Top Law Schools in North Carolina to Add to the Priority List
Do you strongly wish to pursue a career in law and are looking for the best law schools in North Carolina? Well, you’re in for a treat because the Tar Heel State never disappoints, and it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the most prestigious law institutions in the US. Yep, you read that right! With a rich history of legal education and a dedication to producing top-notch lawyers, the law schools in North Carolina have what it takes to buckle up the next generation of lawyers!
However, let’s not ignore the real challenge; that’s none other than deciding which law school to finally choose. Yep, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but don’t let that stop you from landing in the top-notch school for breathing life into your legal dreams. The great news is that the state boasts some of the best law schools in the country, each with unique strengths and specialties!
Ready to pave the way towards a fulfilling career in law in North Carolina? Great! Now let’s dive into the top law schools in the state that await you!
1. Duke University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#11
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Tuition Fee
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$71,100
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Average GPA
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3.85
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Average LSAT Scores
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170
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Acceptance Rate
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10.74%
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Application Deadline
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February 15, 2023
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Duke University’s law school tops our list, and for good reasons! First, it’s ranked 11th in the US by the US News Ranking & World Reports. Imagine attending one of the top law institutions in the US. Yep, the thought is exciting but comes with its fair share of challenges. That clearly means it’s no child’s play to land a spot here, and you’ll need to go the extra mile to make the cut.
Read More: The Ultimate Checklist to Decide If You Should go to Law School
While Duke Law is quite known for the social scene, don’t let that fool you. The struggle to survive the high-pressure environment there is real, with only the strong making it through. It’s the highly-competitive environment there that lets students grow into world-class legal professionals. That said, the school gives equal importance to sports and Greek life.
And let’s not forget their low student-to-faculty ratio, along with the access to cutting-edge research and clinical programs. Yep, that’s what makes Duke Law stand out in terms of offering a highly personalized and inclusive learning experience to future lawyers.
Not just that, the law school’s vibrant location provides countless opportunities for making friends and developing professionally. No matter what area of law intrigues you, Duke University School of Law will always have something in store for you.
The best part is that Despite Duke’s reputation as a highly selective institution, its GPA and LSAT requirements are pretty attainable. So, now could be the time to put your best foot forward!
2. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#23
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Tuition Fee
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$21,141
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Average GPA
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3.77
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Average LSAT Scores
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166
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Acceptance Rate
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14.61%
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Application Deadline
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May 1, 2023
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Next on our list is the University of North Carolina, a public research university located in Chapel Hill. Ranked as the 23rd-best law school in the US, it’s widely known for its academic excellence and world-class faculty. They thrive by producing top-tier legal professionals who know all it takes to ace the legal game every year.
But what really sets it apart is the sense of support and collaboration you feel when you step into the university. With an inclusive student body, diverse programs, and access to cutting-edge research and clinical programs, UNC Law is more than just a place to learn – it’s a place to blossom!
Read More: Top Law Schools in California You Should Definitely Consider
In fact, it seems like the vibrant community at UNC Law waits for you to achieve your goals and make a difference in the world. Again, life at the University of North Carolina is nothing short of a roller-coaster, so it takes up quite a lot of nerve to keep up with the pressure. There, you must maintain a balance between your social life and studies (you can’t neglect either of them).
Besides, are you interested in pursuing a career in corporate law? Or public interest, or any other area of law? Well, UNC Law lets you specialize in your favorite area of law before you’re ready to do wonders in the practical world.
And oh, the UNC School of Law boasts some of the highest academic standards in the country, so don’t forget you’re preparing for the best of the best. The acceptance rate of 14.61% is enough to tell how hard you’ll have to work to get in.
However, the fantastic news is that UNC Law is one of the most affordable schools on our list, and perhaps in the US too. So, if you’re looking for some top-quality legal education that won’t break the bank, it’s time to work hard to meet the admission criteria of the university already!
3. Wake Forest University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#37
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Tuition Fee
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$51,000
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Average GPA
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3.72
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Average LSAT Scores
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165
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Acceptance Rate
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32.98%
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Application Deadline
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March 1, 2023
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Moving slightly down the list, we have Wake Forest University, which is perhaps the oldest law school in town, located in Winston-Salem. With a student body of just a bit over 5000, we can tell it’s a relatively small college. But that doesn’t mean you can get away with Greek life and sports there, both of which are a significant part of the university’s culture.
Plus, it’s nothing like your average law school but goes well beyond textbooks and lectures. At Wake Forest, it’s all about practicality! In fact, the university enjoys an impressive reputation for offering strong programs in business law, health law, intellectual property law, and other areas of law too!
Again, it’s not just about classroom learning – Wake Forest takes a hands-on approach to education and tests students through clinics, internships, and externships. This helps you prepare for anything that’s to come, even before you graduate. You might not realize it now, but valuable practical experience is all you need to become a well-rounded lawyer in the future!
What mainly sets the institution apart is the fact that it offers resident study abroad programs in different cities like London and Venice. If we were to call it a close runner-up to Duke University, we wouldn’t be wrong!
Yep, Wake Forest’s admission standards are slightly less competitive than Duke’s; it is by no means an easy feat to be admitted to this prestigious institution. Unless you’re putting in all your efforts day in and day out, there is little chance of you being accepted here. So, when aiming to get into Wake Forest University, make sure to give your LSAT the best shot!
4. Campbell University – Wiggins
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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$47,440
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Average GPA
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3.53
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Average LSAT Scores
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154
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Acceptance Rate
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55.71%
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Application Deadline
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May 1, 2023
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Founded in 1976, Campbell University School of Law is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Ever since then, the university has continued to prove to the world why they should prioritize studying law here and is known for providing hands-on training to students.
What’s more, the university runs several legal clinics where students can work with real clients and gain valuable experience in different areas, including intellectual property, advocacy for the elderly, and entrepreneurship. While we’re at it, let’s not forget their robust externship program, which will surely let you experience working in law firms, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. Being ABA accredited, the university of Campbell has every reason why you should add it to your priority list.
Read More: The 8 Best Law Schools in New York that Should be on your List!
While rankings are certainly one way to evaluate a law school, it’s not quite the case for the Campbell School of Law. If you judge it based on US News rankings, you’re missing out on 99% of the picture. Don’t fall prey to it, and include academic programs, faculty, and overall culture when deciding where to pursue your legal career from.
Another plus? The close-knit community makes the degree way more fun! And with an acceptance rate of 55.71%, there are bright chances of you landing in too. You could probably be just a few steps away from living your dream career!
5. Elon University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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$40,833
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Average GPA
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3.41
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Average LSAT Scores
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152
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Acceptance Rate
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44.03%
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Application Deadline
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May 1, 2023
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Elon University is yet another incredible law school that awaits your move. Its innovative approach to legal education and the emphasis on leadership development and public service make it earn a spot at the forefront of legal education.
Here, you won’t just sit in the class and listen to monotonous lectures. Instead, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and get into action for clinics, externships, internships, and some experiential learning opportunities like never before. With slightly over 6000 students, the campus is moderate-sized, which implies personalized attention!
And guess what? It seems like Elon Law’s commitment to its students knows no bounds. The school’s Leadership Fellows Program and Honors Fellows Program provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and enjoy meaningful public service projects.
With the average LSAT requirement being 152, the chances of you landing here are super bright too. So, if you’re looking for a law school that ensures your success both in and out of the classroom, and lets you take a forward-thinking approach to legal education, then you needn’t look further!
6. North Carolina Central University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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$13,444
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Average GPA
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3.32
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Average LSAT Scores
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148
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Acceptance Rate
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35.73%
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Application Deadline
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April 30, 2023
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Finally, North Carolina Central University is a dynamic institution waiting to be explored by future lawyers! Just as you’d expect, it enjoys a rich history and a firm commitment to social justice. Don’t let the ranking fool you – this law school is nothing short of a hidden gem brimming with top-notch legal education.
Here, sports and Greek life are integral to the student experience, providing ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement and an ideal social life. What’s the real turn-on for most is the university’s commitment to public interest law and pro bono work! Yep, it truly ensures that graduates are prepared to fight for justice just as soon as they graduate!
One of the best things about North Carolina Central University School of Law is that the tuition is super reasonable, especially when compared to other law schools. And it doesn’t end here! The admissions process is quite attainable too. Just perform well on your LSAT and maintain a good GPA, and you’re on your way to becoming a law student at NCCU!
The Bottom Line
With countless fantastic options available, North Carolina is truly the land of luxury for future lawyers. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best law schools in the state, you won’t have to settle for less!
Whether you’re looking for top-quality education or the affordability of legal education, North Carolina has it all for you. Yep, each law school has its unique share of charm, so don’t forget to do research on your part thoroughly to find the one that aligns with your passion.
It’s time to gear up for an exciting legal journey in North Carolina!
We’re rooting for ya!
