Skip to main content
A small group of people are gathered around clothing racks in a well-lit room. One person is holding up a red garment while another inspects a gray dress. Two more individuals are browsing the racks of clothing, which include various styles and colors.

UF Law Receives $100,000 Gift to Support Career Closet for Students

The University of Florida Levin College of Law is pleased to announce a $100,000 gift from the Law Offices of Edwards, Jones & Doll to establish the Career Closet Endowment, expanding a program that provides law students with access to professional attire as they prepare for interviews, networking opportunities and early career positions.

The Law Offices of Edwards, Jones, & Doll, along with partners and UF Law alumni Thomas L. Edwards (JD 86) and Christopher Jones (JD 09), have made this generous gift to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in their own professional development and to support future generations of Gator lawyers.

“The University of Florida College of Law provides an outstanding education and prepares students intellectually for the practice of law,” said partners Thomas L. Edwards and Christopher Jones. “However, opportunity should never be limited by a lack of resources. There is a well-known truth that ‘you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.’ Our goal is to remove one potential barrier so that every student has the opportunity to present themselves professionally and confidently as they pursue their careers.”

The Career Closet was created by Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Curriculum and Professor Sabrina Lopez shortly after she joined the faculty, inspired in part by her own experience as a first-generation law student.

Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Curriculum and Professor Sabrina Lopez sitting at a table with University of Florida Gators mascot, Albert
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Curriculum and Professor Sabrina Lopez advises University of Florida Gators mascot, Albert

“The idea grew directly from my own experience as a first-generation student with limited means during my time as a student at UF Law,” Lopez said. “Finding professional attire for interviews and early jobs was difficult, and it affected my confidence. I wanted to ensure our current students wouldn’t face the same barrier.”

The Career Closet is currently managed by the First Generation Professional Society student organization, and provides professional attire to any UF Law student during designated shopping hours at no cost.

“The Career Closet removes a practical and financial hurdle so students can focus on preparation and professionalism,” Lopez said. “Students can find items such as ties, shoes, purses, and suits that help them present themselves confidently in interviews, on the first day of work, and throughout their professional journey.”

Students frequently share how the resource has helped them during key moments in their job searches.

“We regularly hear from students who say the Career Closet made a concrete difference. [Whether they are] walking into an interview feeling prepared, securing a summer position after on-campus interviews, or handling a last-minute wardrobe need before a networking event or employer meeting,” Lopez said.

A row of clothing items on hangers, featuring various styles and colors, including a black jacket with a tag visible.
A rack is filled with various clothing items hanging off of it. In the background, a group of individuals are browsing through the clothing.
A wooden shelving unit displays a variety of clothing and shoes. The top shelf features stacked denim and a few neatly folded items. The middle shelf holds white shirts and other folded clothing. The bottom shelves contain various pairs of shoes in different styles, including heels and casual footwear, along with some shoe boxes. To the left, a clothing rack displays garments draped on hangers, and a green bag is positioned on the floor nearby. The room has a soft lighting with light-colored walls. Photo from UF Law Career Closet

The Edwards, Jones, Doll Law Career Closet Endowment will help sustain and expand the initiative.

“Every gift directly translates into opportunity,” Lopez said. “A single suit, a pair of shoes, or a professional bag can be the difference between worry and readiness. The Career Closet helps our UF Law students present Gator Great.”

In addition to financial support, the program welcomes donations of new or very gently worn professional clothing, including suits, ties, shoes, and bags. To donate item(s) to the Career Closet, please contact Dean Lopez at lopez@law.ufl.edu.

To make a financial contribution to support the Career Closet, please contact Brooke Rice at rice@law.ufl.edu.