Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in educating African American students and fostering leadership within the legal profession. HBCU law schools continue to produce top-tier legal professionals, activists, and judges who advocate for justice and equality. For aspiring attorneys looking for a legal education that combines academic rigor with a focus on social justice and community impact, these HBCU law schools stand out as some of the best in the country.
1. Howard University School Of Law
Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University School of Law is the most renowned HBCU law school in the nation. Established in 1869, it has a long history of producing influential leaders, including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and many civil rights attorneys. Howard’s law program is known for its focus on social justice, civil rights, and its commitment to diversifying the legal profession. With its location in the nation’s capital, Howard law students have access to unparalleled internship and networking opportunities within government agencies, law firms, and advocacy organizations.
2. Southern University Law Center
Southern University Law Center, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is another top HBCU law school with a strong legacy of producing civil rights attorneys and public servants. Founded in 1947, the law center was originally created to provide African Americans with a law school option during segregation. Today, it’s a nationally recognized institution for its affordable tuition, practical legal training, and commitment to diversity. Southern offers robust experiential learning opportunities through clinics and externships, particularly in areas of public interest and criminal defense.
3. North Carolina Central University School Of Law
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, based in Durham, North Carolina, is widely respected for its commitment to preparing students for public service and social justice advocacy. Founded in 1939, NCCU Law offers a curriculum that emphasizes both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Its clinics—ranging from civil rights to family law—offer students hands-on experience in serving underserved communities. NCCU Law also boasts a strong bar passage rate and is known for providing excellent academic support to help students succeed.
4. Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School Of Law
Named after the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston is dedicated to training attorneys with a commitment to justice and equality. Established in 1947, the school has built a reputation for its focus on trial advocacy, criminal law, and public interest law. Its moot court and mock trial teams consistently rank among the top in national competitions. Thurgood Marshall Law also plays a critical role in producing legal professionals who serve underrepresented communities in Texas and beyond.
5. Florida A&M University College Of Law
Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law, located in Orlando, is a rising star among HBCU law schools. Re-established in 2000 after being closed in the 1960s, FAMU Law is committed to preparing diverse students for careers in all areas of law, including corporate law, public interest, and government. The law school is known for its strong bar passage rates, comprehensive legal clinics, and commitment to increasing diversity within the legal profession. FAMU Law offers students a modern, urban campus environment with opportunities to gain experience in Florida’s vibrant legal market.
6. University Of The District Of Columbia David A. Clarke School Of Law
As the only public law school in Washington, D.C., the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law offers a unique opportunity for students interested in public service and advocacy. While it is not an HBCU by traditional definitions, UDC’s mission and history of serving the African American community align with the values of HBCU law schools. UDC Law is nationally known for its commitment to clinical legal education, offering extensive hands-on training in areas like immigration, housing, and civil rights law.
Why Choose An HBCU Law School?
HBCU law schools offer a rich educational experience rooted in social justice, diversity, and community service. These institutions not only prepare students for successful legal careers but also instill a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for underrepresented communities. Graduates from HBCU law schools have gone on to become judges, lawmakers, corporate lawyers, and civil rights leaders who continue to shape the legal landscape in the United States.
