CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Elon University's Law Flex Program, a part-time law school for working professionals, is now accepting applications.

The law school housed in the university's new Regional Center in South End makes Elon's program the only physical law school in the city of Charlotte.

What You Need To Know

  • Elon University is accepting applications for its Law Flex Program in Charlotte
  • The school is pending approval from the American Bar Association and The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The dean of Elon University School of Law says the goal is to admit 35 students for the inaugural fall 2024 class

"There are lots of people who have always wanted to be an attorney or dreamed of being an attorney, but haven't been able to because of family obligations, work obligations and just could not leave Charlotte for whatever reason," Zak Kramer, dean of Elon University School of Law, said. "Now they have that opportunity to make that a reality."

When Charlotte School of Law closed in 2017, it left the Queen City without a law school. Prior to Elon expanding into the city, Charlotte was the biggest city in the U.S. without a law school, according to the U.S. Census. 

Kramer says more than 10% of Elon Law alums live in the greater Charlotte area, and the regional center will be another way to build and network with that community. 

The Freedmen Law Group was founded in Charlotte in 2017. Founding partner Guy Cousins started at NCCU School of Law and ultimately graduated from Charlotte School of Law in 2011.

Cousins says a law school in Charlotte will be an asset for its students and the community. 

"What I would say the community has gained or lost by Charlotte School of Law going away, we certainly will likely gain with Elon coming into the picture, understanding that a lot of their educational programming is based in the experiential process," Cousins said. "That would afford the community at large with an opportunity to engage with legal professionals." 

Kramer says approval for the school is still pending from the American Bar Association and The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges, and he anticipates hearing back in November. 

The Law Flex Program is preparing for an inaugural fall 2024 class of about 35 students. Kramer says three in-person admissions sessions at the Charlotte Regional Center will answer questions for those interested in applying. 

Sessions are scheduled for Nov. 15, Feb. 20 and April 25, all from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.