University of South Carolina - Joseph F. Rice School of Law

The University of South Carolina's School of Law is the state's only non-profit law school, bringing legal innovation to the education of students for more than 150 years. The school's location in the capital city provides built-in connections with governmental offices and agencies—“internships and the availability for practical experience within the legal community are abundant in Columbia”—and as South Carolina has adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) format, students can prepare for and take the bar following graduation, but practice in any state that has also adopted the UBE. USC offers numerous opportunities for students to add depth to their “stressful but rewarding” classroom studies, including the Coastal Law Field Lab, a study-abroad program in London, and eight in-house legal clinics where students can represent actual clients, such as the Juvenile Justice Clinic, Veteran Clinic, and the Domestic Violence Clinic. Capstone courses offer real world simulations of different types of law firms, and USC is also home to the first voluntary Pro Bono program at a U.S. law school. Additionally, the school has several centers (such as the Children's Law Center and the Cybersecurity Legal Task Force) that students can work with to make an impact on the community while expanding their areas of knowledge. “As a research assistant, I've found it easy to get research resources [from] my professor,” says one student.

Moreover, the “impressively accomplished” professors at USC “are leaders in their field” and “want students to succeed.” As such, they “do everything they can to ensure success,” which includes “an open door policy and encouraging students to come by with a question.” They're also known “to get to know students on a personal level and maintain relationships throughout law school and beyond.” This is helped by their “passion for teaching the subject that radiates to the students,” giving “a fair chance at being successful while still not just handing it to [students].” On top of that, the “always friendly and welcoming” administration “is incredibly helpful,” and “puts a lot of effort into giving the students a good experience.” They “encourage students to speak their minds [and] give their opinions in times of civil discourse.” Additionally, “all of the Deans are very involved and are seen on a daily basis.” Here, “resources are very well provided”: “Research librarians will take the time to help with anything,” and there are plenty of support programs including “tutoring services that were really helpful our 1L year.” The facilities are “absolutely beautiful” and include “so much study space and classrooms all with open windows and lots of natural sunlight.” One enrollee sums it up: “Every square inch of the building, including classrooms and research facilities, is immaculate.”

This is a friendly, southern school “deep in the heart of Dixie,” so “students are very collegial.” That helps “the school environment [feel] much like a family unit among students.” Therefore, “there is no aggressive or unprofessional behavior to succeed at South Carolina,” as “almost everyone spends time on the weekends and outside of class socializing together.” The atmosphere makes it easy for those at USC to develop “friendships with both students and professors.” Most students here will practice in South Carolina after graduation—one student shares, “It feels like practically every attorney in the state [studied here]”—“so civility is a big deal from day one.” Another attendee shares, “I have never had a fellow colleague deny assistance to me whether it be help studying, resources to utilize, or catching up on notes.” Overall, this is a “competitive but supportive” bunch.