UWF & Stetson University Partner to Benefit Aspiring Local Lawyers Starting next summer, the University of West Florida will offer aspiring attorneys a new way to reduce the time it takes to obtain a law degree through a partnership with Stetson University College of Law. The two universities will partner to offer a 3+3 program starting in August 2015. The program will allow highperforming students to earn their bachelor’s and juris doctor in six years, rather than the traditional seven, spending three years at UWF and three years at Stetson Law. UWF President Dr. Judy Bense announced the new program. The program will provide “seamless transitions” for the university’s students, she said in a university news release. Students accepted into the program will be paired with a law student, faculty or alumni mentor and are eligible for scholarship consideration, according to the university.
Charles Liberis, a Stetson graduate and prominent Pensacola attorney instrumental in developing the agreement between the two universities, said in a release Wednesday morning that the program will make the dream of becoming an attorney more accessible. UWF and Stetson Law also signed an agreement for a 4+3 Direct Admissions program, which allows UWF students to gain admission to Stetson Law by meeting eligibility requirements, according the university release. Stetson Law also has also partnered with the University of South Florida for a similar 3+3 program. Stetson University College of Law is a longtime partner of the University of West Florida and is sponsoring the third annual UWF Argo Invitational Mock Trial Tournament, which took take place in January at the UWF Mock Trial Courtroom.
March 2014 www.esrba.com The Summation 11