Since their inception, HBCUs have been bastions of learning and opportunity for African American students. Their law schools, albeit small in number—accounting for a mere 3% of the nation's law schools—punch well above their weight, contributing to approximately 25% of law degrees earned by Black students. This remarkable feat is testament to the quality and dedication inherent in HBCU legal education.
The Legacy of HBCU Law Schools
HBCU law schools have produced many distinguished alumni, including jurists, politicians, and advocates who have been at the forefront of social change and legal reform. Pioneers like Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, received his legal education at Howard University School of Law, one of the prestigious institutions featured in our ranking.
HBCU Law School Spotlights
Florida A&M University College of Law
Setting the bar high, Florida A&M University College of Law furnishes students with a robust legal education steeped in justice and equality. Adopting a contemporary approach to legal problems, the college prepares students for the challenges of a diverse legal landscape.
Howard University School of Law
Howard University School of Law stands as a paragon of legal excellence and social justice. With alumni like Thurgood Marshall and Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, it's no surprise the school remains a leading destination for ambitious law students.
North Carolina Central University School of Law
As an institution that promotes public service and scholarly research, North Carolina Central University School of Law provides an environment where students can thrive academically while developing a deep understanding of the law's role in society.
Southern University Law Center
A pioneering law school, Southern University Law Center equips its students to become leaders and change-makers. Its commitment to an inclusive curriculum ensures a generation of lawyers well-versed in broad-spectrum legal discourse.
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Named after the great Justice Thurgood Marshall, Texas Southern University's law school is built on a foundation of empowerment and innovation. Students here gain the skills needed to excel in various legal fields, honoring the legacy of its namesake.
University at the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Positioned in the nation's capital, the University at the District of Columbia's law school focuses on public interest law, molding students to emerge as advocates for justice within the local community and beyond.
Join the Legacy
These institutions' contributions to the legal education landscape have played a pivotal role in advancing the careers of African American lawyers. If you're inspired by the rich history and ongoing impact of HBCU law schools, then consider visiting a school to see what life is like on the HBCU law school campus.