Charlotte School of Law can check ‘provisional accreditation’ off their to-do list. The state’s only for-profit law school charges on in one of the fastest growing regions in the country

By Dave Thomas

“The Queen City has an additional jewel in its crown,” said Eugene Clark, dean of Charlotte School of Law.

The state’s only for-profit law school recently received provisional approval from the American Bar Association, achieving this endorsement at the earliest date possible under ABA accreditation guidelines.

“It is a rare privilege and honor to be able to start a new law school and one dedicated to the highest quality student experience,” Clark said. “I think we have taken very seriously the need for ‘access to justice’ and ‘serving the needs of the underserved.’”

Charlotte is known for many positive things, but a couple years ago one thing was missing — they were the nation’s largest city without a law school. That has now changed.

And gaining ABA accreditation puts Charlotte School of Law on the path to even greater success.

As the 19th largest and one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, the city has a level of educational opportunity and infrastructure that one would expect and that will be needed as Charlotte continues to develop into one of the world’s truly great cities and places to live and work, Clark said.

The law school currently has 175 students in its program and is expecting more than 100 to join as first-year students
this fall.

As the School of Law continues to broaden its offerings, Clark said it’s been particularly gratifying to see students engaged in pro bono activities across 70 different community sites.

Among other signs of growth, the school has moved into a new 100,000 square foot facility and its first Law Review is scheduled for publication this fall. The law school will also host a major national symposium on Independence of the Judiciary next spring.

Tremendous potential

Nathan Workman, president of the Student Bar Association, said the law school’s provisional accreditation is an exciting achievement for everyone.

“It affirms what we’ve known all along, that Charlotte School of Law is a fantastic school with tremendous potential,” he said. “It is exciting to experience the growth first-hand.”

Workman, who chose a law degree over an MBA or masters, said he has had a number of experiences at the school that have helped him pursue his career goals.

“I was fortunate enough to be elected president of the Student Bar Association this year, and that has given me an opportunity to work together with my peers to improve the school and community,” Workman said. “Also, I think the practice-oriented focus of the school has given me a greater understanding of the business of law.”

Fellow student Naima Harris said she had complete faith and confidence that the institution would receive provisional accreditation on its first try.  She will be a part of the inaugural class of 2009.

“I am pleased that the only thing I have to focus on upon graduation is preparing for the bar,” she said.

Harris said her academic experience at the School of Law has been rigorous yet rewarding.  “The practice-ready legal program has by far exceeded my expectations,” she said.