Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in North Carolina that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in North Carolina are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in North Carolina.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in North Carolina
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 11 | Duke University (Durham, NC) Acceptance rate: 15.3% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 167-171 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.62-3.84 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $49,617 per year Enrollment (full-time): 644 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 94.8%
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| 38 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) Acceptance rate: 17.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 161-165 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.33-3.69 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $19,012 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,119 per year Enrollment (full-time): 772 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.9%
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| 46 | Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC) Acceptance rate: 36.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 160-164 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.2-3.8 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $38,756 per year Enrollment (full-time): 487 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 83.2%
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| 151 | Campbell University (Raleigh, NC) Acceptance rate: 42.1% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-159 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.1-3.55 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $33,910 per year Enrollment (full-time): 475 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 76.4%
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| 154 | Charlotte School of Law (Charlotte, NC) Acceptance rate: 69.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 145-151 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.6-3.31 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,916 per year Enrollment (full-time): 953 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 90.1%
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| 156 | Elon University (Greensboro, NC) Acceptance rate: 46.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 150-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.87-3.47 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $34,550 per year Enrollment (full-time): 365 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 76.5%
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| 165 | North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC) Acceptance rate: 21.3% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 145-151 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.94-3.49 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $10,415 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $24,343 per year Enrollment (full-time): 437 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 66.1%
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All Law Schools in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to several prestigious law schools, each offering diverse programs and a strong focus on legal education, practical training, and professional development. These law schools are well-regarded for their commitment to preparing students for successful legal careers in various areas, including corporate law, criminal law, public interest law, and more.
The law schools in North Carolina are:
- Duke University School of Law
- University of North Carolina School of Law
- Wake Forest University School of Law
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Elon University School of Law
- North Carolina Central University School of Law
1. Duke University School of Law
Overview
Located in Durham, Duke University School of Law is one of the top law schools in the United States and is consistently ranked among the top 10 law schools by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1930, Duke Law is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, and strong global perspective. The law school offers an intellectually stimulating environment with a wide range of specialized courses, clinics, and dual-degree programs.
Degree Programs
Duke Law offers a variety of degree programs that cater to students with diverse interests:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A traditional three-year program that provides a solid foundation in legal theory and practice, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as:
- Business and Corporate Law
- International Law
- Constitutional Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.P.P. (Master of Public Policy)
- J.D./LL.M. in International and Comparative Law
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): Designed for international students who wish to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Clinical Programs:
- Civil Justice Clinic
- Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
- International Human Rights Clinic
Admission Requirements
Duke Law has a competitive admissions process and looks for applicants with strong academic records, leadership qualities, and a passion for public service.
- Average LSAT Score: 169
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
- Optional diversity statement
Starting Salaries
Duke Law graduates are highly sought after by top law firms, corporations, and government agencies both nationally and internationally.
- Private Sector: $190,000 (Big Law)
- Public Sector: $60,000 – $85,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $65,000 – $75,000
2. University of North Carolina School of Law
Overview
The University of North Carolina School of Law (UNC Law), located in Chapel Hill, is the oldest law school in North Carolina, established in 1845. It is consistently ranked as one of the best public law schools in the United States. UNC Law is known for its commitment to public service, diverse student body, and robust clinical programs. The school offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in hands-on legal training and public interest work.
Degree Programs
UNC Law offers several degree programs designed to prepare students for a variety of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program provides a comprehensive education in legal theory and practice. Students can pursue specializations in:
- Business Law
- Civil Rights Law
- Health Law
- Environmental Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Kenan-Flagler Business School)
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- LL.M. in U.S. Law: This program is designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to study U.S. law.
- Clinical Programs:
- Civil Legal Assistance Clinic
- Youth Justice Clinic
- Immigration Law and Policy Clinic
Admission Requirements
UNC Law seeks applicants with strong academic credentials, leadership experience, and a commitment to public service. The admissions process is competitive, with a holistic review of each applicant’s background and experiences.
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
UNC Law graduates have excellent employment outcomes, particularly in North Carolina and the Southeast region. Many pursue careers in law firms, government, and public interest organizations.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $125,000
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
3. Wake Forest University School of Law
Overview
Wake Forest University School of Law, located in Winston-Salem, is known for its student-centered approach, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on legal writing and professional development. Founded in 1894, the school provides a personalized legal education that prepares students for success in a variety of legal fields. Wake Forest Law is also recognized for its strong bar passage rates and commitment to public service.
Degree Programs
Wake Forest Law offers a range of degree programs, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year program offers a well-rounded legal education with opportunities to specialize in:
- Business Law
- Litigation and Advocacy
- Public Interest Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- J.D./M.Div. (Master of Divinity)
- LL.M. in American Law: A one-year program for foreign-trained attorneys who wish to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Clinical Programs:
- Appellate Advocacy Clinic
- Innocence and Justice Clinic
- Veterans Legal Clinic
Admission Requirements
Wake Forest Law seeks applicants with strong academic records, leadership experience, and a demonstrated commitment to ethical legal practice.
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 3.55
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Wake Forest Law graduates are well-positioned for careers in law firms, government, and nonprofit organizations, particularly in the Southeast.
- Private Sector: $75,000 – $115,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
4. Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Overview
The Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, located in Raleigh, is known for its strong emphasis on ethics, trial advocacy, and practical legal skills. Founded in 1976, Campbell Law offers a faith-based education that promotes leadership, service, and professional responsibility. The school has a strong focus on trial advocacy, litigation, and preparing students for the North Carolina bar exam.
Degree Programs
Campbell Law offers a variety of degree programs designed to develop strong legal advocates:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that emphasizes advocacy, ethics, and practical skills. Students can specialize in:
- Trial Advocacy
- Business Law
- Criminal Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.
- Clinical Programs:
- Blanchard Community Law Clinic
- Senior Law Clinic
- Restorative Justice Clinic
Admission Requirements
Campbell Law seeks students who are committed to the practice of law, leadership, and public service. The admissions process focuses on academic performance, LSAT scores, and a demonstrated commitment to ethical legal practice.
- Average LSAT Score: 153
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Campbell Law graduates often pursue careers in trial advocacy, criminal defense, and public interest law, particularly in North Carolina.
- Private Sector: $60,000 – $100,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $50,000 – $60,000
5. Elon University School of Law
Overview
Elon University School of Law, located in Greensboro, is known for its emphasis on experiential learning and innovation in legal education. Founded in 2006, Elon Law offers a unique program that combines a traditional legal education with an extensive residency-in-practice program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience throughout their studies. Elon Law is focused on preparing students for modern legal practice through a mix of classroom learning and real-world experience.
Degree Programs
Elon Law offers several programs aimed at preparing students for modern legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A two-and-a-half-year accelerated program that integrates classroom learning with extensive practical experience through residencies-in-practice. Students can specialize in:
- Business Law
- Public Interest Law
- Litigation
- Clinical Programs:
- Entrepreneurship Clinic
- Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic
Admission Requirements
Elon Law seeks students who are academically strong and demonstrate a commitment to innovation, leadership, and service. The admissions process is competitive, with a focus on academic performance and potential for success in the legal profession.
- Average LSAT Score: 150
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
Elon Law graduates benefit from the school’s emphasis on experiential learning, with many finding employment in North Carolina and the broader Southeast region.
- Private Sector: $65,000 – $95,000
- Public Sector: $50,000 – $60,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $50,000 – $60,000
6. North Carolina Central University School of Law
Overview
The North Carolina Central University School of Law (NCCU Law), located in Durham, is one of the top historically Black law schools in the United States. Founded in 1939, NCCU Law is known for its commitment to providing access to legal education for traditionally underserved communities. The school emphasizes public service, social justice, and the importance of diversity in the legal profession.
Degree Programs
NCCU Law offers a range of degree programs designed to promote social justice and public service:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides a comprehensive legal education with a focus on:
- Civil Rights Law
- Criminal Law
- Public Interest Law
- Part-Time J.D. Program: Designed for working professionals who wish to earn a law degree on a part-time basis.
- Clinical Programs:
- Civil Litigation Clinic
- Family Law Clinic
- Veterans Law Clinic
Admission Requirements
NCCU Law seeks applicants who are committed to public service, social justice, and diversity in the legal profession. The admissions process is holistic, with a focus on academic achievement and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
- Average LSAT Score: 146
- Average GPA: 3.1
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume
Starting Salaries
NCCU Law graduates often pursue careers in public service, government, and civil rights law, with many working in North Carolina and the broader Southeast region.
- Private Sector: $55,000 – $85,000
- Public Sector: $45,000 – $60,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $50,000 – $60,000