At Florida State University College of Law, students report that a culture of support distinguishes the program from others. Faculty, staff, and peers play an active role in helping students succeed, according to accounts from current students.
One example involves Nate Birdsong, who had initially planned to attend another law school before receiving a late admission offer from FSU College of Law. The admissions office connected Birdsong with Andrew Barrineau, a third-year student who had previously faced a similar situation. Barrineau provided mentorship by answering questions, helping Birdsong locate study materials, and offering temporary storage for his belongings.
“When Andrew reached out to me, it was surprising and really helpful,” said Birdsong. “Choosing a law school is such a huge decision and knowing someone had been in my shoes made me feel like I wasn’t alone. It confirmed I was making the right choice to come here.”
He added: “Now that I’m here, I see it everywhere—in faculty members, staff, professors and other students. As a 1L, when things feel uncertain, just knowing that support exists is huge.”
Barrineau commented on the collaborative atmosphere: “Things that could be a lot harder elsewhere are easier here because we look out for one another. It feels like we’re all doing law school together instead of me against you.”
FSU College of Law’s emphasis on community has contributed to its recognition by The Princeton Review as fourth nationally for Best Student Quality of Life.
Birdsong expressed an intention to provide similar support to future first-year students: “Choosing a law school is such a huge decision and knowing someone had been in my shoes made me feel like I wasn’t alone. It confirmed I was making the right choice to come here.”
The mentorship model at FSU College of Law is described as ongoing, with each new class benefiting from the guidance of previous students.
