University of North Carolina School of Law

Introduction

The University of North Carolina, the first state university chartered in the United States, has offered degrees in law since 1845. The School of Law has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1920 and has been an approved law school since the American Bar Association began its accreditation activities in 1923. The School of Law is one of the most outstanding institutions in the United States, and the University of North Carolina is recognized as being among the nation’s leaders in graduate and professional education. The programs at Carolina Law reflect a powerful, active commitment to the goals of teaching, scholarship, and public service.

The School of Law aims to provide a quality legal education that will prepare students to practice successfully in any jurisdiction. The three-year Juris Doctor program begins with a first-year core curriculum designed to provide a theoretical and analytical foundation for law students. The second-year curriculum provides an important bridge between the core instruction of the first year and the culminating electives, seminars, and skills-oriented instruction of the third year. Finally, in the third year, the curriculum is designed to provide a capstone for students’ legal education and begin the transition into practice.

The town of Chapel Hill, a university community, is close to the Research Triangle Park, the metropolitan and industrial centers of Greensboro and Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh. The immediate area offers an attractive blend of a strong academic atmosphere in a multicultural, cosmopolitan setting.

Library and Physical Facilities

The law school occupies the Van Hecke-Wettach building, expanded in 1999 to create additional classroom and library space as well as student activities spaces and office space. A large rotunda with upper-floor balcony is regularly used by students as a study and activities space and also for visiting speakers and other events. The school’s Graham Kenan Courtroom is outfitted with the latest technology, preparing graduates to practice in any courtroom. The law school is located on the east side of the large University of North Carolina campus from which students can easily participate in a rich variety of other campus programs and events. The campus is known for its mix of traditional and modern architectures, the wooded and landscaped grounds, and the beauty of the spaces through the four seasons.

The Kathrine R. Everett Law Library is a popular space for law students to conduct research and to study. The library provides a robust collection of print and electronic resources to support students and faculty as well as lawyers and others throughout the state. The library’s collection includes a total of 570,168 volumes or volume equivalents with primary and secondary law sources for the United States and some foreign and international materials. Students have access to a selection of study aids in both print and electronic formats. The library is housed on four floors and includes a welcoming, light-filled reading room, quiet carrels on lower floors, some group study rooms, and extensive electrical outlets and wireless Internet access.

Dual-Degree Programs/Certificate Programs

Ten formal dual JD and master’s degree programs are available: JD/MPP (in conjunction with Duke University), JD/MBA, JD/MPA, JD/MPH, JD/MCRP, JD/MSW, JD/MSA, JD/MAMC, JD/MSLS, or JD/MSIS. The JD/PhD in Mass Communication is also available.

The Certificate in International Development encourages students to step outside of the US perspective when focusing on development, fosters interdisciplinary approaches to development, and engages students in peer learning.

International Study Opportunities

In addition to the regularly taught courses in international business and human rights and the International Law Journal, students interested in international law can enhance their legal experience further with foreign study during the school year with UNC School of Law’s Exchange Programs in France, the Netherlands, Mexico, England (two sites), Spain, Germany, Argentina, Hong Kong, and Scotland. Some of the exchange programs can lead to an LLM degree also being earned from the overseas institution. After the first year, students may also participate in the Summer Law Program at our exchange partner in Germany or in a number of ABA-approved summer programs offered by US law schools throughout the world; these credits are applicable to graduation. In addition, there are opportunities for possible international internships and scholarships from Carolina Law and other units. UNC and the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in the United Kingdom, have a moot court competition in which Holderness Moot Court participants can compete, alternating the location of the moot each year.

Centers and Initiatives

Carolina Law boasts nationally recognized centers in banking and financial services, media law, and environmental law. All are key areas tied to our history and the unique opportunities unfolding in North Carolina, the South, and the world. These centers and initiatives expand and enliven our curriculum, push the frontiers of teaching and research, and open new channels of scholarship for students.

Student Activities

Carolina Law students have abundant opportunities to gain practical experience, network with practicing attorneys, develop leadership skills, participate in mentorship programs, and give back to their community. Students can participate in the publication of five prominent law journals—the North Carolina Law Review, the North Carolina Journal of International Law, the North Carolina Banking Institute Journal, the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology, and the First Amendment Law Review. The advocacy programs, Holderness Moot Court, and the Broun National Trial Team are student operated and field a number of successful teams in regional, national, and international competitions.

UNC School of Law has a robust Pro Bono Program offering vast and varying opportunities for law students to serve their community while developing practical legal skills.

The Student Bar Association provides opportunities for students to participate in school governance and serves as a conduit for dialogue between students, the faculty, and administration. In addition to the Student Bar Association, there are close to 50 student organizations that are active in the School of Law.

Expenses and Financial Aid

Scholarships are available to help students defray the costs of their education, and every accepted student is automatically considered for most of these scholarships. The amounts available range from full tuition (Chancellors’ Scholarships) to $5,000 merit scholarships. Students also have the opportunity, after matriculating to law school, to be considered for other scholarships.

Housing

There are graduate dormitories near the law school for single students; however, most students live off campus. University student family housing and private apartments are available. Information may be obtained from the University Housing Office, 450 Ridge Road, CB 5500, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; 919.962.5401.

Career Development Office

The Career Development Office staff has more than 80 combined years of experience in legal career services. They are here to help our students navigate the hiring process, whether seeking summer and temporary employment opportunities or long-term career assistance. Their services include career counseling, job postings, a resource library, and numerous programs designed to help students achieve their employment goals. The UNC School of Law participates in approximately 30 off-campus interview programs around the country, including minority job fairs in Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, and Richmond; patent law job fairs in Chicago and Atlanta; and a major public interest job fair in Washington, DC. Carolina Law manages off-campus interview programs in Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, and Washington, DC, as well as two small firm job fairs in North Carolina. For more detailed employment data and information on the last three graduating classes at UNC, please visit our website.