Law school task force to present to board this month

John David Parsons / Online Editor

The Law School Feasibility Task Force has decided that a law school is feasible for Elon and recommended a downtown Greensboro location pending substantial outside funding.

The task force released its Phase II report Feb. 19, which addressed the role of a law school within the institution, its optimal location and Elon’s ability to meet its resource requirements.

Both Provost Gerry Francis, task force chair, and President Leo Lambert said a law school could provide opportunities for partnership with undergraduate law classes.

The former Greensboro public library was recommended for its proximity to a four-level parking garage, YMCA and café.  In addition, downtown Greensboro houses a federal courthouse, North Carolina Business Court of Appeals and many of the largest law firms in the state, said Francis.

“They could go to court proceedings, they could research court records, and have internship opportunities.  They’d have access to interact with lawyers and judges on a daily basis,” Dan Anderson, director of University Relations and task force member, said of students who would attend the proposed law school.

The law school would boost Greensboro’s economy, university officials said.

“We have been contacted by folks in Greensboro who are very interested in raising money for us,” Francis said.

The civic development organization Action Greensboro is leading the effort for Elon’s acquisition of the library building. 

“Even if we get access to the library building,” Anderson said, “it will cost $6.1 million to renovate the building.”

A law library will cost $2.75 million and an estimated $3 million would go for salaries, furniture and running the school.

“Something extraordinary is going to have to happen financially,” Anderson said.  “It would require outside sources to contribute a total, including the facility costs, of about $10 million.”

Elon is also near borrowing capacity with a debt of $43 million, primarily from building the McMichael Science Center, Danieley Center housing and Academic Village, said Gerald Whittington, vice president for Business, Finance and Technology.