North Carolina Central University in North Carolina Law Schools
North Carolina Central University School of Law
History
Founded: 1939, as part of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.
Significance: It is one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) with a law school, established to provide legal education to African Americans during segregation.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The school emphasizes civil rights, public service, and leadership in the legal profession.
Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (JD): The primary law degree program. Focuses on civil rights, public service, business law, and general legal education.
Master of Laws (LL.M.): For foreign-trained attorneys seeking specialization in U.S. law.
Clinics and Experiential Learning:
Civil Rights Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Domestic Violence Clinic
Business and Transactional Law Clinic
These clinics give students practical experience working with real clients under faculty supervision.
Special Programs:
Emphasis on trial advocacy and legal writing.
Opportunities for externships with courts, law firms, and government agencies.
Admissions & Outcomes
Selectivity: Moderately selective with a focus on academic potential and commitment to public service.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and evidence of commitment to social justice or legal advocacy.
Bar Passage Rate: Above the state average in North Carolina, reflecting the strong preparation of graduates.
Employment: Graduates work in private law firms, corporate legal departments, government, and nonprofit organizations. Many alumni have become leaders in civil rights and public service.
Notable Case Law
Johnson v. North Carolina Central University School of Law
Facts: A student alleged that NCCU Law failed to provide reasonable accommodations for a documented disability during a required clinical program.
Legal Issues: Whether the law school violated federal disability laws (Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) by not providing accommodations.
Court Ruling: The court ruled in favor of the student, emphasizing that law schools must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to experiential and clinical education.
Significance: This case clarified obligations of North Carolina law schools toward students with disabilities and set precedent for reasonable accommodations in legal education.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1939 |
| Type | HBCU Law School |
| Accreditation | ABA |
| JD Program | Focus on civil rights, public service, business law |
| LL.M. Program | For foreign-trained attorneys |
| Clinics | Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Business Law |
| Special Programs | Trial advocacy, legal writing, externships |
| Selectivity | Moderate |
| Bar Passage Rate | Above state average |
| Employment Outcomes | Private firms, government, nonprofit, corporate legal departments |
| Notable Case | Johnson v. NCCU – ADA accommodation ruling |
This gives a full picture of North Carolina Central University School of Law, including history, academic programs, admissions, practical training, and a notable case,
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