Ave Maria School of Law

Ave Maria School of Law Ave Maria School of Law offers an outstanding legal education with a commitment to professional excellence in fidelity to the Catholic faith.

Ave Maria School of Law is _the_ unabashedly Roman Catholic law school in the U.S. Consistently ranked as The Princeton Review's "Most Conservative Law School," preLaw's "Most Devout Law School," and as one of Princeton Review's "Best Law Schools," we provide our students with a traditional legal education while emphasizing how the law intersects with the Catholic intellectual tradition and natura

l law philosophy. Ave Maria Law seeks to change the culture by training lawyers in the Catholic intellectual tradition. We uphold the need for society to rediscover the human and moral truths that flow from the nature of the human person and that safeguard human freedom. Ave Maria School of Law graduates are equipped for leading positions in law firms, corporate legal offices, the judiciary, and national, state, and local government. Established in 1999, Ave Maria Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and offers:

• An educational philosophy that emphasizes the moral foundations of the law, presents insights from the Catholic intellectual tradition and encourages a broader perspective of the law and its role in society

• A curriculum designed to ensure that graduates will be well prepared to practice law in any jurisdiction and employment area

• A successful record of national career placement — Ave Maria Law graduates have secured prestigious judicial clerkships, employment in firms of all sizes around the country, positions with federal and state agencies, and jobs with both domestic and international public-interest employers

• A Catholic, conservative, competitive choice for law school

Ave Maria School of Law is proud to be featured in Florida Weekly’s Business Profiles.Associate Dean for Academic Affair...
09/02/2026

Ave Maria School of Law is proud to be featured in Florida Weekly’s Business Profiles.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Antony Kolenc spoke about what distinguishes Ave Law—from our foundation in the Catholic intellectual tradition and close-knit academic community to our growing role in Southwest Florida’s legal community. He also discussed our legal clinics, accessible faculty and evolving curriculum, all of which help prepare students to serve with integrity and uphold the dignity of every person.

Read the full profile: https://www.floridaweekly.com/articles/fort-myers-business-business-profiles/ave-maria-school-of-law-3/?pubid=fort-myers

From the classroom to the courtroom.On Aug. 31, students from the Ave Maria School of Law Veterans and Servicemembers La...
09/01/2026

From the classroom to the courtroom.

On Aug. 31, students from the Ave Maria School of Law Veterans and Servicemembers Law Clinic advocated in civil court on behalf of a blind, disabled Army veteran in a case involving alleged contractor misconduct following Hurricane Ian.

Third-year student and Certified Legal Intern Belinda Mozo presented arguments before Judge Michael T. McHugh of Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. Fellow 3L John Bozue assisted with preparation for the proceeding.

Through the VSLC, Ave Maria Law students gain substantive legal experience while serving those who have served our nation—a powerful example of legal education grounded in skill, service and respect for human dignity.

“Crushing it” when it comes to graduate employment.That is how Above the Law describes the schools making remarkable gai...
09/01/2026

“Crushing it” when it comes to graduate employment.

That is how Above the Law describes the schools making remarkable gains in employment outcomes—and Ave Maria School of Law is among the nation’s top five most improved.

Citing research from The National Jurist, Above the Law highlights Ave Maria Law’s 63.4% growth in its modified employment score, based on outcomes for the Classes of 2023 through 2025 compared with the Classes of 2012 through 2014.

The national recognition reflects years of purposeful work: earlier career intervention, hands-on legal education, professional formation, alumni engagement and individualized support that prepares our graduates to enter the profession with confidence.

Read the Above the Law story: https://abovethelaw.com/2026/08/these-law-schools-are-crushing-it-when-it-comes-to-graduate-employment/

Our Student Organizations and Involvement Fair brought the Ave Maria Law community together today at the Cancro Family W...
08/28/2026

Our Student Organizations and Involvement Fair brought the Ave Maria Law community together today at the Cancro Family Wellness Center.

Students had the opportunity to meet representatives from our three co-curricular programs—Law Review, Moot Court and the Business Law Institute—as well as all 17 student organizations.

With a barbecue, an ice cream truck and plenty of fun, it was a wonderful way for students to explore opportunities, make connections and become more involved in campus life.

Students in Ave Maria School of Law’s Veterans Law Clinic recently welcomed Timothy MacGeorge, MDiv, LCSW, QS-CSW of Dav...
08/28/2026

Students in Ave Maria School of Law’s Veterans Law Clinic recently welcomed Timothy MacGeorge, MDiv, LCSW, QS-CSW of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health for a presentation on post-traumatic stress disorder and working effectively with veterans facing mental health challenges.

MacGeorge discussed the criteria used to diagnose PTSD, approaches to treatment and practical communication strategies that can help students better understand and serve their clients.

We are grateful to Mr. MacGeorge for sharing his expertise—and for helping our clinic students prepare to advocate for veterans with knowledge, compassion and care.

Join us online Tuesday, Sept. 1, as Ave Maria School of Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Ant...
08/28/2026

Join us online Tuesday, Sept. 1, as Ave Maria School of Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Antony Kolenc participates in the Federalist Society panel “Service Members & the First Amendment.”

The discussion will explore the historical development of First Amendment protections for members of the armed forces and consider how that history informs current litigation and public policy debates.

The free webinar begins at noon EDT and is presented by the Federalist Society’s Armed Services Legal Network.

Learn more and register:

Recent litigation has resurfaced longstanding debates over the scope of First Amendment protections...

A full house for our first Theology on Tap of the academic year!120 members of the Ave Maria Law community gathered last...
08/28/2026

A full house for our first Theology on Tap of the academic year!

120 members of the Ave Maria Law community gathered last evening for “A New ‘Great Awakening?’: The Resurgence of Religion Among Gen Z.”

The strong turnout made for a lively and thoughtful conversation about faith, culture and the renewed interest in religion among today’s young adults. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for an evening of fellowship and meaningful discussion—and what a wonderful way to begin this year’s Theology on Tap series.

In a new commentary published by The Washington Times, Ave Maria School of Law Professor Randy Evans raises concerns abo...
08/27/2026

In a new commentary published by The Washington Times, Ave Maria School of Law Professor Randy Evans raises concerns about the treatment of religious leaders and institutions in South Korea.

Professor Evans argues that recent investigations, prosecutions and proposed legislation represent a troubling threat to religious freedom and warns against the use of government authority to suppress politically disfavored faith communities.

Read his commentary:

On Monday, the next step in a never-ending march against religious freedom will be imposed on Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder and worldwide leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

Ave Maria School of Law is proud to introduce the 2026–27 Fellows of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute.Dean Joh...
08/26/2026

Ave Maria School of Law is proud to introduce the 2026–27 Fellows of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute.

Dean John Czarnetzky, Associate Professor Bruce Connolly, director of the Business Law Institute, and Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Associate Director Jill Backer ESQ/CIPP-US joined in welcoming this exceptional group of students to the program.

Selected through a competitive process, the Fellows will learn directly from accomplished business leaders, scholars and attorneys while developing practical skills in drafting and negotiating agreements, structuring transactions and counseling clients. The program also includes externship opportunities with leading corporations, giving students firsthand experience at the intersection of business and law.

Please join us in congratulating our newest Business Law Institute Fellows:

Class of 2027
Beth Berger
John Bozue
Annabelle Bruno
Anthony Calello
Annierys Dominguez Perez
Shannon Lenahan
Erlinda Loyola-Cervantes
Sawyer Paugh
Jessica Puk
Raymond Salazar
Sierra Vicente
Alex Weesner
Savannah Woodland

Class of 2028
Tom Brady
Matthew Caccese
Cecily Cronin
Amanda Evans
Michael Hahn
Christopher Kourakos
Edward Littig
Amaya Parks
Veronica Sadownikow
Kendall Schrader
Diana Valdes

Through the Business Law Institute, these future attorneys are preparing to become ethical and principled leaders who understand that the practice of law is not simply a profession, but a vocation. Congratulations to all 24 Fellows!

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1025 Commons Circle
Naples, FL
34119

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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