University of North Carolina School of Law

The University of North Carolina School of Law is the second most prestigious school in the Carolinas. It has high entering GPA and LSAT credentials to prove that point. But, as a public school, it is far less costly — tuition for in-state students is $30,000 less a year than Duke University.  Students from out-of state can apply for residency after living in the state a year.

The school has the same admission standards for students regardless of where they come from. While earning a J.D. at the University of North Carolina, students can take classes at Duke University or North Carolina Central University.

The school is not “hypercompetitive,” and encourages cooperation and collegiality in class.

There is an emphasis on teaching legal research and writing at the school. While once these classes were taught by adjuncts, full-time faculty teach them. The school provides more practical training in intellectual property issues, including simulated patent applications and bankruptcy filings.

The school offers concentrations in criminal law, environmental law, family law, litigation, public interest and taxation.