Law is one of the most respected and rewarding careers in the world. Whether you dream of becoming a judge, attorney, or legal adviser, your journey begins with choosing the right law school, one that gives you a solid education and the skills to succeed in the real world.
In South Carolina, students who want to study law have great options close to home. The state has a strong legal community, a rich history, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience in courts, government offices, and private firms.
At the moment, South Carolina has only two ABA-accredited law schools, the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia and the Charleston School of Law in Charleston. Being accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) means these schools meet national standards and that their graduates can take the bar exam and practice law anywhere in the United States.
Below is a closer look at each law school and its J.D. programs, what they offer, how they are structured, and what makes them stand out for anyone planning to build a career in law.
Best Law Schools in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to two ABA-accredited law schools, the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia and the Charleston School of Law in Charleston. Both institutions are fully recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA), meaning graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam and practice law in any U.S. state.
1. University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law (USC Law), Columbia
At USC Law, you’ll find a three-year full-time day program leading to a J.D. degree. You must complete 90 credit hours of coursework over six semesters (about three academic years) with at least four of those semesters in residence.
In your first year, you’ll cover the core foundations of law: courses such as Criminal Law, Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Property, Constitutional Law, and Legal Research & Writing. These set the groundwork for everything to come.
After your first year, you’ll move into more specialized courses and can pursue areas you’re really interested in, things like environmental law, children’s law, litigation, etc. USC Law emphasises letting students find what their strengths are and what parts of law they enjoy most.
USC Law also places strong emphasis on experiential learning; that means clinics, externships, pro bono work, getting out of the classroom and into actual legal settings. For example, there are opportunities in juvenile justice, domestic violence, environmental law, veterans services, and more.
If you’re ambitious, USC Law offers dual-degree or combination programs: you can pair your J.D. with a master’s in areas like criminology & criminal justice, public administration, social work, economics, etc. There’s also an accelerated “3+3” program for certain honors undergraduate students: finish your bachelor’s + J.D. in six years instead of the usual seven.
2. Charleston School of Law (CSOL), Charleston
At Charleston School of Law, you’ll also pursue a J.D., but the program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options: full-time students generally graduate in three years; part-time students in about four years.
To get the J.D., students must complete at least 90 credit hours, of which at least 65 credit hours must come from regularly scheduled class sessions. You also must meet requirements like an upper-level writing requirement, experiential courses, pro bono hours (at least 50 hours), and a professional identity formation series.
A highlight of CSOL’s program is the emphasis on experiential and real-world legal work. They offer clinics in areas such as housing law, family law, domestic violence, child advocacy, etc. Students help clients, work in court settings, and gain experience beyond classroom lectures.
For applicants, CSOL accepts traditional LSAT scores, but also works with alternative tests like the GRE or the “JD Next” exam in some cases.
If you choose CSOL, you get a J.D. program that offers flexibility (part-time option) and strong hands-on legal work early. If you already have other commitments (work, family) and want a more flexible schedule, CSOL might fit better. The clinical work and real legal settings are a big plus for practice-oriented students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Law Schools in South Carolina
1. How many law schools are in South Carolina?
There are two ABA-accredited law schools in South Carolina, the University of South Carolina School of Law (in Columbia) and the Charleston School of Law (in Charleston). Both are officially recognized by the American Bar Association, meaning their graduates can take the bar exam and practice law in any U.S. state.
2. What does ABA accreditation mean?
ABA stands for the American Bar Association, the national body that sets the standards for legal education in the United States. When a school is ABA-accredited, it means the school has met high standards in terms of curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes. Simply put, a degree from an ABA-accredited school is your ticket to practicing law anywhere in the country.
3. How long does it take to earn a law degree in South Carolina?
Most students complete their Juris Doctor (J.D.) program in three years of full-time study. Some schools may offer part-time options, which take a bit longer but allow working students to balance school and other responsibilities.
4. What do law students in South Carolina study?
Law students take a mix of core courses like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Property, and Legal Writing. They also get to choose electives in areas such as Environmental Law, Family Law, Business Law, and more. Both schools also emphasize practical experience through internships, clinics, and mock trials.
5. How much does law school cost in South Carolina?
Tuition varies depending on the school and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. Generally, expect to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 per year. Many students, however, receive scholarships or financial aid to help reduce costs.
6. Can I practice law outside South Carolina after graduation?
Yes! Since both schools are ABA-accredited, graduates can take the bar exam in any U.S. state and become licensed to practice there, not just in South Carolina.
7. What’s the difference between the University of South Carolina School of Law and the Charleston School of Law?
The University of South Carolina School of Law is a long-established, nationally recognized institution known for its rigorous academics and strong alumni network.
The Charleston School of Law, on the other hand, focuses more on practical training, small class sizes, and community service, great for students who want a more hands-on learning experience.
8. Is it hard to get into law school in South Carolina?
Admission can be competitive, especially at the University of South Carolina. You’ll need a solid undergraduate GPA, a good LSAT score, strong recommendation letters, and a clear personal statement explaining why you want to study law.
9. What kind of careers can I pursue after law school?
Law graduates can become attorneys, judges, corporate lawyers, prosecutors, legal consultants, or even policymakers. Some also use their legal background in business, education, or public service.
10. Why should I study law in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers a great learning environment, affordable living costs, access to experienced legal professionals, and opportunities for internships in both small towns and larger cities. Plus, the state’s rich legal history and welcoming atmosphere make it an excellent place to begin your legal journey.