Law Schools in North Carolina
Duke University School of Law
Duke University School of Law, located in Durham, North Carolina, was established in 1930. It is one of the top law schools in the United States, known for its rigorous academic programs, influential faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study. Duke Law offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with practical experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school’s location in the Research Triangle provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Duke Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, attracting students from across the globe.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #11 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 640 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
- Master of Judicial Studies (MJS)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 20%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 170.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Richard Nixon – 37th President of the United States.
- Terry Sanford – Former Governor of North Carolina and U.S. Senator.
- William Rehnquist – Former Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Charlie Rose – Journalist and television talk show host.
- David Addington – Former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- U.S. Department of Justice
University of North Carolina School of Law
The University of North Carolina School of Law, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was established in 1845. It is one of the oldest law schools in the United States and is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to public service, and emphasis on practical training. UNC Law offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school’s location in Chapel Hill provides students with access to a vibrant college town environment and numerous professional opportunities. UNC Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #24 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 600 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 31%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 162.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- James E. Holshouser Jr. – Former Governor of North Carolina.
- Thomas W. Ross – Former President of the University of North Carolina system.
- Mel Watt – Former U.S. Representative and Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
- Julius Chambers – Civil rights attorney and former Chancellor of North Carolina Central University.
- William B. Umstead – Former Governor of North Carolina.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Womble Bond Dickinson LLP
- Poyner Spruill LLP
- North Carolina Supreme Court
- North Carolina Attorney General’s Office
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
Wake Forest University School of Law
Wake Forest University School of Law, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was established in 1894. It is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and commitment to the community. Wake Forest Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school’s location in Winston-Salem provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Wake Forest Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #41 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 450 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science)
- JD/MBA (dual degree)
- JD/MDiv (dual degree)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 45%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 160.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Beverley Lake Sr. – Former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
- Donna Edwards – Former U.S. Representative from Maryland.
- John Medlin – Former CEO of Wachovia Corporation.
- Thad Eure – Longest-serving Secretary of State of North Carolina.
- Richard Burr – U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
- Smith Anderson
- Brooks Pierce
- North Carolina Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
North Carolina Central University School of Law
North Carolina Central University School of Law, located in Durham, North Carolina, was established in 1939. It is a historically black law school known for its commitment to social justice, public service, and practical training. NCCU Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and moot court programs. The school’s location in Durham provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. NCCU Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #147-192 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 450 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- JD/MBA (dual degree)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 40%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 145.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- H. M. “Mickey” Michaux – Longest-serving member of the North Carolina General Assembly.
- Eva Clayton – First African American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress.
- Patricia Timmons-Goodson – Former Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
- Henry Frye – First African American Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
- G.K. Butterfield – U.S. Representative from North Carolina.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- North Carolina General Assembly
- Durham County District Attorney’s Office
- North Carolina Court of Appeals
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
- North Carolina Supreme Court
Elon University School of Law
Elon University School of Law, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, was established in 2006. It is known for its innovative curriculum, strong emphasis on experiential learning, and commitment to public service. Elon Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school’s location in Greensboro provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Elon Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #147-192 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 54%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 150.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Mark Davis – Former Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
- Ashton Clemmons – Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
- John O’Neill – Chief Judge of the Greensboro District Court.
- Wendy Scott – Former Dean of Mississippi College School of Law.
- Phil Berger Jr. – Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Brooks Pierce
- Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
- North Carolina Business Court
- Guilford County District Attorney’s Office
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
