Campbell law school excites downtown Raleigh

The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law was moved from the university's Buies Creek campus to 225 Hillsborough St. The new facility features 13 classrooms, a 175-seat auditorium and a 25,000-square-foot library.

Law students said they are inspired by their new proximity to the General Assembly, courts and businesses.

"Everyone wants to make a good living," Campbell law student Padowitz Alue said. "But when you're placed in a position where you can become an attorney, effect laws, help other people, it's a just a wonderful position to be in."

Downtown businesspeople said they also stand to benefit from the law students' move to downtown.

"The energy," attorney Sean Timmons described one benefit. "It's nice to have a whole lot of new folks coming down here to help develop the restaurants and other things going on down here."

Law school officials said a program to offer coupons and discounts to students has drawn businesses including the Raleigh Times Cafe, The Borough, The Oxford, McDonald's and Quiznos.

Campbell has also eased parking worries for students by leasing a nearby lot from the City of Raleigh.

The biggest benefit for law students, though, observers said, are the relationship they will be able to develop with law experts.

"You never stop learning, so don't think because you've completed three years of law school, studies are over with," attorney Mark Calloway said. "You're constantly learning the law every day."