORATIONS

Arrow Air, Inc.Bank of AmericaBank of New YorkBristol-Myers Squibb CompanyCapital One Financial Corp.Carnival Cruise LinesDeloitte Tax LLPDivosta HomesErnst & YoungHalliburtonJ.P. Morgan ChaseLennar HomesLexisNexis PublishingLucent TechnologiesMCM CorporationOffice Depot, Inc.PricewaterhouseCoopersState Farm InsuranceTouchsuiteUnivision Communications, Inc.

Employers of St. Thomas Law Alumni

Student Organizations

AILA Student Chapter (Immigration Law Society) American Bar AssociationAmerican Association for Justice Asian American Law Students Association (AALSA)Black Law Student Association (BLSA)Business Law SocietyCaribbean Law Students Association (CLSA)Cuban American Student Bar Association (CASBA)Criminal Law SocietyDade County Bar Association-STU ChapterElder Law SocietyEntertainment/Sports Law SocietyFashion in Law SocietyFederal Bar Association Student DivisionFederalist SocietyFlorida Association for Womens Lawyers- STU Chapter (FAWL)Florida Bar Young Lawyers DivisionHispanic American Law Student Association(HALSA)Intercultural Human Rights Law ReviewInternational Law SocietyInternational Moot CourtIP & Cyber Law Society (IPCLS)Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA)Lambda Law SocietyLaw ReviewMaritime Law SocietyMock TrialMoot CourtPeter T. Fay Inn of CourtPhi Alpha Delta (PAD)Real Estate Law & Urban Development Association(RELUDA)St.Thomas More Catholic Law Society (STMLS)Stephen Booher Inn of CourtStudent Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF)Tax Law Society

Your ExperienceCo-Curricular Activities

St. Thomas Law Review•

The St. Thomas Law Review is a student-operated scholarly journal that publishes articles by faculty and members of the bench and Bar nationwide. Membership is determined on the basis of academic excellence and/or demonstrated writing ability. A publishable comment or note must be completed for membership. The Law Review provides students with extensive writing, editing and managing experience.

Intercultural Human Rights Law Review•

The Intercultural Human Rights Law Review is an annual journal of intercultural human rights scholarship committed to exploring new directions and perspectives in the struggle for human rights, justice, and equality. The Intercultural Human Rights Law Review is run jointly by J.D. and LL.M. students.

Moot Court Board•

The Moot Court Board promotes excellence in legal research and written and oral advocacy. Students compete in an intramural moot court tournament judged by faculty and members of the local bench and bar. Participants prepare a brief and present oral arguments based upon a simulated appellate record containing issues that require in-depth research and analysis. The Board selects national and regional competitions for participation by its members.

International Moot Court Board•

Members of the International Moot Court Board compete in international competitions, including the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition. Student teams conduct legal research, write an appellate brief and present oral arguments.

Mock Trial Board•

Membership on the Mock Trial Board promotes excellence in litigation and trial advocacy skills. Students participate in state, regional and national advocacy competitions, vying for team membership through tryouts. St. Thomas Law trial teams have achieved prominence in numerous competitions.

First Year Curriculum

1L Fall Term

Torts I•Contracts I•Property I•Civil Procedure I•Legal Analysis, Writing and Research•

1L Spring Term

Torts II•Contracts II•Property II•Civil Procedure II•Advanced Legal Writing and Research•

Faculty

The faculty at St. Thomas Law is committed to student success, outstanding teaching, and meaningful scholarship. Our professors have earned law degrees and advanced law degrees from some of the most prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. In addition to outstanding academic credentials, many have years of significant law practice experience.

Our faculty members have written more than 55 books and hundreds of articles. They speak at international conferences, serve as media experts, and more. The law school’s low student-to-faculty ratio and the open-door policy offer students the opportunity interact with leading scholars and practitioners on a personal level.

You Want to KnowSt. Thomas Law offers flexible scheduling and summer courses, a two-year and a three-year J.D.

program, five joint degrees, four certificate programs, and two advanced law degrees. Learn more about how our flexible programs can help you make your dreams a reality.

Student Services

Academic Advising•Symposiums and Workshops•Guest Lecturers•Ethics & Professionalism Series•Networking Opportunities & Community Outreach•Local Bar Events•Participation in Inn of Court•Alumni Events & Alumni Mentoring Program•

Pro Bono Program

Through St. Thomas Law’s Pro Bono program students participate in at least 50 hours of law-related and community pro bono work prior to graduation, providing 22,000 hours of service to the community each year. The program teaches a commitment to public service, and enhances access to the legal system for underserved populations.

One of the greatest strengths of our law school is the profound sense of community shared by students, faculty, and administration. St. Thomas Law is a uniquely friendly, student-centered law school that offers an engaging and supportive environment in which to learn and experience the law.

Our small size ensures students have easy access and genuine interaction with faculty and administrators, who are accessible and approachable and share a commitment to respond to student needs. Professors maintain an open-door policy that enables students to interact with and learn from them outside the classroom.

St. Thomas Law is, and has been since its founding, a leader in diversity, boasting one of the most culturally diverse law school student bodies in the country. In addition to its ethnic diversity, our student body is also geographically and religiously diverse. This richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives enhances our community and promotes a truly cosmopolitan learning environment. The city of Miami, with its substantial diversity, reinforces the international flavor of our campus.

Your Community

You Want to Know

Student diversity, small class sizes, a low

student-to-faculty ratio, and a student-

centered administration combine to

form the uniquely friendly, collaborative

environment at St. Thomas Law. Our

community cannot be easily described

in words—we invite you to experience

it first-hand. Schedule your visit today

to meet current students, faculty and

administration and learn how YOU are

our priority. Contact admitme@stu.edu

or call (305) 623-2310.

Facilities

The law school is located on the beautiful St. Thomas University campus, just fifteen miles from downtown Miami and fifteen miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale. The gated, 140-acre campus is conveniently located to major highways, and both Miami and Fort Lauderdale International airports. If you live in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton or Palm Beach and choose to commute on the Tri-Rail system, St. Thomas Law offers free shuttle service.

The law school is housed in a series of modern buildings featuring walls of windows that take advantage of South Florida’s sunshine and natural beauty. The heart of the law school is the breezeway, an open-air atrium connecting classrooms and administrative offices with the law library. In this balmy, covered outdoor courtyard, students gather year-round to study, socialize and interact with faculty and administrators in a casual environment.

Our law library offers extensive print collections as well as comprehensive digital collections and online resources. The campus has wireless internet throughout, and the classrooms are outfitted with the latest technology for multi-media presentations.

Our new Center for Professional Development houses an additional state-of-the-art classroom, our Career Services office and our Office for Alumni Relations.

The new 62,000 square foot Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness houses a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as basketball, volleyball, and intramural sports. The campus also has tennis courts and a pool available for student use.

Campus Life

The law school campus is a busy and exciting place to learn and study. Student organizations regularly host guest speakers, organize important symposia, participate in volunteer activities, and coordinate social events. Each year, the Student Bar Association hosts the Barrister’s Ball, a formal evening of dining and dancing at one of South Florida’s premier hotels.

Housing

On-campus housing is available to all law students. Villanova Hall offers luxurious private suites with private baths. The third and fourth floors of Villanova Hall are reserved for law and graduate students. All suites include cable, Internet, and telephone connections, with utilities included in the cost of housing.

You Want to Know

Our students provide more than 22,000 service hours yearly through our Pro Bono Program.

Your Next StepsThe admissions process at St. Thomas University School of Law is competitive and highly selective. Members of the Admissions Committee review and consider each application for admission in its entirety.

The Admissions Committee will consider many factors in the admissions process, particularly performance on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and undergraduate grade point average. Additional factors include extracurricular activities, employment experience, demonstrated commitment to public and community service, leadership skills and experience, history of overcoming personal or professional challenges, and other academic, personal and professional achievements.

How to Apply

St. Thomas Law Online Application

St Thomas Law offers an online application through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). Applications are available beginning September 1st. The priority deadline is May 1st. The Office of Admissions will accept applications until July 31st Processing fee

A $40 non-refundable processing fee is required to submit the application. Fee waivers are available to qualified candidates by contacting: admitme@stu.edu.

Personal Statement

Applicants are required to submit a personal statement of no more than four pages, double-spaced. The personal statement is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and should include any significant personal experiences beyond what may be reflected in the academic transcripts and resume, and any personal and career ambitions.

Resumé

Applicants must submit a current resumé with the application and personal statement.

Letters of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation is required of all applicants. Seek out a professor, work colleague, or supervisor who has personal knowledge of your academic or work performance and can speak to your potential to succeed in law school.

LSAT

All applicants must take the LSAT. Contact LSAC to request registration material at (215) 968-1001 or visitwww.lsac.org.

Official Academic Transcripts

Applicants must subscribe to and submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions the applicant attended through the Law School Admissions Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

Transfer Students

Applications for transfer are considered from students who are in good academic standing at a law school. Credits earned at the other school will transfer in any class in which the student earned a “C” or better. Credits earned under a Pass/Fail grading system at another law school will not transfer. Grades associated with the credits accepted for transfer are not used in computing the student’s grade point average. Transfer credit will not be awarded for correspondence courses. Transfer application deadline is July 31st.

Financing Your Education

To assist students with the cost of their education, St. Thomas Law offers financial assistance to eligible law students in the form of scholarships, loans, and part-time employment. The primary financial aid resources available to students may be a combination of loans and merit-based scholarships. Students must apply for financial aid to be considered for loans. Apply for federal aid at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Merit Scholarships

St. Thomas Law awards more than $4 million dollars each year in merit scholarships to qualified J.D. degree students. For entering first-year students, eligibility is based on the LSAT and undergraduate GPA. Eligibility for second- and third-year students is based on class rank and law school GPA. Consideration for merit scholarships is automatically given to all students; no formal application is required. Awards are made on a yearly basis and are renewable upon superior academic performance.

Donor Scholarships

St. Thomas also offers more than thirty scholarships made available through the generosity of donors and alumni. Each of these scholarships has its own selection criteria. To learn more, please visit our website at www.stu.edu/lawscholarships.

Part-Time Employment

Learning Instructors

Second-year students who have been successful in law school may be eligible for a position as a Learning In-structor during the summer following their first year of law school. Learning Instructors conduct several sessions over the course of the semester to assist first year students in developing and practicing legal skills. Learning Instructors are assigned to a first-year course and work closely with the professor and the first-year class.

Paid Research Assistants

Students who have completed the first year of law school may be eligible for positions as research assistants. Research assistants work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Research assistants are selected by faculty members and are generally students who have demonstrated strong research and scholastic abilities.

Work Program

Second and Third-year students may apply for on-campus positions through the Career Services Office.

St. thomaS UniverSity School of lawMiaMi • Florida

16401 NW 37 aveNue • MiaMi, Florida 33054(305) 623-2310 or (800) 245-4569

E-mail: admitme@stu.edu Website: www.stu.edu/law

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