University of South Carolina School of Law

The University of South Carolina School of Law, in the state capital of Columbia, is one of the nation’s oldest law schools, founded in 1867. Most students come from South Carolina, but the school attracts about 40 percent from the region, including Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. To make tuition affordable for out-of-state students, the school gives generous scholarships, said Dean Robert Wilcox. 

The school recently added programs to ease the transition for students into legal practice, including mentoring by local attorneys.

“In the first year particularly, we introduce students to what it means to be a professional and the many roles that lawyers play in the business world and in government,” Wilcox said.

A few years ago, the school expanded first-year writing studies and third-year bar preparation. Capstone courses in civil litigation and small-business development give students a chance to simulate experiences lawyers face in actual practice. Children’s law certification is available for those interested in the child welfare or juvenile justice areas.

Wilcox said the job market improving, 60 percent of graduates get full-time legal jobs after graduation. 

“I’d like to advise those out there who have thought about becoming lawyers to go for their dream,” he said.