JU Law’s founding class celebrates graduation
'Upon becoming a lawyer, you will take an oath to support the Constitution and the rule of law. That will not always be easy or popular, but it is fundamental to the practice of law.'
The inaugural 13-member class of Jacksonville University College of Law walked to the Duval County Courthouse for their graduation on May 2 with friends and coworkers cheering them on. “Looking back to our first year, there was certainly a lot of glitz and glamour that came with the challenges of starting a brand-new law school,” graduate Alex Wicks said. “It seemed like the entire Jacksonville community embraced us, eagerly awaiting our response to this pressure. How did we respond? We did amazing. We accomplished so much in three years, we started a law review, moot court, and mock trial teams, we started the JU Student Bar Association. Not only this, we accomplished it all but also excelled in our personal lives.”
When the inaugural 13-student class of Jacksonville University’s College of Law crossed the stage at the Duval County Courthouse for their graduation on May 2, they completed their law school journey in the same place where they had begun during convocation two years ago, when they took their oath of professionalism.
Senior Judge Timothy Corrigan of the U.S. Middle District of Florida delivered the commencement address.
“What an opportune time for each of you to become a lawyer. Now, more than ever, we need professionals dedicated to the rule of law,” said Judge Corrigan. “Upon becoming a lawyer, you will take an oath to support the Constitution and the rule of law. That will not always be easy or popular, but it is fundamental to the practice of law.”
Likening the graduates to the Mercury 7 astronauts, Nick Allard, the law school’s founding dean, said “…their example is an encouraging beacon for others in our great city; throughout Northeast Florida and beyond, they will always be remembered in a special way.”
As the first students at a new law school, the inaugural class was tasked with creating a student culture, clubs, organizations and traditions for those who will follow them.
Graduate Alex Wicks was selected by the graduates as the Class of 2025 speaker.
“Looking back to our first year, there was certainly a lot of glitz and glamour that came with the challenges of starting a brand-new law school,” Wicks said. “It seemed like the entire Jacksonville community embraced us, eagerly awaiting our response to this pressure. How did we respond? We did amazing. We accomplished so much in three years, we started a law review, moot court, and mock trial teams, we started the JU Student Bar Association. Not only this, we accomplished it all but also excelled in our personal lives.”
More than 200 family members, judges, dignitaries, law school supporters, faculty and staff gathered at the courthouse to celebrate the inaugural class. The graduates, alongside faculty and staff, walked in a procession from the law school to the courthouse, with friends and coworkers cheering them on.
Sydney Schmidt, recipient of JU Law’s Academic Excellence Award as the top student in her class, said “Attending JU Law has been one of the highlights of my life, and being part of the inaugural JU Law graduation is a wonderful culmination of all the hard work we have all put into making this school what it is today.”
Every graduate has accepted a job and will be heading to work this summer. Some will stay local, working at local firms as associates, assistant state attorneys, staff attorneys, while others will head to New York City and Miami to begin their careers.
The graduates will sit for their respective state bar exams this summer.
The JU College of Law launched in August 2022 and became provisionally accredited by the American Bar Association in spring 2024. It will welcome its fourth class this fall. Applications are still open for the fall 2025 cohort.
