States like California or Massachusetts come to mind when considering law schools. Ultimately, some of the most esteemed educational institutions in the country and around the globe are housed there. And when one thinks of elite universities, names like Stanford, Yale (in Connecticut), and Harvard come to mind.
On the other hand, North Carolina’s law schools are distinct in a few ways. Some have historical significance since they were established during a time when many populations were denied access to chances for education and employment.
In response, the creators of these legal schools created equivalent curricula and training to provide opportunities to the underprivileged and oppressed.
Even now, those same universities carry on that tradition by fostering a sense of justice and civic interest alongside academic brilliance and training. Others have their roots in particular spiritual and cultural ideals that shape the distinct character and environment of the institution.
These colleges provide excellent job opportunities to their students because of the distinguished alumni who came before them.
World-class academics, many of whom have years of real-world experience in their fields, make up the resident and visiting faculty. These institutions’ curricula provide equal emphasis on relevant, hands-on learning and demanding in-depth classroom instruction.
A recurrent theme is indeed theory meeting practice. One school values practical education highly, but not to the detriment of receiving an excellent education in the classroom. The ranking in this article is determined by where each school is listed in the US News Law School list.
Good Law Schools in NC
1. North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, NC)
Among the notable alumni of North Carolina Central University School of Law are Mickey Michaux, the first African American to hold the position of US Attorney in the Southern region, and Maynard Jackson, the first African American and youngest mayor of Atlanta. With an outstanding list of firsts in history, the law school has been set up for historical significance.
It was established before the Civil Rights Movement as the only in-state option for African Americans to attend law school, and it remains a top-tier organization for the state of North Carolina’s African American community as well as other marginalized legal communities.
NCCU Law has received attention and appreciation over the years for the diversity of its staff and student community.
Its emphasis on public interest law, clinical opportunities and bar preparation curriculum have all frequently appeared in rankings of the top 20. To increase minority representation in many legal fields, the school has established the Intellectual Property Law Institute (IPLI).
Furthermore, a large number of faculty members have years of real-world expertise in a variety of legal fields, including family law, trade law, and patent law.
Under these outstanding and experienced faculty members—many of whom oversee the school’s extensive clinical education program—NCCU Law students receive thorough instruction and mentorship.
From the start, its primary goal has been to prepare the next generation of competent and socially responsible lawyers and legislators who emphasize public service.
NCCU Law will maintain its position as one of North Carolina’s most prestigious law schools because of its rich history, excellent curriculum, and dedication to public service.
2. Elon University School of Law (Elon, North Carolina)
Any student interested in starting a legal career should consider colleges that produce the best employment and real-world outcomes. Elon University School of Law has been awarded the American Bar Association’s top national award for “Legal Professionalism Education”.
Its exceptional reputation is complemented by its inclusion in the most current US News and World Report rankings of the best Trial Advocacy and Legal Writing schools.
The most notable feature of the school’s curriculum is its “learning by doing” approach to legal education and training. As part of its revolutionary 2.5-year program, first-year students must experience one full term in legal practice, guided by an Elon Law faculty member.
Students are assigned to judicial clerkships, public and private law offices, or one of the school’s legal clinics, such as the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic.
Elon Law is one of the few law schools in the country that houses the North Carolina Business Court, which boosts its legal professionalism reputation. This allows students to observe and learn about the inner workings of a professional court on-site.
Elon Law offers a small number of competitive fellowships to students interested in trial advocacy, commercial law, public policy, and public interest law. The fellowships cover tuition, and some even provide summer stipends to allow for year-round training and education.
The school has an overall post-graduation employment record of 85%, demonstrating that it fulfills its aim of providing the most comprehensive, hands-on instruction for aspiring attorneys.
3. Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law (Raleigh, NC)
The 2020 Campbell University Norman Wiggins School of Law bar passage rate was an amazing 97.86% (overall), placing it among the top-performing schools not only in North Carolina but across the country. In recent years, around 75% of graduates have found jobs in law within a year of graduation.
In addition, Campbell Law’s Trial Advocacy Program was ranked in the top 21 by US News and World Report. These are the types of statistics and information that will wow any prospective student. However, they do not provide the complete picture; other aspects make Campbell Law an outstanding choice for future lawyers.
Campbell is the only law school located in Raleigh, the state capital. The state Supreme Court, legislative offices, city hall, county courthouse, and numerous other legal offices and organizations are all close to the campus.
Students can participate in numerous clerkships and externships while also studying core courses in one of the various practice areas accessible. In 2018, 85% of graduates completed externships with Raleigh’s governmental and private employers.
A school’s culture might be one of its most distinguishing features. Campbell Law has been named on PreLaw’s list of “Most Devout Law Schools.” The school provides courses on Christian perspectives on legal philosophy and Christian concepts of justice, among other things.
Campbell Law combines legal education and training with Christian ideals; prospective students seeking to thrive professionally and spiritually will find a home here.
Campbell Law also includes a place for students who want to balance their studies, lives, and careers. Campbell FLEX is a pathway for working individuals who desire to advance their jobs or further their education without committing to a full-time program.
Which School Is Right for Me?
North Carolina has a lot of great law schools. It was difficult to choose a clear winner among our top two. In the end, we chose Duke since it was the most prestigious of the top three.
However, Duke should be aware that the University of North Carolina Law School has a higher bar passage rate. It appears to be working its way up the rankings as well. Wake Forest is ranked higher than North Carolina, but how can we ignore an almost 95% bar pass rate? When compared to the top three colleges in our ranking, the latter two appear to be less outstanding.
However, if you examine them a little closer, you will notice that they also produce amazing results. Given the lower entry standards at North Carolina Central University School of Law, the bar pass percentage is exceptional.
Every school provides a unique experience. If you desire a big and prominent campus, the University of North Carolina has the largest student body. Other schools provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.
Which option works best for you? That depends on how well you are prepared for college admission. Duke is extremely difficult to get into, so there may not be any other options.
About North Carolina
North Carolina is South Carolina’s counterpart. North Carolina, like its southern neighbor, is one of the 13 founding states and is known as “The North State”. This stunning southern state has a lot to offer visitors in terms of scenery, history, and culture.
North Carolina’s warm climate makes it an ideal year-round getaway. However, it is especially attractive in the spring, summer and fall. North Carolina is a wonderful destination for relaxation, a variety of adventure holidays and culture.
Both major and smaller, dynamic cities have a wide cultural and gastronomic offer. You may buy here and enjoy a high-quality nightlife scene.
