South Carolina's only public law school, training lawyers since 1867 with rigorous academics and strong community ties.
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law offers a rigorous J.D. program with experiential learning opportunities including eight clinics (Criminal Practice, Domestic Violence, Education Rights, Federal Litigation, Tax, Veterans Legal, Youth Defender, and CHAMPS). Students can pursue concentrations in Children's Law and engage in externships and pro bono work. The school also offers a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) and various certificates. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional legal doctrine and practical skills development through moot court, clinics, and leadership programs.
The school's modern building, opened in June 2017, spans 187,500 square feet and accommodates over 660 students. It features 17 classrooms, a 300-seat ceremonial courtroom (Karen J. Williams Courtroom) that hosts U.S. Court of Appeals sessions, faculty offices, legal clinics, and student organization spaces. The law library houses over 500,000 volumes or equivalents, making it the largest law library in South Carolina, with collections spanning American law, South Carolina legal history, and foreign and international law.
First-year classes average around 200 students from 29 states, with 55% from South Carolina and 20% minority representation. The 2016 entering class had median LSAT/GPA of 154/3.47 and 25th–75th percentile scores of 151–157 LSAT and 3.17–3.63 GPA. The school accepts transfer and visiting students and offers alternate admission pathways. Admissions decisions consider character and fitness, academic credentials, and demonstrated commitment to the legal profession.
According to ABA-required disclosures, 89.94% of the Class of 2022 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required or JD-advantage employment within 10 months of graduation. The school has produced numerous notable alumni in politics, judiciary, and legal practice, including U.S. Senators, governors, federal judges, and prominent attorneys. South Carolina bar passage rates vary by exam session, with July 2025 showing 85.8% passage.