The National Jurist has named the North Carolina Central University School of Law the most innovative law school in the United States. Notably, NCCU is the only historically Black university included on the list and outranks other well-known law schools from across the country.
In its ranking list, the news outlet cites NCCU’s recently launched Technology Law & Policy Center as a standout program for connecting law education to the technology-driven world. Launched in 2021 through a five-year, $5 million grant from Intel Corporation, the center allowed the historically Black law school to develop a certificate program in law and technology, which prepares students to address pressing legal issues in artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. In addition to coursework, students enrolled in the certificate program are required to complete 25 hours of technology-related pro bono service.
“By blending doctrinal study, experiential learning and industry certification, NCCU School of Law is creating a pipeline of socially responsible, practice-ready lawyers equipped to lead in one of the most pressing areas of modern legal practice,” reads The National Jurist article.
Speaking to the law school’s prestigious designation, April Dawson, associate dean of technology and innovation, stated, “Innovation is at the heart of the NCCU School of Law’s mission to prepare practice-ready attorneys.”
