University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School Overview
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School is one of the oldest public universities in the US. UNC was the first public Ivy university and the only university to hold classes and graduate students in the 18th century. The law school was established in 1895 and has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1928.
The 2020 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings reported that Chapel Hill ranks third among all public universities in the US.
Due to its commitment to public education and affordability, Chapel Hill offers top-class tuition at affordable rates. Thus, getting into Chapel Hill law school can be competitive.
For a public university, graduates can enjoy good prospects from a Chapel Hill education. Many Chapel Hill graduates are in the top 10% earning bracket. Chapel Hill scored highly in the rankings for:
- Graduation rate
- Graduate salary
- Debt after graduation
The survey ranks Chapel Hill law school in 5th place in value for a public university. Students at the law school can pursue various law disciplines including:
- Intellectual property
- Banking
- Civil rights
- Environmental law
- Bankruptcy
- Constitutional law
- Entrepreneurial and securities law
Students who study law at UNC Chapel Hill have the opportunity to gain a foundation in Anglo-American law before specializing in a chosen field.
There are 55 student organizations available for students wishing to enrich their experience at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is one university that sticks to its principles of public education. Keeping education affordable and public is at the heart of Chapel Hill’s ethos.
Many alumni of the University of North Carolina’s School of Law continue to support the institution long after they have graduated to help keep the educational services there affordable.
A marvelous feature of this law school is that students can gain hands-on legal experience by offering free legal advice at the school’s ten legal clinics. Over 90 students participate in the voluntary program and handle over 100 cases each year.
Clinical legal experience is invaluable to a law student’s career, especially as you are awarded almost full autonomy with cases. In this experience, students work as if they were practicing lawyers, carrying out tasks such as interviews, drafting legal documents, negotiating with opposing counsel, arguing appeals and motions, and conducting trials and hearings.
Legal clinics are a wonderful opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations under the supervision of expert teaching staff.
Law graduates at Chapel Hill typically earn between $65,000 and $155,000 after completing their studies.
Chapel Hill is also a popular place to study due to its inclusive and supportive atmosphere. The cost of living is much more affordable than many other university cities, although there are plenty of places to eat and activities to enjoy.
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School Rankings
It’s always good to know where your university of choice ranks overall because rankings give you an idea of your future opportunities.
According to the US News and World Report’s 2021 “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” Chapel Hill law school ranks number 27 out of 197 universities. Chapel Hill is in the top 10 public law schools in the US.
Public Legal ranks UNC as the 42nd highest in the US in terms of employment within ten months of graduation. Its high bar passage and employment rates contributed to its rise in the rankings.
The law school also has notable expertise in particular areas such as:
- Business/corporate law
- Constitutional law
- Criminal law
- Healthcare law
- Legal writing
- Contracts/commercial law
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School Admissions
What Is The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School Acceptance Rate?
Chapel Hill Law School is considered the best value for the money as the educational quality is high for the tuition costs. But what are your chances of getting in? Getting into law school is never easy.
As with many other law schools, the UNC admissions department likes to see candidates with a strong GPA. However, good Law School Admissions Test scores are also important. Of the class of 2023, 75% of the acceptees had a median GPA of 3.39 and an LSAT score of 153.
In 2018, 1372 people applied to study law at UNC School of Law and 643 were accepted, for an acceptance rate of 46.87%. However, in 2019, 438 of 1293 applicants were accepted, yielding a lower acceptance rate of 33.87%.
So, it looks like it’s getting harder to get into Chapel Hill law school. Fewer people applied in 2019, but fewer people were also accepted. When you compare the median LSAT grades and GPA, there was not much change. In 2018, the median 75th percentile LSAT score was 163, and the GPA was 3.75. In 2019, the median 75th percentile LSAT score was 162, and GPA was 3.77.
It’s not just about exam results and LSAT results, though. A 4.0 GPA doesn’t guarantee you a spot. Admissions officers at Chapel Hill like to see evidence that you’re a well-rounded person with an added dimension to your personality. Your resume and personal statement should reflect interests beyond your studies and actively pursue community, sports, and cultural activities.
Applications Offers
Matriculated
Class of 2024 1442 642 (44.59%) 224 (15.5%) 25% Median 75%University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School LSAT Percentiles
2023 Entering Class Profile
What Is The Tuition For University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School?
What Are The Living Expenses At University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School?
What Are The Housing Options At University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School?
BAR Passage Rates At University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School
Application Deadlines
When will the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School application materials be available?
You may apply through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) website starting October 1st. If you are pursuing a combined degree, you must apply for the subjects separately according to the faculty’s instructions.
When does University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School begin accepting applications?
The school begins application acceptance on October 1st, and applications must be in by May 1st.
How are applications to University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School submitted?
To apply, visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to register and apply electronically.
Does University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School have an “early admission” or an “early decision” process?
No, UNC does not have an early decision process.
How much is the application fee and when is the deadline?
Does University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School grant interviews?
No, the school does not grant interviews.
Employment After University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School
Here are some from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School’s post-graduation statistics:
- Of 195 recent graduates, 171 (87.7%) found work within ten months
- Eighty-five graduates joined law firms, 24 entered into judicial clerkships, and 29 joined found employment in the business and industry sector
- Of the 85 graduates employed by law firms, 37 were in firms with more than 500 attorneys, and 19 were in firms with 2 to 10 lawyers
- Twenty-one of the employed graduates were in government jobs and eight in public service
- Ninety percent of those who graduate from Chapel Hill law go into jobs that require bar passage and 8.9% find jobs where a JD degree is preferred
- The majority (51%) stayed in North Carolina, followed by Washington, DC, New York, and Florida
Not all University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Law School graduates have a definite idea of their next step after law school. The school knows that and wants to ensure its students get the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed in the legal profession.
The school offers an on-campus interviewing program to help guide students down their career path and help them choose specialties if needed. The school also has a Career Development Office, which provides support and career-planning resources. The Career Development Office helps students explore summer positions as well as employment options available to them.
Assistance and support from the Career Development Office are available starting the first semester of law school. The office provides Individual career counseling appointments, mock interviews, daily drop-in hours, and help with resume and cover letter reviews. They also schedule on-campus career events.