Elon Law will offer a full-time law degree program in Charlotte. A female student attentively takes notes during a class in Elon University's Charlotte center.

Elon Law: A Full-Time J.D. Program in Charlotte

Elon University School of Law is growing its nationally recognized, highly experiential model of legal education in Charlotte through a new, full-time Juris Doctor program.

Beginning in Fall 2027, Elon Law plans to offer its full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte, extending the same innovative, practice-driven education that has distinguished its Greensboro program for nearly two decades. Elon University has applied to the American Bar Association for approval to offer its J.D. program in North Carolina’s largest city, creating new opportunities to earn a law degree in Charlotte. In accordance with ABA requirements, offers of admission will not be made until approval is granted.

A law professor teaches in a large windowed classroom overlooking the Charlotte skyline. Elon Law operates a law school in Charlotte with full-time and part-time J.D. programs in one of the best law schools in NC for practical training.

A Proven Law Degree, Now in Charlotte

Elon Law’s full-time J.D. program in Charlotte will mirror the hands-on, community-centered 2.5-year curriculum offered in Greensboro, preparing graduates to launch their careers sooner and at lower total cost than traditional three-year programs. The Charlotte program builds on strong relationships in the Queen City’s legal community, where 10 percent of Elon Law alumni live and work, and partnerships with judges, law firms and organizations through our Residency-in-Practice Program.

A female law student smiling during a class. Elon Law is one of the best law schools in NC for practical skills and offers law school in Charlotte.

Students enrolled in Charlotte will benefit from:

  • Elon Law’s 2.5-year J.D. program completed in seven trimesters
  • Hands-on curriculum that bridges legal theory with professional skills
  • Faculty who teach, mentor, and support students through close engagement
  • Close proximity to federal, state and local court
  • Access to a strong and growing network of Elon Law alumni and legal employers

“A growth explosion in our community requires — now more than ever — an expanded pool of skilled and proficient attorneys to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, particularly in public interest law. … Elon Law’s programs cultivate competent and credible practitioners, rooted in a community they can serve and support throughout their legal careers.”

– Spencer Merriweather, Mecklenburg County District Attorney

Beginning in Fall 2027, Elon Law plans to operate both of its Charlotte law programs from the Queens University of Charlotte campus, either upon completion of the merger or through a lease agreement.

An Elon Law student shakes hands with a client during a legal clinic. Earn a law degree in Charlotte from one of the best law schools in nc for practical training.

Learn by Doing: The Elon Law Difference

Learn more than how to think like a lawyer. Learn how to be a lawyer.

  • Residency-in-Practice Program: Every student completes a required, 10-week residency during the second year, working full-time as part of a legal team in judges’ chambers, law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, public interest organizations, and more. Many residencies are supported by existing partnerships in the Charlotte region.
  • Clinics: Greensboro students participate in clinics that build essential legal skills across areas such as business law, immigration law, wills and estate planning, and appellate advocacy. Elon Law plans to develop clinics and courses tailored to the Charlotte market, with potential focus areas including financial law, healthcare law, and sports and entertainment law.
  • Practice-Ready Results: Elon Law consistently earns national recognition for professional development, including an A+ rating for Practical Training from PreLaw Magazine, maintaining a Top 10 ranking since 2023.

“Establishing a law school here creates a pathway for aspiring attorneys to earn their law degrees in Charlotte, benefit from mentorship and experiential opportunities within our region’s legal profession and remain here to begin their legal careers. This will advance the legal profession and broader legal community”

– Dena King, partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina

Earn Your Law Degree in Charlotte

Applications open: Sept. 1, 2026

First full-time Charlotte class begins: August 2027

Earn a law degree grounded in practice, mentorship and professional purpose, delivered through an established law school in North Carolina with a growing presence in Charlotte. In accordance with ABA requirements, offers of admission will not be extended until formal approval is granted.

Looking for a part-time or evening option in Charlotte? Learn more about the Elon Law Flex Program.

Questions? Email us at lawadmissions@elon.edu or call (888) ELON-LAW or (336) 279-9229. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream of becoming a lawyer. We frequently offer virtual chat sessions and we invite you to join with a chat link sent to your email.