TAMPA, FL. – Sept. 18, 2025 — On Sept. 16, Cooley Law School officials officially opened the doors to its new Tampa, Florida, campus at 12906 Tampa Oaks Blvd. Area judges, lawyers, community and business leaders, along with Cooley alumni, students, staff, and faculty celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting event.
“This shiny new campus is truly emblematic of Cooley’s bright future,” said Cooley Law School President and Dean James McGrath. “I want to thank our landlord for the beautiful build out of our school, the local legal community for their embrace of our school and alumni, and the local community for their help in getting us settled in our new Tampa home.”
In addition to state-of-the-art classrooms, the new Tampa campus features:
- A welcome center to greet prospective students and guests
- Appellate and trial courtrooms for real-world legal training
- A comprehensive law library
- A dedicated space for law clinics
- Private study rooms and ample collaborative study areas
- A student lounge and offices for student organizations
- Faculty and staff offices to foster accessibility and mentorship
- Convenient on-site parking
“As we gather, we honor the legacy of those who came before us – educators, advocates, and alumni who built this institution with passion and with purpose,” said Katherine Gustafson, assistant dean of Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus and professor. “And today, we officially open a new chapter, one that reflects our bold vision for the future of legal education. Here, students will wrestle with complex ideas, challenge themselves and the status quo, and prepare to serve their communities with integrity, professionalism, and skill. Faculty will continue to push boundaries in research and teaching. And together, we will build a legacy rooted in excellence, equity, and impact.”
Cooley Law School, which has had a Florida campus since 2012, has enrolled a combined 200 new students at its Tampa and Lansing, Michigan locations for the fall of 2025. The Tampa campus is near two apartment complexes, providing housing options for the school’s diverse mix of full- and part-time students. It is in close proximity to nearby amenities, including downtown Tampa, the University of South Florida, and the I-75 corridor.
“We’re thrilled to officially open the new Cooley Law School Tampa campus – a modern space designed to foster connection, collaboration, and success for our students, faculty, and community,” said McGrath.
