8 Best Law Schools in North Carolina in 2024 | How to Apply

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Did you know you must have a degree from any law school to practice law in states like North Carolina? 

Well, now you do! 

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As a result, you need to be well-versed in the law and legal practices, down to the rudiments. And if you’re the type that fantasizes about rising for people, defending the innocent, giving the accused second chances at right living, and taking legal actions against criminals, this is your chance.

As a course of study, the law is among the most competitive, respected, and sought-after courses by many students. The course deals with every aspect of our lives, ranging from the environment, government, and economy to sports, business, and international relations. 

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To the public, a law degree is the first conscious step you’ve got to take if you’re to fulfill your “legal” dreams. 

Over the years, North Carolina has kept an excellent academic track record, ranking 7th in education. Should you want to pursue a career in law, North Carolina is a sure banker. 

Not only are the law schools in North Carolina well-equipped with the necessary materials for law students, but their tutors are also professionals keen on nothing but quality.

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To this end, we’ve carefully sourced the best law schools in North Carolina. This guide will be helpful for you in deciding about the law school to attend, as well as the type of law school that fits your career. 

Also, we’ve provided answers to some questions you might have or will have about the best law schools in North Carolina. 

Let’s get into it!!!

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Are there Law Schools in North Carolina?

It’s normal to be lost in a choice of law schools in the United States. But in a state like North Carolina, with an atmosphere of academic excellence, it’s not unlikely to find them. 

It’s a widely respected school in the country and is even ranked among the best in the United States. 

Although they’ve got differences, their high educational standards can’t be underestimated.

You can also see other law schools in South Carolina.

How Many Law Schools are in North Carolina?

Private schools were the only places where the law could be studied in North Carolina – except if a student learns under a certified lawyer. As time went by, accredited law schools replaced them.

Currently, seven accredited law schools in North Carolina help students build their skill sets in the legal profession. They are:

  • University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Law.
  • Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.
  • Duke University School of Law.
  • Elon University School of Law.
  • Wake Forest University School of Law 
  • Charlotte School of Law.
  • North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law.

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What is the Easiest Law Schools To Get Into in North Carolina?

You should note that getting into a law school in North Carolina and anywhere isn’t a simple task. However, meeting the minimum requirements can give you a better chance of getting in, earning your degree, and becoming a certified legal practitioner.

Most schools expect law school applicants to have the required grade point average (GPA) and LSAT scores. For instance, top law schools require a minimum GPA and LSAT score of 3.50 and 170, respectively. 

While these are almost impossible to achieve for most law school applicants, some law schools in North Carolina have temped justice with mercy. 

Here, these schools allow applicants with reasonably lower GPAs and LSAT scores. They include:

#1. Campbell University Norman Adrian School of Law

Of all the law schools in North Carolina, the Norman Adrian School of Law is the easiest to get into. The institution has an average GPA of 3.33 and an LSAT score of 153.

Located in Raleigh, the school has a high acceptance rate (AR) of about 62%. Even at that, it boasts of a bar passage rate (BPR) of 91.5% – a better way of defending the high acceptance rate.

#2. Elon University School of Law

Formerly, this school’s BPR was nothing to write home about. After many reviews, they stepped up their game and increased their BPR to about 71%. 

The environment is very conducive to learning, eye-catching sporting activities, and Greek life. Their AR is about 47% which makes it less competitive. However, the fees are well over average.

You Can Also Check Out the Best Law Schools in Vermont |Ranking

What are the Requirements of Law Schools in North Carolina?

Getting into a law school in North Carolina requires meeting certain requirements. These requirements range from getting a bachelor’s degree in related subjects to passing a Law School Admission Test (LSAT). 

On getting your bachelor’s degree, your GPA must be reasonably high or just enough to meet the required cutoff. 

Likewise, your LSAT score must tally with or above the required score. That done, you’re good to go.

What is the Acceptance Rates of Law Schools in North Carolina?

Law schools in North Carolina are highly competitive. This is because they’ve got low acceptance rates, except for Norman Adrian School of Law, which maintains a high BPR despite its high acceptance rate. 

Duke University School of Law holds the lowest acceptance rate of 18%, with a BPR of 96%, making it the hardest to get into. They accept just one out of every 10 applications. So, you better step up your game if that’s your choice.

On the other hand, Norman Adrian School of Law holds the highest AR of about 62%. However, their educational standard remains high as they maintain a BPR of 91.5%.

See Also; 13 Best Law Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

How Much is the Tuition of Law Schools in North Carolina?

Law schools in North Carolina are well-equipped and conducive to learning. That’s the reason for their over-average fees. However, some fees are affordable.

Duke University holds the record for the most expensive law school in North Carolina, with a whopping sum of $67,318. NCCU has the lowest fees, totaling $38,868.

However, NCCU and UNC Schools of Law offer in-state residents discounts as their fees are $16,196 and $24,480, respectively.

What are the Top Schools of Law in North Carolina?

While all the law schools in North Carolina offer academic excellence, you’d want to prefer some to others. The top three are listed below:

#1. Duke University School of Law

Considering a BPR of 96% and a strict AR of 18%, it’s obvious that Duke University is the best law school in North Carolina. 

The school also has the highest average GPA and LSAT scores of 3.78 and 169, respectively, making it the best on our list. The school’s tuition and fees are the highest in the state, amounting to $67,318.

See Also; 15 Best Law Schools in South Carolina |

#2. University of North Carolina School of Law

UNC comes second on our list, with a BPR of 92.5% and an AR of 33.87%. The school has an average GPA of 3.63 and an LSAT score of 161. 

Tuition and fees total $41,630 for non-residents of North Carolina and $24,480 for residents.

#3. Wake Forest University School of Law

Having an AR of 40.5% and a BPR of 90% makes it the third on our list. It has an average GPA of 3.68 and an LSAT score of 162. 

Its tuition and fees amount to $46,993.

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List of all the Best Law Schools in North Carolina

Law schools in North Carolina have several features. From their environments to their tutors, even to students’ chances of getting employment, these schools have lots of quality to offer.

That said, we’ll be providing you with an exclusive list of all the top law schools in North Carolina. However, we’ll place them into categories to suit the different types of law courses.

Best Business Law Schools in North Carolina

Business law covers the activities of persons, groups, or organizations concerning general sales, purchases, and trade. 

Here are the best business law schools in North Carolina:

#1. Duke University School of Law

Apart from being one of the top law schools in the U.S., this school offers a special program that allows students to earn two degrees simultaneously within three years. 

This means that, at the end of three years, you can be a Master and Doctor of Law – all in one go.

  • Location: Durham
  • AR: 18%
  • BPR: 96%
  • Tuition & Fees: $67,318

Visit School Here

#2. UNC School of Law

This is always a good choice if you’re looking for a law school in North Carolina with a legacy to protect. 

The school has maintained expertise in a wide range of law courses for over 170 years. Also, there’s a reasonable reduction in fees if you’re a resident of North Carolina. What else are you waiting for?

  • Location: Chapel Hill
  • AR: 33.87%
  • BPR: 92.5%
  • Tuition & Fees: $24,480 for in-state residents and $41,630 for non-residents.

Visit School Here

Read More: 30 Best Cheapest Online Law Schools| How to Apply

#3. Wake Forest University School of Law

If you’re a lover of flexible class hours, then you’ll love Wake Forest. It isn’t as big as the rest, but its opportunities are. 

There are student organizations for students to join – over 30 of them. Not only that, but the school also plays ACC football. Be rest assured to enjoy your stay. 

  • Location: Winston-Salem
  • AR: 40.5%
  • BPR: 90%
  • Tuition & Fees: $46,993

Visit School Here

Best Entertainment Law Schools in North Carolina

Entertainment or media law is the type that covers all activities taking place in the entertainment industry. Here’s a list of the best entertainment law schools in North Carolina:

#4. Elon University School of Law

This is an excellent choice, from being one of America’s most innovative law schools to connecting practicing attorney mentors to students. 

  • Location: Greensboro
  • AR: 46.5%
  • BPR: 70.4%
  • Tuition & Fees: $46,140

Visit School Here

Read More: Best Law Schools in Pennsylvania |

#5. Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law

At this school, students get to try their hands on a lot of cool “law” stuff. Students can work on death row inmates’ cases, representing domestic violence victims, play roles in a Teen Court system and many other cases – all to solidify their knowledge.

  • Location: Raleigh
  • AR: 62%
  • BPR: 91.5%
  • Tuition & Fees: $43,740

Visit School Here

Best Public Law Schools in North Carolina

Public law is that which covers interactions amongst citizens, as well as between the government and the citizens. 

Here’s a list of the best public law schools in North Carolina:

#6. NCCU School of Law

The NCCU School of Law is unique in its affordable fees for both in-state residents and non-residents. 

However, the school isn’t easy to get into, and research has shown that it produces graduates, with a low percentage gaining employment (about 68%).

  • Location: Durham
  • AR: 40.4%
  • BPR: 76.2%
  • Tuition & Fees: $16,196 for in-state residents and $38,868 for out-of-state residents.

Visit School Here

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Best Pre-Law Schools in North Carolina

Sometimes, you might want to offer courses that will take you to any law school. Here’s a list of the best pre-law schools in North Carolina.

#7. Catawba College

Here, it’s not easy to get in, but if you’ve got a high SAT or ACT score, be confident enough to apply. 

Also, the school accepts students with unique achievements. Be sure to enjoy some sports here too.

  • Location: Salisbury
  • AR: 52%
  • Tuition & Fees: $31,000

Visit School Here

#8. Meredith College

Since most law schools require students to be versed in the liberal arts, students are taught how to communicate, think, and connect human values with law. 

Also, they ensure that students are qualified to apply for desired law schools.

  • Location: Raleigh
  • AR: 72%
  • Tuition & Fees: $42,000

Visit School Here

Read More: Best Law Schools in New York |

Best Environmental Law Schools in North Carolina

As the name implies, environmental law guides the activities of humans concerning the environment. The best environmental law schools in North Carolina are:

  • #1. Duke University School of Law
  • #2. UNC School of Law

Best Law Schools in North Carolina, 2023 Rankings

Although all North Carolina law schools have unique and similar characteristics, they differ in rankings. And here, they’ve been ranked for their bar passage rates (BPRs), with little respect to their “buts.” Here’s the list, starting from the best:

  • Duke University School of Law, with a BPR of 96%.
  • UNC School of Law, with a BPR of 92.5%.
  • Wake Forest University School of Law, with a BPR of 90%.
  • Campbell University Norman Adrian School of Law, with a BPR of 91.5%.
  • NCCU School of Law, with a BPR of 76.2%.
  • Elon University School of Law, with a BPR of 70.4%.
  • Charlotte School of Law, with a BPR of 84.3%. However, this school has been closed.

Read More: Best Law Schools in Arizona |

Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in North Carolina

Are There Law Schools in North Carolina?

Yes, there were seven accredited law schools in North Carolina. Unfortunately, in 2016, the Charlotte School of Law was probed by the American Bar Association (ABA). Consequently, it closed in 2017, reducing the number to six.

Can You Become A Lawyer in NC Without Going to Law School? 

No, you can’t. All states in the US require to-be lawyers to attend law schools before attaining their desired positions, except for Washington, Virginia, California, and Vermont. These states allow to-be lawyers to seek knowledge from lawyers or judges in practice.

Is Law School Difficult?

Nothing good comes easy. You need to get ready and gather a lot of effort and courage to face the challenges of law school. Law school is difficult, but with conscious efforts, you’re good to go.

Conclusion

North Carolina law schools are among the best in the United States. If you’re keen on finding the best for you in terms of quality and budget, we’ve got you covered. 

You must enroll at your desired law school, pass the state bar examination, and achieve your dream. Good luck!!!

References

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