Law Schools
15 Best Law Schools in Charlotte NC | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
Attending law school takes a lot of time. Although most of us have heard a little about studying law in college, we may not know what it entails. There are plenty of tales about law schools, ranging from the vaguely real to the utterly fantastic.
There are many options for pursuing a law degree in Charlotte NC. However, the American Bar Association-accredited schools differ significantly, so you should be aware of this before you begin your studies.
A top-ranked university, a Christian university, a historically black law school, and a school that receives criticism for its admission policies are just a few of the law schools in Charlotte NC.
This article gives you a general overview of the law schools in Charlotte NC, alongside pertinent observations that can assist you in choosing the institution that most closely matches your academic requirements.
Are there Law Schools in Charlotte NC?
Numerous top-notch law schools are one thing that North Carolina does have.
The law schools in Charlotte NC have an impressive list. A closer inspection will reveal that they also produce top-notch outcomes. The bar pass rate is astounding given the North Carolina Central University School of Law’s more lenient admission standards.
Every of the law schools in Charlotte NC provides a unique opportunity. The University of North Carolina has the most students and offers a large, bold campus. The other schools provide more individualized instruction and smaller class sizes.
Attending law school will enable you to fully comprehend the constitution and discover your legal constitutional rights as a citizen. If you are knowledgeable about the constitution, you can take steps to address social problems like injustice and inequality.
Which choice of law schools in Charlotte NC suits you the best? How well you prepared for law school entrance will determine that.
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How Long is Law School in Charlotte NC?
For most law schools in Charlotte NC, a minimum of nine credits must be taken each semester by students. Without special permission, students are to take maximum of 16 credits per semester. However, permission will never be given for more than 17 credit hours. Students who wish to enroll in 17 credit hours must obtain permission from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
The ABA forbids earning a Juris Doctor degree in less time than 24 months. According to law school policy, students must finish their J.D. within 60 months after starting their legal studies.
Charlotte NC law schools offer a three-year, full-time course of study resulting in a Juris Doctor (J.D.)
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How Much Does Law School Cost in Charlotte NC 2024?
To attend any of the law schools in Charlotte NC, one should budget up to $68,000 for tuition. You can find specific tuition costs of law schools in Charlotte NC in this article.
To pay for Charlotte NC law schools and other US states, eligible students may borrow up to $20,500 per year from the federal government through Direct Loans, also referred to as Stafford Loans.
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What are Law Schools in Charlotte NC ranked for?
The law schools in Charlotte NC, offer strong expertise in civil rights, banking, environmental law, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and securities law, as well as critical studies, bankruptcy, and constitutional research. North Carolina is home to numerous centers and initiatives.
They also produce excellent results, as can be seen upon close examination. Given the lower admission requirements at the North Carolina Central University School of Law, the bar pass rate is outstanding
What Are the Requirements For Law Schools in Charlotte NC 2024?
The requirements for admission to law schools in Charlotte NC differ slightly. However, there are a few requirements that all applicants to the Charlotte NC law school must fulfill, and they are as follows:
Get a Pre-Law Major in Undergraduate Studies
Any law school that is ABA-approved requires at least a bachelor’s degree before a student can enroll.
Taking the Law School Assessment Test and Passing It (LSAT)
To proceed, you must take and pass the LSAT. The LSAT typically costs $200. Your exam score is one of the main deciding factors for admission to law schools in Charlotte NC. Early planning is essential.
An official personal statement
A personal statement is typically required by every Charlotte university that grants academic degrees. This gives you the chance to tell the admissions committee about your character, academic accomplishments, professional goals, and even your motivation for applying to their law school.
Recommendation letter
Law schools in Charlotte NC require letters of recommendation from prospective students. It is advised that you obtain this letter either from an undergraduate professor for whom you have worked or from a potential employer who can attest to your capacity to juggle work and school.
Original transcript
You must have official transcripts from every graduate, undergraduate, and certificate institution before you can apply to a law school in Charlotte NC.
What Are the Best Law Schools in Charlotte NC 2024?
Charlotte, North Carolina, has several fully accredited law schools that are excellent choices.
To have a strong chance of getting into Charlotte NC law schools, you would need a stellar LSAT score. Be aware that some of the law schools in Charlotte NC, offer both full-time and part-time programs, albeit with varying lengths.
See the best law schools in Charlotte NC below:
- Duke University Law School
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Law School
- Wake Forest University Law School
- Campbell University School of Law
- Elon University Law School
- North Carolina Central University Law School
#1. Duke University Law School
According to the annual rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, Duke Law is a highly regarded institution that is listed among the top 11 law schools in the country. This outstanding reputation is not cheap. Duke’s law program is the most expensive in the state and admission is extremely competitive.
It’s a well-known university with a bustling social scene. Sports and Greek life are significant here. But don’t be deceived; the atmosphere is one of intense pressure. Duke University law school is the best of law schools in Charlotte NC.
The Duke University School of Law charges $80 for the application to its full-time program. Full-time tuition is $68,400. The ratio of faculty to students is 5.5:1.
#2. University of North Carolina – Chapel Law school
Carolina Law is recognized for the quality of its legal education and is ranked among the top 50 law schools in the country and is the second best, among law schools in Charlotte NC. However, the institution is still the oldest in the state, and nearly 40% of North Carolina’s active lawyers have degrees from Carolina Law.
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, first-year students must complete a certain number of required courses before choosing the majority of their second and third-year electives.
Law students can also enroll in courses at Duke University Law School or North Carolina Central University School of Law that aren’t offered at UNC. J.D./M.A. in Sports Administration through the university’s Department of Exercise and Sport Science; J.D./MBA through the Kenan-Flagler Business School; and J.D./Master of Public Policy through the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy are among the dual degrees offered by the UNC Law School.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Law charges $75 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $24,522; full-time out-of-state tuition is $44,734. (out-of-state). 6.9 students per faculty member.
#3. Wake Forest University Law School
At the Wake Forest University School of Law, first-year law students take classes in sections with 40 other students and have access to the Academic Success Program, which aids new students in learning how to study more effectively.
The majority of the courses in the second and third years are electives. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Wake Forest University offers a J.D./M.A. in Bioethics program, the School of Business offers a J.D./MBA program, and the School of Divinity offers a J.D./M. Div (master of divinity) program. These are just a few of the dual degree options available to law students at Wake Forest University.
More than five clinics are run by the school to expose students to legal procedures, including elder law, child advocacy, and civil and criminal litigation.
Wake Forest School of Law also offers resident study abroad programs in London, Venice, and Vienna for those looking for an experience outside of Winston Salem, North Carolina.
At Wake Forest University’s School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $75. Full-time tuition is $49,276. The faculty-to-student ratio is 7.5:1.
#4. Campbell University School of Law
Small private law school Campbell Law presents a “Christian perspective” on the rule of law and justice. If this sounds appealing, you might also be interested in the university’s dual degree program, which enables students to complete both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master of Divinity degree in five years of study.
Among law schools in Charlotte NC, Campbell University law school stands out due to its religious inclination.
At Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, there is no application fee for the full-time program. Full-time tuition is $46,230. 8.8:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#5. University of Elon School of Law
Elon Law hasn’t even been around ten years. The North Carolina Business Court is a working courtroom at the Greensboro-based school, which also fosters close ties with neighborhood businesses and other academic programs.
This private school has occasionally been the subject of controversy. The bar pass rates in previous years were nothing short of appalling. However, they have tightened up the situation. As a result, their 2019 bar pass rate increased to 73 percent.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at Elon University’s School of Law. Full-time students pay $47,358 in tuition. 10:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#6. North Carolina Central University Law School
The least expensive option for law schools in Charlotte NC is NCCU Law. The NCCU program was developed to offer a “separate but equal” opportunity to study law.
NCCU was originally a “College for Negroes.” Even though they now accept applications from people of all races, the school still produces more African-American graduates than any other institution in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Central University School of Law charges $50 for applications to its full-time programs. The North Carolina Central University School of Law charges $50 for applications to its part-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $18,863; full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,535; part-time in-state tuition is $16,324; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $36,476. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 13.1:1.
Best Law Schools Close to Charlotte NC
Although there are many law schools in Charlotte NC, these are the top ones in the neighboring states:
#7. University of South Carolina Law School
The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Law is situated in Columbia, the state’s capital, in the middle of South Carolina.
One of the country’s oldest law schools, the USC School of Law was founded in 1866. It produced 40 lawyers in its first ten years, including some of the country’s first African Americans to practice law.
All of the fundamental legal topics are covered in the JD program at USC School of Law, but there are also options to concentrate in areas like Business Law, Family Law, Environmental Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, Litigation, and Taxation.
The University of South Carolina School of Law charges $60 for applications to its full-time programs. The University of South Carolina School of Law does not charge an application fee for part-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $23,722; full-time out-of-state tuition is $55,480. (out-of-state). 8.6:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#8. Charleston Law School
Charleston, South Carolina’s oldest and largest city, is home to the Charleston School of Law (CS Law).
It was just added to the American Bar Association’s list of approved law schools in 2006, despite having roots that go back to 1825.
According to the school, one of its goals is to equip future attorneys with the skills necessary to serve the public good while pursuing rewarding careers. Feel free to add Charleston law school alongside your option of law schools in Charlotte NC.
In addition to offering a clinical externship program where students assist attorneys on actual cases, they also hope to achieve this goal by offering the standard legal subjects that are needed. The school offers specialized course tracks with business and legal specializations to help law students achieve their career goals.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at Charleston School of Law. Full-time tuition is $43,374 per year. The ratio of faculty to students is 13.8:1.
#9. University of Virginia School of Law
The fourth-oldest active law school in the nation was established by Thomas Jefferson and is located at the University of Virginia. The institution consistently receives the top ten rankings among all law schools in the country. It attracts a lot of Supreme Court clerks and is targeted by large companies looking to hire new talent. Due to the school’s notoriety and reputation, admissions are extremely competitive, and tuition is the highest in the state for a legal program.
There are roughly 350 students in each class, with slightly more men than women. Through the Darden School of Business, students can complete joint degrees like a J.D. and an MBA in four years.
At the University of Virginia School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $85. Full-time in-state tuition is $66,500; full-time out-of-state tuition is $69,500. (out-of-state). The ratio of students to faculty is 6.6:1.
#10. Liberty University Law School
An Evangelical Christian private university is Liberty University. The institution is among the bottom 25% of law schools because it is not listed among the country’s top law schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Liberty may be a good choice for those looking for a Christian-based legal education, especially since all students receive financial aid, but other students may find better options among the state’s other schools.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at Liberty University’s School of Law. Full-time tuition is $40,135. 10.2:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#11. Law School of Vanderbilt University
According to U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of law schools, Vanderbilt Law frequently ranks among the top 20 institutions in the country. The school’s law review is well-known, and many prominent judges and politicians, including former Vice President Al Gore, are alumni. However, the prestige of Vanderbilt is not cheap.
Vanderbilt University law school is a reputable law school and deserves a place with law schools in Charlotte NC.
At Vanderbilt University’s Law School, the application fee for the full-time program is $70. Full-time tuition is $64,284. 7.6:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#12. University of Tennessee College of Law
Students at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville have the choice of concentrating their studies in transactional law or advocacy and dispute resolution.
The UT College of Law offers dual degree programs, such as a J.D./MBA in collaboration with the UT Graduate School of Business and a J.D./M.P.A. (master of public administration) in collaboration with the UT Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts, for students interested in combining their J.D. with another degree.
Through several clinics, including the Business Law Clinic, the Domestic Violence Clinic, and the Environmental Law Clinic, UT law students can gain practical legal experience.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s College of Law charges $35 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $20,168; full-time out-of-state tuition is $38,842. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 6.4:1.
#13. University of Memphis (Humphreys) School of Law
Memphis Law is known for offering an affordable, high-quality education. It is the state’s least expensive ABA-accredited law school. Memphis Law is located in a stunning former government building in a brand-new area of downtown Memphis.
The school’s moot court/mock trial program is well-known, and it frequently sends teams to competitions across the country. More than 98% of graduates find employment within nine months of graduation, and the bar passage rate is frequently among the highest in the state just like some law schools in Charlotte NC.
At the University of Memphis’ Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law (Humphreys), there is no application fee for the full-time program. Full-time in-state tuition is $19,498; full-time out-of-state tuition is $24,294. (out-of-state). 9.3:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#14. Fordham University Law School
For students pursuing J.D.s, Fordham University Law School offers both a day and an evening program. Law students can also earn dual degrees, such as a J.D./MBA from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service or a J.D./Master of Social Work from the Gabelli School of Business.
Through 15 legal clinics, including the Queens DA Prosecution Clinic, where students work with public defenders and police officers, law students can gain practical legal experience. At Fordham Law, pro bono work is a priority. Students can find volunteer opportunities through the Public Interest Resource Center.
At Fordham University’s School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $75. The Fordham University School of Law charges $75 as the application fee for part-time programs. Full-time tuition is $66,750, and part-time tuition is $50,198. The ratio of faculty to students is 6.3:1.
#15. University of Buffalo Law School
Only one law school exists within the State University of New York system, and that is the University at Buffalo—SUNY School of Law.
If they are interested, UB Law students can choose from a variety of dual degree options offered by the university’s many other academic departments, such as a J.D./M.B.A. in collaboration with the University at Buffalo—SUNY School of Management and a J.D./Doctor of Pharmacy through the University at Buffalo—SUNY School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
To participate in the New York City Program in Finance and Law, one must be a law student or a J.D./M.B.A. candidate. Participants spend a semester taking classes and completing projects.
The University at Buffalo School of Law in University at Buffalo—SUNY charges $85 for applications to its full-time program. Full-time in-state tuition is $28,488; full-time out-of-state tuition is $33,328. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 6.3:1.
How to Apply For Law Schools in Charlotte NC
To apply to law schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, you must plan. There is a standard protocol that all law schools adhere to. We have outlined the essential steps in the law school application process in the Law School Admission Council. They include:
- A consultation with the pre-law advisor at your undergraduate institution
- Open an account with LSAC.
- Enroll in and prepare for the LSAT
- Research law schools
- Meet the law school recruiters
- Open a Credential Assembly Service account (CAS)
- Acquire all required transcripts.
- Request letters of support
- Compose an individual statement.
- Allow law schools to find you
- Submit an online application
Frequently Asked Questions For Law Schools in Charlotte
Numerous esteemed law schools, including Harvard Law School, permit applicants to submit up to three applications. You could therefore reapply, but you would need to make your last effort count.
In general, employers value grades the most when hiring law students.
You can take the LSAT exam as many times as you want.
The LSAT is regarded as a very challenging test, but students who prepare adequately for it can pass.
A doctor of Judicial Science is the highest level of legal education.
Conclusion
Your choice to read this article confirms that you want to attend a law school that will give you a solid education and prepares you for a career in law.
Charlotte, North Carolina, has affordable and easily accessible law schools. Due to their high acceptance rate, Charlotte NC law schools are more likely to accept applicants.
To be properly qualified for admission to law schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is necessary to take action quickly and gather the necessary documentation.
Pre-law programs are offered nationwide, including in Charlotte, North Carolina. They boost the credibility of candidates without a bachelor’s degree.
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