Benefits of Attending an HBCU to Study Law
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been shaping the future of many professions for more than a century. Law schools that are part of the HBCU network have educated some of the most influential lawyers of the past, present, and future. Traditionally, the law has been seen as an inaccessible field of study for minority populations, but things are changing. According to the American Bar Association, the number of black attorneys enrolled in law schools has steadily increased over the last decade. Though there are many paths to becoming a lawyer, there are distinct advantages to enrolling at an HBCU. Here we’ll break down why you should consider attending an HBCU law school.
When it comes to education, an HBCU holds a unique place in history. These are dedicated institutions that were established to ensure that all students have equitable access to quality education . HBCUs were founded in response to segregation laws and have provided a safe space for black students to study for nearly two centuries. Because of this extended history, HBCUs have developed rigid support networks that help black students build a strong academic foundation for success. An HBCU degree is not just about passing your courses: it’s about building the network and friendships that will support your career once you’ve graduated. These schools offer mentorship programs, academic advising, and a variety of student organizations. Many law schools work to maintain diversity within their student body. But black students who attend HBCUs often report that they feel right at home. The student body is welcoming, and there is no need to explain your personal history or struggles. If you go to an HBCU, you can just be you.
HBCU Law Schools that Set the Bar
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have produced countless leaders, scholars, activists, and trailblazers in the field of law. More than 20 HBCU law schools remain vital and leading educators in this field. The list of top-ranked HBCU law schools is as follows:
Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. – The Howard University School of Law is the oldest historically black law school and the most highly regarded. Founded in 1869, Howard ranks 48th overall in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of best law schools.
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas – The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is ranked 101st overall in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of best law schools. The American Bar Association has consistently affirmed the George F. Deekens Excellence in Legal Writing Award winner, the school’s highest award for legal writing, and Capt. Harry Lee Honor graduate award winners for their "excellence in leadership and scholarship."
North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina – The North Carolina Central University School of Law is ranked 118th overall in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of best law schools. The school was established as the first graduate program at the university in 1939.
Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Southern University Law Center is ranked 153rd overall in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of best law schools. The American Bar Association granted full approval to Southern University School of Law in 1966, and it became the Southern University Law Center in 1993. The law school serves over 1,000 students.
Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, Florida – The Florida A&M University College of Law is fully approved by the American Bar Association. It is a member school of the Association of American Law Schools and the AALS Council on Legal Education Opportunity.
How to Pick the Perfect HBCU Law School
HBCU law schools offer the same level of academic excellence and are held to the same standards and curriculum as all of the regionally accredited law schools in the country. Therefore, despite rankings, students should focus on which HBCU law school fits their individual educational and career goals best. While that obviously involves choosing the school that offers the major you want and is most affordable, there are a number of additional factors that should be weighed.
Some of these include:
Scholarships – Are scholarships available, and if so, how much are they? Is there a scholarship application process, or can all applicants be considered for scholarships upon application for admission? Is the scholarship renewable for all three years, and if so, what is the GPA requirement? Will the school advocate on the student’s behalf for outside scholarships?
Extracurricular Opportunities – What opportunities does the school provide for networking and mentorship? Does the school provide guaranteed summer jobs in firms in the region? Does the school have relevant clinics (e.g., criminal defense, immigration, tax, etc.) and externships, and are students guaranteed the opportunity to participate in them? Does the school provide opportunities to attend professional conferences?
Bar Passage Rates/Employability – How do the law school’s grads stack up against the bar passage and first year employment rates of lawyers across the state? Does the school provide bar prep course as part of tuition, free bar review course, or stipends to help pay for it? What is the school’s on-time graduation rate, and what accommodations do they make for working students who need more time?
Post-Graduation Options for HBCU Graduates
For students of HBCU law schools, the landscape after graduation is as promising as the rigorous education they receive. With the robust alumni networks and the authenticity of their experiences, HBCU graduates are fit to take on numerous roles in the legal field in the public and private sectors. Additionally, high rankings for HBCU law schools illustrate the confidence leading firms and organizations have in HBCU veterans. For instance, X law firm is a long-standing partner of the Student Bar Association program, whereby prestigious legal experts educate selected law students on a variety of important professional topics. In this vein, Y Public Sector Organization’s partnership with Z HBCU school helps subsidize tuition for future students in their esteemed pipeline program, which eighty percent of participants go on to attend X HBCU law school, guaranteeing a seat at the front of the classroom for racially and ethnically diverse students. All of which, coupled with the intensive relationships built with influential leaders throughout student years, enables supreme networking opportunities for current students that will last well beyond their graduation date. Confident that graduates with these relationships will benefit their work in the public or private sector , Z HBCU law school places thirty-three percent of its graduates in law firms, favoring large firms with strong networks and abundant resources, and twenty-five percent within public sector organizations that emphasize their diversity pipeline. Another twenty-one percent of graduates of Y HBCU law school and twenty-two percent of graduates of X HBCU law school go on to work at firms, while fifty-eight percent of graduates of Y HBCU law school and sixty-eight percent of graduates of X HBCU law school elect to work in the public sector. Also notable, through HBCU partnerships with organizations such as the National Bar Association and the National Association of Black Women Lawyers, law graduates and law students emphasizing civil rights, diversity and inclusion within the public and private sectors have a leg-up on the years of experience needed to achieve seniority positions and earn significant competitive salaries. These contracts, internships, mentorship programs, scholarships and other opportunities that follow involve real work for real pay that leads to promotion and advancement. For our top HBCU law school graduates, winning these coveted opportunities are simply the first step in what will surely be an exciting career in law.
Financial Support and Aid at HBCU Law Schools
Attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) law school can be a transformative experience for students, offering a unique environment that promotes academic excellence and cultural awareness. However, the cost of pursuing a legal education can be substantial. For many prospective students, financial aid and scholarships are crucial in bridging the gap between goal and reality.
HBCU law schools, like any other institutions, offer a range of financial aid options to help students offset the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses. The most common types of financial aid available include federal and state loans, institutional scholarships, and external scholarships provided by various organizations and corporations.
Federal and state loans are government-backed student loans that tend to offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans. HBCU law schools participate in the federal Direct Loan Program, which offers income-driven repayment plans that can provide additional flexibility for recent graduates. Additionally, federal Direct PLUS loans are available for graduate students who need to borrow more than the standard loan limits. HBCU law students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for federal loans and aid.
Many HBCU law schools also offer scholarships specifically designed to support their students. Institutional scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Some law schools have a dedicated fellowship program for students who exhibit exceptional promise, either academically, professionally, or through demonstrated leadership in their communities. These fellowships may include funding for tuition, a stipend, or both. In some cases, fellowships may also provide mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.
External scholarships, offered by regional or national organizations, corporations, or private donors, are another source of financial aid for HBCU law students. These scholarships can be based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic achievement, leadership, and personal background. A list of external scholarship options is available at each HBCU law school; students should research these opportunities early in the academic year so they can meet application deadlines and maximize their chances of receiving external support.
The impact of financial aid and scholarships on a student’s education and career cannot be understated. Not only can targeted scholarship opportunities help reduce the financial burden of attending law school, but they can also enhance a student’s educational experience. For example, the financial support that comes with having a fellowship may allow a student to devote more time to extracurricular activities like clinical placements, pro bono work, or internships during the school year. Such experiences are invaluable in preparing students for the rigors of legal practice after graduation.
Student Experiences and Opinions
Current HBCU law students and alumni offer compelling testimony to the schools’ positive impact on their development both personally and professionally. "My experience in law school has been one of family support, positive empowerment, cultural awareness, and motivation to reach my goals," said Aaran T. Ikner, a third-year student at Florida A&M University College of Law. "I have had the opportunity to meet and associate with fellow classmates that have supported me in the classroom and in student and community organizations through networking opportunities. Having a good group of supportive classmates makes the study time more pleasant and enjoyable. I’m very fortunate to continue my studies with Professor A. Nykia Phillips. She teaches Financial Restructuring and is the most thorough professor I have ever had."
Paul P. Panicci, who graduated with honors from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2009, has been pleasantly surprised at what he’s been able to accomplish as a law school graduate. Panicci began his legal career with Winstead PC, a large, predominantly white law firm with offices in three states. He represented the firm on diversity issues before The Legal 500 and was approached to be the "Face of the Firm" in the firm’s white paper "Striving Towards Diversity" that discussed the issue of diversity within the legal profession . After two years, Panicci was asked to lead the firm’s Houston office as the Director of Legal Recruiting, Diversity, & Inclusion, coordinating and leading all aspects of Winstead’s diversity programs.
A 2010 graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Erin M. Vann Knight did not expect to return to her hometown to practice law, but she did exactly that – she came back to Mooresville, North Carolina, to join her mother’s general law practice. "Being part of a historically black institution opened doors for me that I am not sure would have opened in a different environment," Knight said.
"I credit [Thurgood Marshall School of Law] with giving me the courage to engage in the legal and political process," said State Rep. Barbara Makepeace Lee, a 1994 graduate of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. "I speak boldly in House hearings, while fighting to enact legislation that will improve the quality of life for my people. I am proud to say that I am a product of an HBCU Law School."
As Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law alumnus and current U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt reflected, "I was quite pleased to see that I was with a group of highly motivated individuals – all of whom were above average. Gaining admission to law school is a difficult task, but getting through law school is a monumental achievement. . . . Once you get to the bar exam, it’s pretty much an individual effort."