Charlotte School of Law Reviews of Doctorates in Law

"CSL is a really fantastic school to attend if you are a motivated and hard working individual. The professors are knowledgable, talented, and really work hard to help students understand complex legal concepts. Moreover, the practical experience gained from the clinics and practice ready model of the school really prepare students for the rigor of a career in the law. While it takes a certain level of grit to complete the program and pass the bar exam on the first attempt, the faculty and staff at CSL are constantly striving to help students succeed in all walks of life."

"Charlotte School of Law is a great law school. I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from SKKU in Seoul, which is currently ranked as the no. 1 university in South Korea. Many students transfer or attain additional degrees from the top schools in the US. I had been in the army, various professions for a number of years post graduation so I made the most rational choice to choose Charlotte School of Law because it offered me nearly free education to earn my Juris Doctor degree. Although I turned down many higher ranked law schools, I don't regret a single thing. Charlotte is a fast growing, beautiful, energetic, vibrant city with only one law school - Charlotte School of Law. It doesn't have the best reputation yet only because it's relatively new. But in time, it will be known as a prestigious institution because the level of students' competence and commitment is extremely high. The fact that it's the only law school in the largest city in the Carolinas draws many good students to the law school. And the proximity to all the large law firms and businesses will keep putting the graduates at an advantage over other law school graduates. It is true that Duke and UNC law graduates are preferred at the moment. It is understandable because they have been tested throughout time. But I am the living testament to the fact that a Charlotte Law student can do just as good or even better than the top law school graduates including Ivy League graduates. I have worked at two large law firms. I am currently working at the largest law office in Charlotte and I've been satisfying my bosses with my work products since the first year in law school. Yes, there are many students without a job lined-up but that's just the economy and the profession. Even Tier 1 graduates that I know have spent years unemployed. It's what you make of it. And Charlotte is a really good place to make something of yourself. Last but not least, the professors are just the best. I heard many stories about how the top law school professors can't be found because they're on the road making speeches and care not about their own students. I also know that the final exams are actually easier in some top ranked law schools because they want the students to get better grades. Not in our case. You will find the most committed and skilled teachers. All in all, I'd say I have no regrets."

"The school is still new but, it is very nice as well as accredited. The facility is top notch as well as the technology. This school offers so many opportunities to all of those that are accepted and I look forward to experiencing all that CSL has to offer."

"Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte School of Law has been ranked, nationally, as 26th for diversity; this school is very diverse, as there are many students and professors from various cultural and professional backgrounds. Many of the professors are available to students and work to ensure that we will not only pass the bar, but also, leave the school to become great lawyers. There are many networking opportunities provided throughout the year, and the Center for Professional Development is constantly working to provide students with work and internship opportunities. However, because the school is so young, we are limited in our networks. The beginning of the semesters are quite hectic, as we do not receive our stipends until two weeks after the start of classes. The Financial Aid Department and Finance Department do all that they can given the situation, however, having to wait two weeks (three if you have a required immersion course), can put you in a difficult situation. Honestly, the school is not all that bad and there is a lot of potential for growth with this institution."

"Charlotte School of Law is a great school that provides with the necessary tools for preparation and learning experience."

"Pros: A quality education for diverse and under privileged individuals with unrealized potential. Cons: Limited financial aid options"

"The school has a great new program for getting through law school and passing the bar and being practice ready."

"The pros of this school include immense faculty and staff support. They have a great curriculum that prepares future lawyers for the field by providing significant opportunities in clinics, pro bono projects, trial advocacy, appellate advocacy, and advance writing courses. Additionally, the school provides immersion courses that will give you a taste of how to negotiate deals, prepare and draft office memos, advocacy, and contract drafting. Diversity is a plus at this school. Overall, school is great for those looking to gain legal training or would like to be practice ready. The school also provides tremendous resources for those interested in solo practice. The cons include high tuition, expensive parking (due to the school being located in the city), and technology is so-so."

"Pros are it is a profession that will always be needed however, the large debt makes it nearly impossible to ever stop paying for school and being able to help people when you have over $200,000 worth of debt you need paid off."

"Pros: the faculty is amazing, with open doors, and real experience. I always felt I was getting the a top notch legal education. I was always challenged to be better. I had a wonderful experience. Cons: it is expensive and I owe a lot of money, but most private schools are the same and I feel I got what I paid for."

"The pros of the CSL program is that they offer a transition period for 1st year students. The Introduction to the Study of Law week long course was very informative and helpful to my transition into law school. Being out of school for some time I was able to get the feel back for school as well as gain confidence with material. The courses I am currently taking are taught by excellent professors who teach the material in an interesting way to keep one engaged and deliver the lessons. Being a first year student I have yet to encounter any cons in the program. The only con about CSL is there is no student housing,"

"I am really excited about starting and finishing my law degree at Charlotte School of Law. There practice ready approach to the law is a big factor in what drew me to the school. I am hoping within the next couple of years that the school will make me into a practice ready lawyer!"

"I am very glad that I chose Charlotte. While they may not be the highest ranked school I feel that the focus on having graduates that are able to work in a firm is very important. The school is giving us the real world experience that is more valuable to a law firm than book based schooling."

"I believe that CSL is leading the way to sending students out into the real world with experience in the practice of law. Looking at other law schools and their academic program I am happy with my choice. Also you only have to keep a 3.0 to continue your initial scholarship."

"The professors at CSOL make it a fantastic school. They are approachable, intelligent, and all have some sort of practical experience that is very beneficial to their teaching styles. I am really enjoying my time at CSOL."

"Pro's - Relatively new school. The enthusiasm and dedication of the staff is admirable. Charlotte (city) was a lot more affordable than I expected. This is a "for profit" school, so financial aid and scholarship potential is very important. At least the cost of living in Charlotte is substantially lower then my home market (Va/Md/DC). Campus Safety - zero issues. Brand new campus/building in Uptown. Great area. Faculty accessibility is beyond exceptional. I spoke to MANY students about why they selected Charlotte Law - and every single person mentioned the support of the faculty, from recruiting, to admissions, to financial aide. Upon attending Charlotte, that faculty commitment was evident immediately. I have never seen staff so accessible and accommodating. Seriously, the staff here is committed to your success and put themselves out there to help you in whatever manner you need support. The programs at the ABA certified law school are progressive. The effort to ensure a diverse concentration is respectable (part of the reason I selected the school as well.) They even have "certificate programs" that are not what you think. If you take a certain number of electives in a given focus area, they have a special certificate you are awarded along with your Juris Doctorate that will highlight that focus - important for your resume and future employers to be able to identify a specific legal focus. The teaching staff are not just past law students. Every professor I have had has extensive real world experience in their given area. This becomes evident in every class you take. CONS: Okay, workload - can't skip that one I guess. They challenge you - but I imagine that is the same at all law schools. So if you are looking for a place to skate by- better find another ice pond. Social Life - did I mention workload. First year, you will not have a social life. After that, life will get better. Cost. It's not cheap. Charlotte is a "for profit" school. So, tuition is not cheap. But this model also explains the commitment from the staff and their focus on your support and success. So, expensive, but you will find the value of the education will justify that expense. We all know the challenges of the job market - no different in the legal arena. So you need to get out there with the best functional training you can get. Charlotte will give that to you - but man it's expensive."

"Charlotte School of Law is a very expensive school to attend, especially when you have to be there for four years. The amounts of loans I will have when I graduate will be over the top. I hope to get scholarships to help pay for these expenses."

"It just received its accreditation a few years ago so it is a young school but to be part of the first few classes to graduate from here. The city is also beautiful."

"It is great to have a part-time graduate program that fits around my full-time job; however it is hard to be involved in extra curricular activities as many meetings and events are held during the day."

"CSL is a newly accredited for-profit school that is still gathering its resources in order to better serve students. For the most part, you get out what you put in. If the professor sees that you are interested in getting more help or understanding, they are usually helpful in that endeavor. Some of the other students are not as respectful as they should be for being a professional school, but there are all types of people in the world and this diversity just assists in preparing students for conflicts and differences in the real-world work place."