As the inaugural class of the Jacksonville University College of Law prepares to graduate in a few short months, the job search is already in the rearview mirror for many, with more than 90% of students securing employment.
“By any measure, this is a phenomenal outcome,” said Associate Professor of Law and Public Policy Matthew Reiber. “I would be remiss if I did not mention that our students’ success in the job market is directly tied to their work in part-time, externship and summer associate positions. Based on what I’ve heard, they uniformly demonstrated keen minds, strong work ethics and an unfailing commitment to professionalism.”
College of Law faculty and staff hosted a celebratory toast to the inaugural class earlier this week, providing an opportunity for faculty to congratulate their students, reminisce on their time as law students, and begin the countdown to the first College of Law commencement ceremony in May.
While many will remain in Jacksonville, others, like Randi Alt, are heading to cities such as Miami and New York City to begin their legal careers. Alt’s first job after graduation will be at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, where she interned last summer.
“I’m looking forward to applying what I have learned throughout law school, as well as the chance to have a real-world impact,” Alt said. “Having a law degree allows you to do a lot of good and important work. I can't wait to see how all of the work I have poured into school will translate into real practice.”
Katie Griggs, dean of Student Development & Practice at the College of Law, meets with students throughout their time at the school, helping connect them with interview and job opportunities.
“It is so exciting to see our inaugural class head out into the legal community and begin their careers,” Griggs said. “Each of them has worked diligently in and out of the classroom to prepare for their careers, and I am so proud to see them fulfill their dreams of becoming lawyers. We’re thankful to the legal community for their eagerness to work with our students, and we look forward to continuing to engage with employers in the future.”
When Marisa Materazzi started law school, she was unsure what area of law she wanted to pursue. Throughout school, she clerked at two private firms in the area. Toward the end of her time at the College of Law, she was drawn to litigation and trial advocacy and knew that is where she wanted to work after graduation.
“When I was stressed about applying for jobs and going for something that was outside of my comfort zone, many of the professors would sit down with me and give me wonderful advice addressing all of my concerns,” Materazzi said. “They were extremely patient and attentive throughout the process, constantly encouraging me to go after my dreams. I couldn’t be more grateful to have excellent mentors to turn to when I needed it the most.”
The inaugural class will graduate in early May.
Accreditation is the hallmark of quality and high standards for legal education and admission to the Bar. The Jacksonville University College of Law is provisionally approved by the American Bar Association (Council of the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738), and, in accordance with ABA rules, will continue to pursue full accreditation. Law schools that are provisionally accredited are entitled to all the rights of a fully approved law school. Similarly, from an ABA perspective, graduates of provisionally approved law schools are entitled to the same recognition that is accorded graduates of fully approved law schools.
Jacksonville University
General Counsel
2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-256-7549
