St. Thomas Law and Lynn University Launch Accelerated Law Degree Program

New academic collaboration enables students to obtain bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years

St. Thomas University School of Law and Lynn University have signed a new articulation agreement that will allow qualified students to earn their law degree in six years - as compared to seven years if completed in the traditional way. Students will complete three undergraduate years at Lynn University before matriculating into St. Thomas Law for a three-year juris doctor program.

The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony held at Lynn University on Thursday, November 19, 2015. The ceremony was attended by officials from both institutions including President of St. Thomas University, Monsignor Franklyn Casale; President of Lynn University, Dr. Kevin Ross; Dean of St. Thomas University School of Law, Alfredo Garcia; Lynn University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Gregg Cox, as well as other administrators, students and alumni from each school.

 “We are happy to partner with our friends at Lynn in establishing this 3+3 program,” stated Monsignor Casale.  “We recognize and value the global experience that Lynn students receive as undergraduates and, through this partnership, give Lynn students the opportunity to continue that global experience at St. Thomas University School of Law, which is consistently recognized each year as one of the most diverse law schools in the country.  Upon graduation from St. Thomas Law, the 3+3 students will join our thousands of graduates around the world who are leaders in their respective communities.”

Standing L-R: Anthony Marino, St. Thomas Law 2nd year student; Peter Kelly; Jessica Fonseca Nader; Cecile Dykas;  Karline Lee '09; Bill Smith, Jr., former Mayor of Boca Raton; Mark Wolff, St. Thomas Law Professor; 

Seated L-R: Dr. Gregg Cox, Lynn University VP for Academic Affairs; Msgr. Franklyn Casale; Dr. Kevin Ross, President, Lynn University; St. Thomas Law's Dean Alfredo Garcia

The accelerated law degree will result in significant savings for students who are faced with ever-increasing education costs.

“Our partnership with St. Thomas Law provides access to a legal education at a more affordable price,” said President Ross. “Lynn students enrolled in the program can save up to one year of tuition—approximately $46,000—and will have access to scholarships.”

St. Thomas Law will automatically award a $5,000 scholarship annually to any Lynn student who is part of the program. Additionally, a student who completes his or her first year at St. Thomas Law and is ranked in the top 25 percent of the class is eligible to receive a merit scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $33,000.

“We are delighted to forge this partnership with Lynn University and look forward to its growth and development in the future,” stated St. Thomas Law’s Dean Garcia.

Thursday’s signing marks the second such agreement that St. Thomas Law has executed in 2016. Earlier this year, a 3+3 articulation agreement was signed between St. Thomas Law and Miami Dade College.  Through partnerships such as these, St. Thomas Law continues to expand opportunities for students to earn law degrees, advance economically, and be part of successful academic and legal communities.