DO NOT CONFUSE A GOOGLE SEARCH WITH A LAW DEGREE - BECOMING A LAWYER IN FLORIDA © Cynthia C. Rignanese, Esquire (2023)

Embarking on a legal career in Florida requires fulfilling specific educational requirements and conquering the Florida bar exam. In this blog post, I will explore the journey to becoming a lawyer in the Sunshine State. I will discuss the undergraduate education requirements, options for law school and obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, and the importance of attending an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. Additionally, I will delve into the structure and subjects tested in the Florida bar exam, its difficulty level compared to other states, and provide essential tips for success. Let's dive in!

I. Undergraduate Education Requirements:

Before pursuing a legal career in Florida, it is essential to complete an undergraduate education, typically of four (4) years. Although there are no specific undergraduate majors required, it is beneficial to focus on courses that develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in written and verbal communication. Some people recommend a political science; this field of study often covers topics like government, policy, and law, which can align well with legal education. Others recommend philosophy; philosophy courses encourage logical reasoning, argumentation, and ethical analysis, which can be beneficial in law school. Personally, I knew I wanted to be in a field where I could use business and tax, so I have an undergraduate Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

II. Law School and the Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree:

Once the undergraduate education is complete, the next step is attending law school and obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Law school in Florida typically lasts for three (3) years. The three-year duration is the standard for most law schools in the United States, including those in Florida. During this time, students undertake a comprehensive legal education that includes course work, legal research, writing, mock-trial advocacy and practical training through internships or clinical programs.

In the first year of law school in Florida, students generally have few or no elective options compared to the later years of their legal education. The first year of law school typically follows a structured curriculum that focuses on foundational legal subjects and provides students with a common understanding of the law. This curriculum, often referred to as the "1L curriculum," includes core courses such as Contracts, Torts, Property, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, and Legal Research and Writing.

During the first year, the number of elective courses available to students is usually limited. The emphasis is on building a strong foundation in legal principles and developing essential analytical and writing skills. Most law schools require students to complete these core courses before they can explore more specialized areas of law or take elective courses. As a 2L or 3L, specialty courses are taken; for me, I took very specialized courses including tax, estate tax, plus estates and trusts.

Upon successful completion of the three-year program, graduates are awarded a doctoral degree titled as the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is required to practice law here.

III. The Florida Bar Exam: An Overview:

The Florida bar exam is the final hurdle on the path to becoming a lawyer in the state. This comprehensive exam consists of multiple components designed to assess candidates' legal knowledge and competency.

The Florida Bar Exam is typically administered over a two-day period. The exam is conducted by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, and it consists of both the Florida portion and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).

On the first day, applicants take the Florida portion of the exam. This portion of the exam tests knowledge of Florida-specific laws, including subjects like Florida Constitutional Law, Florida Criminal Law and Procedure, Florida Wills and Trusts, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and more. The Florida portion consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions. Many people say the Essays are the hardest challenge; even computer artificial intelligence (AI) is unable to pass this part of the Florida Bar exam, despite having the knowledge equal to 175 billion books.

On the second day, applicants take the MBE, which is a standardized multiple-choice exam administered in many states across the United States. The MBE covers seven core areas of law: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, and Civil Procedure. I have a personal interest in Constitutional Law, so studying for this part of the Bar exam was personally satisfying. Mostly, studying for the Bar is a full-time, all-consuming, exhausting task.

IV. The Difficulty of the Florida Bar Exam:

The Florida bar exam is renowned for its rigor and demands thorough preparation. It is said that the three states with the toughest bar exams are Florida, New York and California. To gauge the difficulty level, let's compare the pass rates from the February 2023 bar exam:

*California: The overall pass rate for the California bar exam was 33%.

*Florida: Candidates who took the Florida bar exam in February 2023 achieved an overall pass rate of 39%.

*New York: The New York bar exam had an overall pass rate of 40%.

V. Tips for Success in the Florida Bar Exam:

Preparing for the Florida bar exam requires diligent planning and focused efforts. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your chances of success:

Start early and create a well-structured study schedule.

Utilize reputable study materials and resources specific to the Florida bar exam.

Seek guidance from experienced attorneys and mentors who have successfully navigated the Florida bar exam.

Practice extensively with past exam questions and simulated exams to familiarize yourself with the format and content.

Consider joining study groups or enrolling in review courses tailored to the Florida bar exam.

VI. Conclusion:

Becoming a lawyer in Florida is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Understanding the educational requirements, preparing effectively for the Florida bar exam, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals are vital steps toward success. The pass rates for the February 2023 bar exam provide valuable context, highlighting the dedication required to excel. With diligence, perseverance, and a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, aspiring lawyers can confidently embark on their legal career in Florida. I am a fan of mentoring law students and ‘Baby Lawyers’. I was mentored and it helped to make me the lawyer that I am today, both in my knowledge and ethical standards.

Established in 1991, Rignanese & Associates is available to work with clients on their legal needs in the areas of estate planning, probate, business and real estate law. The firm is strictly transactional, and does not handle litigation.

Please reach out to us at 141 5th Street NW, Suite 300, Winter Haven, Florida 33881 at 863.294.1114.

© Cynthia C. Rignanese, Esquire (2023)