Campbell Eyes Raleigh Move For Law School

RALEIGH, N.C. — Campbell University is considering moving its law school from rural Harnett County to Raleigh to give students better access to lawyers and judges.

"We're in the very beginning stages of simply looking at whether it's something we want to do," said Melissa Essary, dean of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell. "Raleigh is the largest state capital without a law school, and its proximity to Buies Creek makes it natural for us to look at it as a possible -- and I emphasize possible -- location for the law school."

Campbell is conducting a feasibility study to determine the cost and logistics of moving the school and its nearly 350 students from Buies Creek in central Harnett County to downtown Raleigh.

Raleigh officials declined to discuss Campbell's possible move to the capital city or even where the school could be located, except to say that they have been in contact with university administrators.

"They've expressed some interest in finding a location for their law school, and we understand downtown Raleigh is under consideration," said Harvey Schmitt, president of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

The law schools for Duke University and North Carolina Central University are both in Durham, while the University of North Carolina law school is in Chapel Hill.

Elon University this year established a law school in downtown Greensboro, and school administrators said location was a big draw. It's close to major court houses and major law firms in the Triad, which gives students more access to lawyers, judges and internships.

Campbell students said a move to Raleigh would do the same for them.

"More recruiters are there, (and it would provide) greater exposure to recruiters across the state, not just in Raleigh," said Mary-Charles Wall, a Campbell law student.

Campbell administrators said it could take up to a year before a final decision is made and approved by the university's board of directors.