Jacksonville University’s College of Law is trying to turn academic momentum into downtown energy. Founding Dean Nick Allard told a local business segment that the school’s new Downtown campus is “rocket fuel” for the city, pushing students, faculty and legal activity into the urban core and changing the rhythm of West Forsyth after hours. City and university leaders say the campus is already drawing more people to Downtown for classes, clinics and public events.
Allard joined host Kent Justice on News4JAX's This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition to explain how JU built the law school “in just a few years” and why the location matters. News4JAX aired the interview on July 9, 2026.
Historic building and public backing
The College of Law occupies roughly 50,000 square feet across four floors of the former Atlantic National Bank at 121 W. Forsyth St., a renovation completed on time and on budget. Jax Daily Record reports that City Council unanimously approved $6.5 million toward roughly a $12 million renovation, part of a wider push to knit JU into the center of Jacksonville’s legal district.
Early returns: students and bar success
The downtown move followed the school’s provisional American Bar Association approval and a rapid launch that saw its inaugural class graduate in 2025. JU Wave reports the Class of 2025 posted a 91.7% pass rate on the July 2025 Florida Bar Exam, an unusually strong result for a first graduating cohort. The Florida Bar documented JU’s provisional accreditation in 2024, a milestone that helped local firms open internships and clinical placements for students.
Downtown ripple effects
City leaders have framed the law school as a catalyst for downtown living and businesses, expecting students to populate cafes, coworking spaces and evening venues. Jacksonville Today reports Mayor Donna Deegan and council members called the school a “spark” for the urban core and praised the public-private partnership that made the renovation possible. Judges and bar groups say the school's proximity to the Duval County Courthouse is already producing hands-on learning and mentoring that benefit both students and local practices.
Allard told News4JAX that JU plans continued expansion of programming and community partnerships as enrollment grows, and city officials say they’ll watch downtown activity closely. For Downtown businesses and the legal community, the bet is now public: if the “rocket fuel” claim holds, West Forsyth and surrounding blocks could be in for a busier next few years.
