The University of South Carolina School of Law has moved into a new building. In addition to state-of-the-art classrooms, the new facility features grand architecture and cutting-edge technology. Now the school is ready to welcome more than 217 new first-year students to campus.
The college has also announced its newest faculty members for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year. Willamette Law professors David Friedman and Bennett Nelson will join the faculty this fall. The former is currently associate professor of law at ISG Legal in New York City, while the latter will take on a role as director of the law library.
Another new face at the College of Law is alumnus Dustin Buehler. He grew up near the campus and took a nontraditional route to law school. As a third-year student, he plans to use his degree to help others. During the fall semester, he will teach Civil Procedure.
Other appointments include Professor Robin Morris Collin, who will focus on environmental justice in communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution. She also teaches land use and money laws. Previously, she was a member of the faculty at the Texas A&M Law School and the University of Florida.
The School of Law is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Among the highlights is a new scholarship to support domestic violence victims. Additionally, the law school’s Veterans Legal Clinic will open in July. This clinic will provide free legal assistance to low-income veterans, as well as to post-conflict countries.
The school has also established its Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, which aims to expand its clinical activities. It will support its efforts to promote positive change in the world.
The College of Law has introduced the Signature Strengths Initiative to its historically progressive approach to legal education. Currently, students can choose to participate in the course, which will enable them to develop leadership skills that will serve them in a variety of positions in the future.
In November, the school will host a symposium to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the ABA Real Property, Trust & Estates Law Journal. The event will feature a visit to the site of the Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council case, as well as other events. The college will also award two Breakthrough Faculty Awards for the upcoming academic year.
The college will continue to promote the professional opportunities available to students and encourage them to develop their skills. In addition, a group of peer mentors will work with incoming students. They will be paired with lawyers who are interested in working pro bono.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the 4+3 Direct Admission Program. This program allows Portland State University students to be admitted to the law school. However, the application will only be accepted if the student has certain academic credentials. Applications are due soon.
At the opening convocation, the School of Law celebrated seven outstanding faculty members. Several graduates and students received awards.