Charleston School of Law

“The Charleston School of Law is rooted in the history and relationships of South Carolina's state capital and is anchored by the downtown civic hub known as the Four Corners of Law.” One of only two law schools in the state, Charleston offers more than 100 sites for externship opportunities, three law reviews, and six academic tracks (including Public Policy & Service and Small Firm Practice). In addition to coursework, each student must complete at least 50 hours of pro bono service in order to graduate, which ensures that attendees finish the program with a full roster of experiences under their belt. The South Carolina Student Practice Rule helps to provide additional opportunities: Second-year students are able to conduct research and develop court strategies while third-year students take depositions, argue pre-trial motions, and take part in preliminary proceedings. This is “practical experience with a focus on public service,” which lets students graduate practice-ready. Overall, the “course load is very manageable,” and “the opportunities to do faculty-assisted research are plentiful.” As one student explains, “CSOL's emphasis on legal skills … has allowed me to align my classroom instruction with the practice of law.”

Charleston professors have “lots of diverse experiences,” and they “are extremely knowledgeable in their fields.” As such, these are individuals who “spend a lot of time outside of the classroom preparing” and are “accessible and supportive [in order to] balance preparation for the bar exam with preparation to be great lawyers.” One student claims, “They are available all day, every day.” Another adds, “They know our strengths and weaknesses, and they push us to be the best versions of ourselves.” Additionally, the faculty is “always helping students find new pro bono work, and the school has contacts all over South Carolina and other states.” In short, it's “an environment where everyone wants to see the students succeed.” The administration is “very open and are always willing to discuss difficult situations with the students.” In short, “everyone wants to see the students succeed,” and the administration “works harder than anyone can imagine to prepare” them for the Bar. As for the city itself, Charleston offers a “vibrant legal community” in which “many students meet with prospective employers or experts on a particular topic often for lunch or to simply [seek] advice.” While the “classrooms are a bit outdated,” this doesn't impact education (“the environment is conducive to learning”) and the school is actively “looking to improve” with renovations and expansions “constantly being made throughout each year.” Overall, this is a “very rigorous but well-taught and well-thought-out program” that offers future lawyers “every resource we need to do well.”

Those who attend the school find Charleston to be a small slice of southern heaven: It's “one of the most beautiful and historic cities in South Carolina,” says one attendee. Another calls it “a veritable paradise for social activity.” More generally, it's almost universally agreed that “Charleston is an incredible place to live,” a fact that's drawn “some incredible professors to the school for that reason.” Plus, since it's such a pleasant place to live, it also means “the sense of community is unmatched” and “relations amongst students are good.” Even better: students “support each other while remaining competitive.” There are “plenty of clubs and activities designed to connect students,” and “there's very little stress,” as people here “are supportive, friendly, and will do whatever it takes to help you.” The “southern hospitality is exuberant” too: As one happy enrollee shares, “The students that I've met this first year are truly some of the nicest [and] kindest people I've ever encountered.”