Raising the Bar

Beginning last week, 55 new first year law school students began the extended orientation program at FSU Law. I was fortunate enough to be hired as a mentor for the group, which is certainly an impressive one. Their average LSAT score should be about two points higher than the next highest class to ever matriculate at the school. Another interesting fact- and a sign of the current economic times- the number of non-Florida residents in this class is low. The out-of-state tuition for the law school is now about $36,000 per year.

The week long program, as described by these students, is pretty intense. The Dean of the law school taught them a miniature property course on finding. They will take a 35 minute exam for the course tomorrow. Two legal writing instructors have introduced them to writing office memos and briefing cases. My fellow mentors have also provided practical advice on outlining, preparing for class and preparing for exams.

I have been impressed with how sharp and serious these students seem to be. I am glad the new 1Ls are here. They should raise the institutional reputation of FSU Law even higher, and I look forward to seeing what they can do.

Until Next Time,

Nathan Marshburn