About Our College
The University's Original CharterArts. Sciences. Commerce. Law.
Jacksonville University was founded as a private, non-profit institution in 1934 by Judge William Porter, and chartered to teach arts, sciences, commerce, and law. In 90 years, the institution has grown from a small junior college to ranked among the top universities in the south. Over the years, we have served students from all 50 states, more than 100 countries, and have more than 30,000 alumni worldwide. Throughout our years of growth, we have expanded our reach from business to healthcare, public policy to marine science, and after almost 90 years, we have finally fulfilled our charter to teach law.
The mission of the Jacksonville University College of Law is to provide quality legal education focused on experiential learning and community partnerships, especially in the service of Jacksonville, Florida, and beyond. Our vision was to place the law school in the heart of downtown Jacksonville — a short walk from state and federal courthouses, surrounded by prominent legal organizations and countless members of the local legal community. Our approach was to create a law school firmly integrated into the legal community, uniquely positioned to offer our students meaningful experiences in practice and opportunities for mentorship from the bar, both planned and spontaneous.
College Milestones
- July 19, 2022: Nicholas W. Allard, Esq. named Founding Dean of the College of Law.
- August 5, 2022: The inaugural class take the Oath of Professionalism during their convocation at the Duval County Courthouse.
- September 1, 2022: Mayor Lenny Curry, JU President Tim Cost, and City Council President Terrence Freeman join Dean Nick Allard to cut the ribbon on the College of Law.
- October 6, 2022: The Jacksonville Bar Association present the College of Law with a $10,000 gift to benefit student scholarships.
- October 25, 2022: The College welcomes Chief Justice Carlos Muniz of the Florida Supreme Court to campus.
- February 9, 2023: Executives from Guidewell, Florida Blue, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP join the College of Law for a panel discussion and announce a $125,000 gift in support of diversity in legal education.
- May 5, 2023: The inaugural class completes their 1L year.
- June 8, 2023: Founding Dean Nick Allard named first Randall C. Berg, Jr. College of Law Dean.
- August 11, 2023 - The College of Law's second class takes the Oath of Professionalism during their convocation at the Duval County Courthouse.
- November 22, 2023 - The College of Law announces its plans to establish a permanent downtown campus in an iconic downtown historic building.
- February 23, 2024 - The College of Law is granted provisional accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA).
- August 2024 – The College of Law moves into its permanent home at 121 W. Forsyth St. in Downtown Jacksonville.
College Steering Committee (2021 - 2022)
A highly qualified team of lawyers and legal educators led the launch of the Jacksonville University College of Law. These experts managed the day-to-day operations and developed the College's strategic vision and academic mission during the initial development stages.
Margaret Dees, J.D., Chair and Senior Vice President, Economic Development & External Engagement
Courtney Barclay Ph.D., J.D., Associate Professor, Communication
Rob Berwick, Assistant Vice President, Registrar
Allana Forté, J.D., Senior Vice President, Chief People and Culture Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer
and Legal Counsel
Kathleen Griggs, J.D., formerly MPP Program Manager, JU Public Policy Institute
Casanna Jackson, Director, Library
Katie Jackson Webber, Sr. Director of Marketing
Teresa MacGregor, Vice President, Enrollment Management
Melissa Mack, Associate Director, Financial Services
Rick Mullaney, J.D., Director, JU Public Policy Institute
Leslie Redd, Associate Vice President, Development, University Advancement
Tom Taggart, Associate Vice President, Student Experience
Accreditation Information
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
Explore the College of Law
Contact Information College of Law
College of Law, 121 W. Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 256-8868
Email: law@ju.edu