Elon University School of Law has applied to the American Bar Association for approval to launch an additional full-time J.D. program at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina to begin Fall 2027 with a class size of about 75 students.
The new full-time J.D. program in Charlotte will mirror Elon Law’s existing, nationally recognized curriculum and successful approach to experiential learning, completing a full-time, course-connected residency-in-practice with a practicing attorney or judge during their second year.
Once the additional program is approved and launched, Elon Law will offer three North Carolina-based options for law students: a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte; a part-time, 4-year Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte; and a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Greensboro.
With the launch of this additional program, Elon Law will have a full-time presence in two cities that are home to influential federal courts — the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in Greensboro and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte — as well as the state court system; federal, state and municipal government agencies; and nonprofits that provide legal services to underserved communities.
This additional law program will also expand the reach of the school’s robust law alumni network in a metropolitan region where a significant number of Elon Law graduates live and practice.
Zak Kramer, dean of Elon Law, said the law school’s advantage is that its students learn the law by practicing it in the community.
“We’ve been part of Charlotte for years,” Kramer said. “This is about deepening those relationships, building new ones and doing more through the community-connected model we’ve developed in Greensboro.”
Elon University President Connie Book said the need for graduate and professional programs in one of our nation’s fastest-growing cities makes the launch of a full-time law program a natural next step for Elon Law.
“Elon University is deeply committed to serving the Charlotte community by introducing new and innovative programs that enhance educational offerings for professionals and address the expressed needs of the region,” Book said.
Elon Law’s full-time students in Charlotte complete their education in two and a half years — quicker than the three-year process that’s common at other law schools. Book said the faster program allows students to save money.
Beginning in Fall 2027, Elon Law plans to operate both of its law programs from the Queens University of Charlotte campus, either upon completion of the planned merger of the two institutions or through a lease agreement.
Applications will be accepted starting in August 2026.
Per ABA requirements, offers of admission will not be extended until formal permission is granted.
