College of LawAbout Our College

The College of Law Inaugural Class with faculty and staff, during the inaugural convocation at the Duval County Courthouse.
A headshot of Judge William Porter.

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 89 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

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

Consistent with accreditation protocol dictated by the American Bar Association (ABA), the Jacksonville University College of Law began the accreditation process in the spring of 2023. Our goal and highest priority is to achieve provisional accreditation by the time our first class of students graduates. The College of Law is not currently 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 makes no representation to any applicant that it will receive approval from the Council before the graduation of any matriculating student.

Jacksonville University
General Counsel
2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-256-7549