AALS has launched a series that will highlight a different member school and focus on a recent program or accomplishment in order to showcase the rich variety of approaches to legal education that makes up the American legal academy. A list of past highlights is available below.

Member School Highlight – North Carolina Central University School of Law

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Founded: 1939
Joined AALS: 2012
Dean: Patricia Timmons-Goodson

North Carolina Central University School of Law was founded in 1939, to provide opportunities for African Americans to become lawyers. The NCCU School of Law’s mission is to provide high-quality, personalized, practice-oriented, and affordable legal education to historically underrepresented students from diverse backgrounds to help diversify the legal profession. With a proud 85-year legacy, NCCU School of Law is home to a distinguished alumni network that is actively shaping the legal landscape across the nation. Remarkably, one in every five judges in North Carolina is a graduate of our law school, making extraordinary contributions to the state and the nation’s legal framework.

NCCU School of Law empowers graduates to become highly competent and socially responsible lawyers and leaders committed to public service and meeting underserved communities’ needs. NCCU School of Law is committed to preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven legal landscape, combatting systemic racism, and promoting equality. To honor their mission, NCCU School of Law houses the Technology Law and Policy Center (TLPC), established the NCCU Law & Technology Certificate Program, and launched the Social Justice and Racial Equality Institute (SJREI). These programs were created to expand access to legal information, cultivating a diverse body of technology law experts, working toward a just and prosperous society for all.

In the fall of 2024, NCCU School of Law initiated a new program titled “Flight School,” a two-week mandatory pre-orientation program for incoming first-year law students. Named “Flight School” to symbolize the eagle, their university mascot, the program facilitates the transition from undergraduate education to the rigors of legal education.

Flight School equips students with essential academic skills necessary for success, including critical legal reading, case briefing, analytical reasoning, and writing. During the program, students participate in a series of lectures and workshops led by experienced faculty members. The program includes a “Succeeding in Law School” speaker series featuring practicing attorneys, judiciary members, recent graduates, and university and community leaders.

Additionally, the program highlights the importance of effective study strategies, time management, and stress reduction techniques, providing students with the tools to take flight and soar in their journey in law school and the legal profession.

“As the proud dean of NCCU School of Law, I am dedicated to advancing our 85-year legacy”, said Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Dean of North Carolina Central University School of Law. “Our future initiatives will focus on expanding academic programs, enriching experiential learning opportunities for our students, and promoting faculty development. Together, we will train a new generation of leaders who are experts in the law and change agents for justice.”