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Campbell Law School
Campbell Law School is committed to educating lawyers who will use the law to promote greater justice, mercy, and societal equity. Their mission is to equip their students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful attorneys and advocates for social change.
At Campbell Law, they understand that law can transform lives and communities. Their students learn how to use the law to promote justice and create positive change. They provide courses in social justice lawyering, legal ethics, civil rights litigation, access to justice issues, and other areas that equip their students with the tools necessary for responsible law practice.
Contents
History
The history of Campbell Law School is an inspiring story of a man's vision becoming a reality. In the early 1970s, Norman Adrian Wiggins, the third president of Campbell University, had a dream for a small private law school that would foster solid moral convictions and competent lawyers with compassion. President Wiggins dedicated himself to traveling North Carolina, fundraising, and recruiting excellent legal scholars to make this dream reality. After a great effort and with the help of numerous generous supporters, Campbell Law School opened its doors in 1976 to its charter class of 97 students. To honor President Wiggins' pioneering efforts, the Board of Trustees renamed the law school after him in 1988.
Campbell Law School has been developing lawyers with moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence for over four decades. This is evident in its recognition by the American Bar Association as having the best Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers as having the best Trial Advocacy Program in the nation. Campbell Law School is proud to boast over 3,400 alums, with more than 2,400 who reside and work in North Carolina. Moreover, the school has had an impressive record of success on the North Carolina Bar Exam for over 26 years, unmatched by any other law school in NC. In 2009, the law school relocated to a new state-of-the-art building in downtown Raleigh.
Admissions
Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law offers a rolling admissions process designed to make applying straightforward and accessible. Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, submit their LSAT scores, transcripts, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. The school also provides an early decision option for those who want to receive an admission decision sooner. Campbell Law emphasizes a holistic review of each candidate’s academic achievements, professional experiences, and personal qualities to identify students who are prepared to succeed in its rigorous JD program.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153-155-159 | 153-156-158 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.17-3.48-3.73 | 3.28-3.57-3.8 |
| Acceptance rate | 55.7% | 34.4% |
| Applications received | 957 | 1124 |
| Acceptances | 370 | 387 |
| Matriculants | 180 | 190 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law experienced both an increase in applicant interest and a rise in selectivity. The school received 1,124 applications, a noticeable jump from the previous year’s total of 957 applicants. Out of these, 387 candidates were offered admission, and 190 students ultimately matriculated to join the incoming class.
The academic profile of the newly admitted students reflected slightly higher standards compared to the prior year. The LSAT scores for the middle 50% of the class (25th–75th percentile) ranged from 153–156–158, showing a marginal increase in the upper range. Similarly, the undergraduate GPA range for the same percentile band improved to 3.28–3.57–3.8, indicating that the incoming class entered with stronger academic backgrounds.
One of the most significant changes in this cycle was the admission selectivity. The acceptance rate dropped to 34.4%, a substantial decrease from the 55.7% acceptance rate reported for the previous year. This shift demonstrates Campbell Law’s increasingly competitive admissions process, underscoring its growing appeal to aspiring law students.
Overall, the 2024–2025 admissions data show that Campbell Law continues to attract a larger pool of applicants while admitting a smaller proportion of them, leading to a more academically competitive and selective student body.
Campbell University Law School is an excellent choice for students seeking a top-tier legal education. With its selectivity in admissions and its commitment to excellence, the school is sure to provide a quality learning experience for all its students.
Application Timeline
At Campbell Law School, prospective students can apply for various programs throughout the academic year. The application process begins on September 14th, with applications being made available online via www.lsac.org.
The Early Decision Application Deadline is November 15th, while the Visiting Student Application Deadline for Spring Semester is December 1st. The Competitive Scholarship Application Deadline is March 31st. The application deadline for those seeking a Juris Doctor degree is May 1st. Those looking to apply for FLEX, Transfer/Visitor, and the Patent Law Certificate have until July 15th to submit their applications.
Applicants must pay close attention to these application deadlines and plan accordingly. For any further questions or inquiries, please get in touch with Campbell Law School directly.
LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an essential part of the admissions process for prospective students at Campbell Law. It is recommended that applicants take the LSAT during the summer or fall of the year before enrolling, as doing so will ensure their application is processed promptly. Although there is no specified minimum score requirement, applicants should strive to obtain the highest score possible. The admissions committee will take the highest of all LSAT scores reported into account when deciding on an applicant’s application; however, any test taken over five years before submission of an application will not be considered.
Bachelor’s Degree
To gain admittance to Campbell Law School, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an approved and accredited college or university. All official academic transcripts from each college or university attended must be submitted to the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This includes any credits earned at summer school, another university, or an unaccredited institution. All such credits must be noted on the CAS report to complete the application process for Campbell Law School.
Campbell Law School also requires that applicants have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale from their undergraduate studies. The Admissions Committee also considers other academic accomplishments and awards when making decisions regarding acceptance.
Prior Law School Attendees
Prior attendees of other ABA-accredited law schools who wish to apply must submit a written statement detailing their prior study, along with a transcript and a statement from their dean. This statement must include class rank and proof that they are in good standing and eligible to return to the home institution as a continuing student. Those not in good standing must submit a transcript and an addendum explaining their prior law school attendance. Unfortunately, no credit will be given for courses taken through correspondence or any other instruction not completed in residence at an ABA-accredited law school. Campbell Law School encourages all potential students to pursue the best legal education available, and they make every effort to facilitate a smooth transition into their program.
Employment During Law School
The Campbell Law School has implemented guidelines that restrict students enrolled in a full-time program from taking on employment during their first year of school. This is done to ensure students have adequate time to focus their attention and energy on the rigorous course load associated with law school. However, full-time students are allowed to work during winter and summer breaks.
For the second and third years of law school, the American Bar Association (ABA) advises that full-time students should work at most 20 hours per week to have time for study and research. This restriction does not apply to all students; however: those enrolled in the Campbell FLEX program are not subject to any employment restrictions.
By strictly enforcing the guidelines outlined by the ABA, Campbell Law School is committed to ensuring that its students can make the most of their experience and achieve academic success. With this in mind, the school encourages all full-time law students to take advantage of their free time and focus on their studies.
Cost of Attendance
For the 2025-26 academic year, Campbell Law’s estimated tuition is $51,840 with an additional $930 in required fees. Beyond these direct academic expenses, the school anticipates costs for books, housing, meals, personal expenses, transportation, and other supplies. The projected total cost of attendance (COA), before scholarships or financial aid, comes to approximately $89,027 for a full-time student.
| Expense Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $51,840 |
| Required Fees | $930 |
| Books & Course Materials | $2,398 |
| Housing | $14,400 |
| Meals | $4,600 |
| Personal Expenses | $7,800 |
| Transportation | $3,016 |
| Supplies & Other Materials | $2,398 |
| Total Estimated COA | $89,027 |
Financial Aid
At Campbell Law School, their financial aid program is designed to help students meet the cost of tuition and fees and assist with any living expenses they may incur during their legal education. They offer various loan options to eligible students, including Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. These loans can help students cover their tuition and fees and any related expenses they may incur while in school.
Their financial aid advisors can answer questions about loan eligibility and repayment options. They also provide several resources to help students understand the different types of loans available and how each works. Additionally, they provide information on scholarship opportunities available to qualified law students.
At Campbell Law School, they understand that legal education is an investment in your future and strive to make financing as easy as possible. With their comprehensive financial aid program and dedicated advisors, you’ll have all the support you need to succeed in your studies and make the most of your future as a lawyer.
SCholarship
At Campbell Law School, they are committed to providing an open and accessible legal education for motivated individuals who desire to serve their communities. They are proud of the fantastic generosity of their donors, whose support has enabled us to offer more than $1 million in scholarships annually to incoming first-year law students. Their scholarship offerings include the Dean's Excellence Merit Scholarship, Campbell Undergraduate Scholarships, Honoratos Emeritus Scholarship, and the Global Engagement Scholarship for Advanced J.D. Program for Non-U.S. Lawyers recipients. Additionally, they welcome applicants to apply for their full-tuition Cheshire Schneider Advocacy Scholarship, Leadership Scholar Award, Janette Soles Nelson Public Service Scholarship, and the Ben & Patrice Thompson Achievement Scholarship. They encourage you to take advantage of their generous scholarship offerings and join them in building a brighter future for the legal profession!
Academics
Campbell University has a typical first-year section size of 40. The law school has 30 faculty members and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18.9 to 1. Students describe the curriculum as tough, citing heavy use of the Socratic Method and a requirement that students prepare thoroughly for each class.
First-year students must take the usual first-year courses, including torts, contracts, property, criminal law and legal writing. Grading is not done on a traditional 4.0 scale but is measured out of a score of 100. A student who scores above a 75 is said to have met the same standards a competent lawyer would meet. Grading also adheres to a strict curve, making Campbell more competitive. The difficult curve causes nearly 11 percent of students to leave Campbell after their first year.
Clinics
Campbell Law School offers several clinical programs that allow students to gain real-world, hands-on experience while providing valuable services to local communities in need. These legal clinics offer invaluable support to individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, disability, language barriers, and other social issues.
The clinic focuses on providing access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to obtain legal representation. Students can represent clients in various civil matters through direct representation before courts, administrative agencies, and other tribunals.
In addition, students can participate in legislative advocacy activities, research projects, and client education initiatives that serve their community's most vulnerable members. Through the clinic, students gain valuable experience in legal writing, research, advocacy, and client counseling while providing vital services to those most in need.
Campbell Law School is committed to creating a more just and equitable society through its clinical programs. By offering their student clinicians real-world experience and opportunities for impactful service, they strive to make a difference in their client's and community's lives.
Externship
The Campbell Law Externship Program is integral to the university's commitment to providing students with the best possible legal education. Through this program, students gain invaluable hands-on experience working alongside attorneys and judges in their daily professional environment. It offers a unique opportunity for participants to hone their analytical and practical skills as they observe and assist licensed attorneys and judges in their work.
In addition to viewing the process of legal practice, externs also become familiar with the ethical considerations that are integral to legal practice. This includes understanding the professional responsibilities of attorneys and judges and being mindful of applicable rules of court procedure and evidence. Through this program, students gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession and its importance in society.
Pro Bono Service
Pro bono work is an ethical obligation for lawyers to provide legal services without charge to those who cannot pay for them, regardless of their career path. Following the North Carolina State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct, all lawyers should strive to render at least fifty (50) hours of pro bono services each year to those with limited means. Campbell Law School empowers law students with the opportunity to engage in pro bono work through a variety of programs and initiatives.
The Pro Bono Project at Campbell Law is one program that provides students with real-world experience by connecting them with local non-profit organizations that focus on providing legal aid to underserved populations. Through this program, students can gain hands-on experience supporting their professional development while providing a valuable service to the community.
The Law School also offers a Pro Bono Honors Program where students can earn honors credit for participating in supervised pro bono activities and completing twenty (20) hours of pro bono service within a semester. This program encourages students to take advantage of pro bono opportunities while rewarding them for their commitment to the public good.
Quality of Life
Campbell Law School has recently moved to downtown Raleigh, a bustling state capital with many exciting and unique opportunities for students and faculty. The relocation has significantly impacted the quality of life for those associated with the Law School, providing access to a vast array of entertainment options, improved housing solutions, and more.
The advantages of being in downtown Raleigh extend beyond the convenience and entertainment options. The city is home to various courts, law firms, governmental agencies, and private businesses that can provide invaluable hands-on experience for both students and faculty. With these resources at their fingertips, Campbell Law School students have an unprecedented opportunity to gain real-world legal experience and develop professional connections.
Also benefitting from the move to downtown Raleigh are faculty members who now have access to a greater variety of research and networking opportunities. The relocation also presents the potential for more collaborative projects between Campbell Law School and other area universities, government institutions, and prestigious organizations.
The move to downtown Raleigh has opened opportunities for Campbell Law School students and faculty alike. With access to legal resources, entertainment, housing, and more all within reach, the law school's relocation has already positively impacted its quality of life.
Employment Prospects and Bar Passage
For the Class of 2024 at Campbell Law, employment outcomes as of March 17, 2025, indicate that a strong majority of graduates secured full-time, long-term positions requiring bar admission, with 133 graduates entering such roles and an additional 5 employed in full-time positions that utilized a JD advantage. Graduates pursued careers across a variety of sectors, including law firms of various sizes, government agencies, public interest organizations, and judicial clerkships. In terms of bar passage, first-time takers in 2024 achieved an impressive 85.37% pass rate, surpassing the national ABA-weighted average of 79.05%. Over the long term, Campbell Law’s “ultimate bar passage” rate — reflecting graduates who pass within two years of graduation or through alternative licensure — consistently remains around 95–96%, underscoring the school’s strong support for graduates entering the legal profession.
Synopsis
Although Campbell is a Tier 4 school, factors indicate it does not face some of the same problems that other schools in this tier face. First, Campbell does not seem to have the same problems placing students in the workforce as other peer schools. Second, its bar passage rate and employment rates are above the norm for a Tier 4 school. Campbell students may find themselves heavily indebted without a realistic chance of a big-firm salary on graduation day, but this is the risk inherent in attending most law schools. For students considering Campbell as a serious option, it should come as good news that its academic reputation seems to be rising.
Contact Information
Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
225 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-865-5988
Email: lawadmissions@campbell.edu
http://www.law.campbell.edu
Summary
| Established | 1970 |
| Location | Raleigh, NC |
| Dean | Leonard, J. Rich |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 134th |
| LSAT Median Score | 156 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.57 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 81.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | $51,230 |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
Campbell Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.campbell.edu/
Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Buies Creek, NC
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