ABA-accredited private law school in Charleston emphasizing public service, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning.
Charleston School of Law offers a Juris Doctor degree with full-time and part-time enrollment options, as well as a Global Trade and Maritime Law LL.M. program. All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and take the LSAT, GRE, or JD Next. The school emphasizes experiential learning through advocacy programs, trial advocacy, moot court, clinics, externships, and pro bono opportunities. Students must complete at least 50 hours of public service before graduation, reflecting the school's founding principle of promoting public service.
Located at 385 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina—ranked the No. 1 travel destination in the country—the school provides students with an exceptional environment to live, learn, and build a legal career. The campus features the Solomon Blatt Jr. Law Library and is known for its student-centric culture with unmatched faculty access and support. Students benefit from robust student organizations, the Forensic Club honorary society, and multiple law reviews and journals including the Charleston Law Review, Federal Courts Law Review, Maritime Law Bulletin, and Resolved: Journal of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The school accepts applications through its admissions team and offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships. Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus, attend open house events held in fall and spring, and meet with faculty and current students. The application process requires a bachelor's degree and standardized test scores (LSAT, GRE, or JD Next).
According to 2021 ABA-required disclosures, 85% of the Class of 2017 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation. The school maintains a 77% bar passage rate (July 2022) and has achieved compliance with ABA Standard 316 regarding bar passage rates. Alumni have been recognized on Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, and the school provides career services and employment summary reports to support graduate success.