Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played an important role in the United States higher education for over a century. They were created primarily to provide higher education for African Americans who were previously excluded from attending other colleges and universities in the country. Today, HBCUs continue to provide quality education, particularly in the field of law.
Law schools that are part of HBCUs offer unique opportunities and benefits to students. Here are some of the best HBCU Law Schools you should consider when pursuing a degree in law:
1. Howard University School of Law
Howard University School of Law, located in Washington D.C. is one of the most distinguished HBCU law schools in the country. The school is known for its strong focus on civil rights, human rights, and social justice, as well as its innovative curriculum.
Among its notable alumni are former United States Vice President Kamala Harris, former US Attorney General Eric Holder, and civil rights activist and attorney Vernon Jordan.
2. Southern University Law Center
The Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is another top HBCU law school in the United States. Aside from its excellent curriculum, the school emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that students get actual hands-on experience in legal practice even as they study.
Graduates from the Southern University Law Center have gone on to successful careers in law, politics, and academia.
3. North Carolina Central University School of Law
North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina, is a public law school within the UNC system. It is one of the few HBCU law schools to be included in the US News and World Report’s top 150 law schools.
The school is known for its strong legal writing program, intellectual property law program, and bar preparation program. Graduates from North Carolina Central University School of Law have gone on to become successful practicing attorneys, judges, and politicians.
4. Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Located in Houston, Texas, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University is a historically black law school with a reputation for producing influential legal professionals.
Thurgood Marshall School of Law is named after the first African-American to serve on of the US Supreme Court, Justice Thurgood Marshall. The school prepares students for as many as eight different state bar exams, as well as the Uniform Bar Exam. Graduates from the school go on to successful legal careers in Texas and beyond.
5. Florida A&M University College of Law
Florida A&M University College of Law is located in Orlando, Florida, and is known for its innovative and practical curriculum. The program is comprehensive in nature, providing students the opportunity to specialize in various fields of law.
The school is proud of its diversity and dedication to social justice, putting a firm emphasis on creating great legal minds that use their skills to help marginalized communities.
In conclusion, HBCU law schools provide excellent opportunities to law students who want a quality legal education in a supportive academic environment. The schools listed above are some of the best in the country, with world-class faculties, innovative programs, and dedication to producing legal professionals focused on social and racial justice.
