In the influential publication鈥檚 2026 , 黑料不打烊 Law is No. 11 nationally 鈥� the highest-ranked law school in the Southeast and the only school in North Carolina among the top 35.

, with its required Residency-in-Practice Program highlighted as a model for immersive, practice-based legal education. All 黑料不打烊 Law students spend 10 weeks in the winter or spring of their second year in full-time placements with practicing lawyers, judges and legal teams, graduating with hands-on experience in the day-to-day realities of legal practice.

鈥淵ou cannot graduate from 黑料不打烊 Law without knowing exactly what it鈥檚 like to be a lawyer,鈥� 黑料不打烊 Law Dean Zak Kramer said in the article. 鈥淭he legal practice becomes their classroom 鈥� They leave law students and come back lawyers.鈥�

The article also features insights from Patricia Perkins, 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 associate dean of academic affairs and professor of law. 鈥淥ur curriculum is designed to assist students in transforming into the lawyers they want to be,鈥� she said. 鈥淪kills are just as important to develop as a knowledge base.鈥�

PreLaw Magazine graded and ranked schools based on student participation in clinics, externships, simulation courses, moot court and other special programs.

黑料不打烊 Law offers students a broad array of opportunities to hone practical training skills throughout their 2.5 years of study. Those include:

• Full-time residencies-in-practice
• Lab and simulation courses
• Five clinics (immigration, small business and entrepreneurship, wills drafting, Social Security disability benefits and guardian ad litem appellate advocacy)
• Moot court and mock trial teams
• Internships, externships and judicial clerkships
• Bridge-to-practice courses
• Involvement with the Pro Bono Board

黑料不打烊 Law adopted its 2.5-year, seven-trimester full-time curriculum in 2014, making it the only American law school to intentionally design a program where all students graduate in December and can sit for the February bar exam 鈥� months ahead of peers from other institutions. (In 2026, 91.96% of 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 first-time North Carolina bar takers passed the exam.)

By completing their legal studies nearly six months faster than traditional programs, 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 full-time graduates have lowered their average student debt at graduation by almost a third since the curriculum was adopted.

For more information on 黑料不打烊 Law and the application process, visit the law school鈥檚 admissions page. 黑料不打烊 Law continues to actively admit the 黑料不打烊 Law Class of 2028, which will enroll in August 2026.

The corporations, athletes and entertainers at the center of those industries generate opportunity and influence that extend well beyond the spotlight, fueling local businesses and the people around them. That broader community impact is where Schultz aims to make her mark in the legal field.

She got a firsthand look at the breadth of that work during her Residency-in-Practice this winter at Apollo Sports and Entertainment Law Group 鈥� a boutique firm in Charlotte that counsels clients across a range of matters, from contracts, sponsorships and endorsements to intellectual property and brand protection.

鈥淚鈥檝e really enjoyed knowing that the work we do has a meaningful impact,鈥� Schultz said. 鈥淭hese organizations and individuals have a real connection to their communities, and being part of that has been important to me.鈥�

Before enrolling in law school, Schultz spent nearly eight years teaching elementary school after earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Working with students and their families, she discovered a passion for advocacy that ultimately led her to pursue a legal career.

Schultz said 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 emphasis on experiential learning played a significant role in her decision to attend the school. The Residency-in-Practice Program, a cornerstone of 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 curriculum, places every second-year student in a full-time, 10-week residency with a judge or practicing lawyer, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in real legal settings.

At Apollo Sports and Entertainment Law Group in Charlotte, Schultz received close mentorship from the law firm鈥檚 team of attorneys working on matters ranging from document drafting to client interviewing. It was an inside look at the legal field that strengthened practical skills and confidence she will carry into her legal career.

鈥淭his has confirmed that I can succeed in this area and that I really enjoy the work,鈥� Schultz said. 鈥淚鈥檓 full steam ahead on this path after law school.鈥�

Below, Schultz reflects on her residency experience and what she learned while working with the Apollo team.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and why sports and entertainment law?

Before law school, I taught elementary school for seven and a half years, working with kindergarten, first, second and fifth graders. One of the parts of teaching I loved most was advocating for students and their families and helping them navigate challenges. Law felt like a natural next step to build on that advocacy and develop the skills and credentials to support people in new ways.

I became interested in sports and entertainment law as name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities began reshaping college athletics. Not everyone comes from financial privilege or financial security, and NIL allows student-athletes to pursue a degree while also helping support themselves and their families.

Why were you interested in completing your residency with Apollo Sports and Entertainment Law Group?

Apollo stood out to me because of the breadth of work the firm handles across the sports and entertainment industries. The attorneys work on a wide range of matters, from brand agreements and trademark issues to litigation and transactional work, and I wanted the opportunity to see how those different areas come together in practice.

I was also drawn to the firm鈥檚 boutique environment. Working with a smaller team provided the opportunity to take on meaningful assignments, receive direct feedback and better understand the reasoning behind the work we were doing. The combination of variety and mentorship made it an ideal place to learn.

What were your daily responsibilities?

Every day was different, which was one of the most exciting parts of the experience. I worked on a variety of projects ranging from reviewing employee handbooks for compliance with state and federal laws to conducting trademark clearance checks and drafting legal documents.

I also helped redline different agreements, like revenue-sharing agreements, and drafted settlement and cease-and-desist letters.

What was it like working with the attorneys at Apollo Law Group?

The mentorship was incredible. Every attorney in the firm played a role in guiding me through the work and explaining the reasoning behind different legal decisions. They were truly mentors in every sense of the word.

They trusted me with meaningful assignments, like redlining agreements and participating in client meetings, and then walked through the work with me afterward. That process helped me understand not only the legal details but also how attorneys approach problems by prioritizing the client鈥檚 best interest and overall goals.

What skills did you strengthen during the residency?

Contract drafting and redlining were two of the biggest skills I developed during the placement. Those are tools that I now feel confident using in practice.

My legal research skills also improved, especially learning how to locate information efficiently and communicate it clearly. I also became more comfortable interacting with clients and working in a professional legal environment.

What advice would you give to students searching for a residency placement?

Think carefully about the kind of legal work you want to do long-term and try to align your residency with those goals. The placement gives you 10 weeks of hands-on experience with attorneys who are committed to helping you learn. Choose a residency that will give you meaningful experience and help you grow professionally. It鈥檚 an opportunity to confirm what type of work you enjoy before you begin your career.

At 黑料不打烊 Law, Schultz is vice president of the Student Bar Association, a student mentor and teaching assistant. She is an active member of student organizations including the Women’s Law Association, the Sports & Entertainment Law Society, First Gen Society, and OUTLaw.

Results from the February 2026 exam were released Wednesday, April 1, by the . 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 result far exceeds the statewide first-time passage rate of 74.78% and the school鈥檚 previous high of 82%, set by 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 charter class in 2009.

The Class of 2025鈥檚 success reflects a sustained, school-wide focus on teaching, preparation, and student support, all aimed at helping graduates succeed not only on the bar exam, but in their legal careers.

鈥淭his is what 黑料不打烊 Law is all about,鈥� said Zak Kramer, dean of 黑料不打烊 Law. 鈥淲e鈥檙e in the dream-making business. The better our students perform, the faster they can begin making an impact as lawyers.鈥�

An upward trajectory

In recent years, faculty and staff have aligned around the mission of excellence on the bar exam. They adopted a new motto and mindset: 鈥淥ne and Done.鈥�

The gains are striking. First-time passage has climbed from 52.8% for the Class of 2021 to 91.96% for the Class of 2025, with steady increases along the way, including 79.4% for the Class of 2023, and 73.5% for the Class of 2024.

These efforts are part of a broader vision. 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 faculty continuously refine how they teach for real-world lawyering. The school鈥檚 2.5-year J.D. program accelerates students鈥� path to the profession 鈥� with a December graduation and February bar exam 鈥� while reducing the cost of a legal education. Recognized nationally for practical training with an A+ rating from PreLaw Magazine, 黑料不打烊 Law prepares graduates to enter the profession with confidence and experience.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so proud of our students who took the bar,鈥� said Jenny Lane, assistant dean for academic success. 鈥淲e gave them the mission, 鈥楥ommit, complete, conquer,鈥� and that鈥檚 exactly what they did.鈥�

With its highest bar pass rate in recent history and a multi-year trend of steady growth, 黑料不打烊 Law is on a sustained upward trajectory.

鈥淏ig things are happening at 黑料不打烊 Law,鈥� Kramer said, 鈥渁nd we鈥檙e just getting started.鈥�

About 黑料不打烊 Law

黑料不打烊 Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

黑料不打烊 Law has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in downtown Greensboro in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 500 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, maintaining a Top 10 placement and an A+ rating each year since 2023. 黑料不打烊 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

黑料不打烊 has applied to the American Bar Association to open a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte beginning in fall 2027. The 黑料不打烊 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched there in 2024. Designed for students balancing work, family and other commitments to earn their J.D. in under four years, it enrolled its second cohort in fall 2025.

黑料不打烊 Law received an 鈥淎,鈥� the highest rating in of law schools expanding access and success. 黑料不打烊 Law is among 21 schools to earn an “A” nationally. It is the only law school in North Carolina named to the honor roll and among only three in the Southeast recognized in the list.

Schools were evaluated for the unranked list based on the scope and maturity of their programs, including evidence of scale and measurable impact. According to the National Jurist, institutions rated at an “A” demonstrate “multiple, well-established access strategies that work together to lower barriers to entry and persistence. The Honor Roll is a recognition of meaningful action at a moment when access pathways matter more than ever.鈥�

黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 distinctive academic model was singled out, noting that its 2.5-year J.D. program and the part-time Flex Program in Charlotte 鈥渞educe cost and widen access鈥� to legal education.

The recognition reflects 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 continued focus on removing barriers to the legal profession while preparing students for practice through hands-on learning.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� Law is the access law school. It鈥檚 who we are, and it鈥檚 in everything we do,鈥� said Dean of 黑料不打烊 Law Zak Kramer. 鈥淥ur job is to open the door to the legal profession and prepare students to walk through it ready to serve with skill, integrity and purpose.鈥�

The school鈥檚 accelerated 2.5-year J.D. program in Greensboro allows students to complete their degree more quickly and enter the profession sooner than traditional law programs. The Flex Program in Charlotte provides a part-time evening pathway designed for working professionals and place-bound students seeking greater flexibility.

黑料不打烊 and 黑料不打烊 Law have applied to the American Bar Association to launch a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte beginning in Fall 2027.

The Honor Roll recognition complements 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 strong national reputation for experiential learning. 黑料不打烊 Law is the only law school in North Carolina to earn an A+ rating for Practical Training from PreLaw Magazine, the National Jurist鈥檚 sister publication. 聽黑料不打烊 Law has placed in the top 10 with an A+ rating annually since 2023.

Together, these distinctions highlight 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to legal education while ensuring graduates enter the profession with the skills and experience needed to serve clients and communities.

About 黑料不打烊 Law

黑料不打烊 Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school鈥檚 distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

黑料不打烊 Law has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 540 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings, maintaining an A+ rating and Top 10 placement annually since 2023. 黑料不打烊 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

In downtown Greensboro, the 黑料不打烊 Law campus spans several buildings within a two-block radius adjacent to the judicial hub of central North Carolina. Courts a short walk from the law school include the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Several branches of the North Carolina General Court of Justice, including the Superior, District, Drug Treatment, Mental Health and Small Claims Courts, are within walking distance. Dozens of large, medium and small law firms, as well as municipal offices, are likewise located nearby.

黑料不打烊 Law is one of only a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court with the North Carolina Business Court hearing cases in the Robert E. Long Courtroom on the Greensboro campus. The Long Courtroom annually hosts oral arguments of the North Carolina Court of Appeals and has twice welcomed the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In Charlotte, the 黑料不打烊 Law Flex Program 鈥� a part-time, in-person J.D. program for working professionals and place-bound students, launched in fall 2024. Housed at 黑料不打烊鈥檚 national campus in Charlotte, the Flex Program is designed to be completed in just under four years. It enrolled its second cohort in fall 2025.

Assistant Professor of Law Rosa Newman, whose scholarship focuses on housing and economic development law, was named chair of the American Bar Assocation鈥檚 Real Property, Trusts, and Estates (RPTE) Section Legal Education Committee on Sept. 1. In the role, Newman helps guide the section鈥檚 efforts to strengthen teaching and scholarship in property, trusts and estate law. The RPTE Section is one of the ABA鈥檚 largest professional communities, connecting lawyers, academics, and policy experts who advance best practices in areas affecting real property, housing, land use and wealth transfer. Newman previously served as the committee鈥檚 vice chair.

Additionally, Newman recently joined as a contributing editor. She will highlight and review notable new scholarship in property law. The online publication features leading academics offering accessible insights into important developments in their fields, connecting practitioners, teachers and students to innovative legal research.

鈥淚 see my work with RPTE and Property JOTWELL as part of a larger effort to connect ideas to impact 鈥� elevating the kind of scholarship and dialogue that make property law more equitable, relevant, and responsive to how people actually live and build community,鈥� Newman said.

Newman will also lend her scholarly expertise this fall to a symposium around housing insecurity. will examine housing insecurity in the Greensboro area from civic, legal and religious perspectives. The symposium is Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of West Market Street United Methodist Church, at 302 W. Market Street in Greensboro, co-hosted by the church and 黑料不打烊 Law.

Newman joined the 黑料不打烊 Law faculty in 2022 after concluding her service as a Louis Westerfield Fellow at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Her legal research and teaching are focused primarily on property, land use, and business transactional law, with additional interest in affordable housing development.

Newman continues her service to the statewide legal community on the Trusts Drafting Committee of the North Carolina General Statutes Commission, which studies and recommends updates to the state鈥檚 trust laws to ensure clarity, consistency, and modernization.

Newman previously worked in the commercial real estate development field for several firms both in her hometown of Miami and in Charlotte, specializing in multilayered financing for mixed-income, multifamily housing developments in four states. She also has experience working for a Florida elder care law firm where she handled wills, trusts and estate matters.

She claimed her termination, for posts made before she was hired, violated the First Amendment鈥檚 protection of free speech.

Her daughter, a student at the same school, protested her mother鈥檚 dismissal by wearing a 鈥淢AGA 鈥� Make America Great Again鈥� t-shirt that also enumerated conservative political and religious beliefs. When administrators barred her from wearing the shirt under the school鈥檚 dress code, she too alleged a violation of her free-speech rights.

In this fictional appeals case 鈥� the constitutional question at the heart of the 16th annual Billings, Exum, and Frye National Moot Court Competition at 黑料不打烊 School of Law 鈥� the U.S. Supreme Court is asked to decide whether Mount Pilot Public Schools lawfully acted to prevent disruption within its classrooms or whether it impermissibly censored political expression protected by the First Amendment.

At the end of the two-day competition, Emily Conway and Mohsin Minhas of Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School at Yeshivia University, bested 41 other teams from 25 universities across the U.S. to claim the Chief Justices鈥� Cup. They edged out Courtney Yamagiwa and Stephanie Timofeyeva of University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in the final round judged by four of North Carolina鈥檚 top jurists.

Minhas also took home the Best Oral Advocate Award for the final round. He and Conway will receive a replica of 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Chief Justices Cup and have their school鈥檚 name engraved on a permanent trophy that resides at 黑料不打烊 Law. Each individual member of their team also received a plaque. Second-year law students, this was Minhas’ and Conway鈥檚 first time competing as members of Cardozo Law鈥檚 moot court team and both credited their coaches and teammates with helping them prepare.

The competition problem was inspired by recent First Amendment cases in several federal circuits and written by Vice Dean and Professor of Law Alan Woodlief, who also directs 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Moot Court program. Madison Gilbert L鈥�25 composed the bench brief provided to more than 100 judges who heard arguments during the annual competition held Oct. 17-18 at 黑料不打烊 Law.

鈥淲e are honored that so many exceptional teams chose to compete here this year and were humbled by the number of positive comments from coaches and competitors,鈥� Woodlief said. 鈥淚 am proud of the exceptional leadership the Moot Court Board displayed in coordinating this year鈥檚 competition, and I am thankful for all the students, alumni, faculty and staff who contributed to its success.鈥�

Reflections from the Winning Team

鈥淭he problem itself was very interesting and relevant. We really enjoyed talking it through and thinking of all the legal and policy questions it raised. All the research, writing and debate the competition allowed us to engage in will remain with me for my legal career. The organizers made us feel welcome from the start, and the judges asked some very stimulating questions and provided helpful feedback.鈥� 鈥� Mohsin Minhas, Class of 2027, Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School at Yeshivia University

鈥淲hat I loved most about this competition was the challenging and timely nature of the problem. The issues we grappled with were both legally complex and academically engaging. The judges鈥� questions, especially in the semi-finals and finals, were rigorous and nuanced, pushing us to think critically under pressure. 鈥� Overall, competing in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Billings, Exum, and Frye competition has been the most rewarding aspect of law school.鈥� 鈥� Emily Conway, Class of 2027, Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School at Yeshivia University

Final Round Judges

The Hon. Catherine C. Eagles
Chief District Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

The Hon. Patrick Auld
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

The Hon. April C. Wood
Associate Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals

The Hon. Cheri Beasley (retired)
Former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Sandra Day O鈥機onnor Professor of Law

Semifinal Round Judges

The Hon. Ralph Walker (retired)
Former N.C. Superior Court Judge and N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, and Director of the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts

The Hon. Lindsay Davis (retired)
Former N.C. Superior Court Judge

The Hon. Richard Doughton (retired)
Former N.C. Superior Court Judge

The Hon. James Gale (retired)
Former Chief Judge of the N.C. Business Court, located at 黑料不打烊 Law

The Hon. Lisa Johnson-Tonkins
N.C. District Court Judge

Greg Schwitzgebel (retired)
Past chair of the N.C. Bar Association鈥檚 Appellate Practice Section and professor at Campbell University and East Carolina University

Patricia Perkins
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 黑料不打烊 Law

Enrique Armijo
Professor of Law, 黑料不打烊 Law

黑料不打烊 Law Moot Court Board Committee Co-Chairs for the 16th Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition

Overall Competition Chairs: Rebecca Bailey L鈥�25, Catherine Lohn L鈥�25 and Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L鈥�25

Judge Committee Chairs: Landon Eckard L鈥�25, Lillie Kieken L鈥�25 and Sarah Ruffin L鈥�25

Bailiff Committee Chairs: Cameron Riordan L鈥�25, Taylor Rockwood L鈥�25 and Anderson Rowe L鈥�25

Scoring Committee Chairs: Kelsey Greene L鈥�25, Marcella McIntyre L鈥�25 and Karrington Wallace L鈥�25

Hospitality Committee Chairs: Ashley Clayton L鈥�25, Alexis Croce L鈥�25, Saniya Pangare L鈥�25 and Hanna Riley L鈥�25

A dual-sport collegiate athlete in field hockey and track at Christopher Newport University, where she majored in American studies and political science, she brought her passion for athletics into the classroom when she decided to pursue a career in law. Lewis was drawn to 黑料不打烊 Law for its focus on experiential learning, and she quickly identified sports and entertainment law as her niche 鈥� a place where her personal experiences intersect with her professional ambitions.

That focus came into full view during her residency with USA Lacrosse.

After spotting a prior internship posting with USA Lacrosse, Lewis reached out directly to the organization鈥檚 general counsel, pitching herself and explaining 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Residency-in-Practice Program. That led to a 10-week placement where she worked closely with the General Counsel on projects of national significance 鈥� contributing to the organization鈥檚 preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Using her legal knowledge, she edited the organization鈥檚 corporate governance policies and bylaws to be compliant with the requirements of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Lewis also was able to collaborate with other departments, specifically the Corporate Partnerships Department, where she assisted in negotiating and drafting a multi-year apparel sponsorship with Capelli Sport.

The experience not only gave her firsthand insight into the practice of sports law but also solidified her passion for a career in the field.

黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Residency-in-Practice Program is the cornerstone of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes legal skills through hands-on learning. Every second-year law student spends the winter or spring in a full-time, 10-week placement under the supervision of jurists and lawyers inspired to mentor future legal leaders.

This is the fourth in a series of conversations with 黑料不打烊 Law students in the Class of 2025 reflecting on their recent residencies-in-practice.

Share how you were inspired to pursue a career in the law, and how did you first learn about 黑料不打烊 Law?

A career in the law has always been my goal. Specifically, I have always wanted to study the intersection of the law and athletics because sports have been a significant part of my life since I was young and throughout college as a dual-sport athlete. In fact, being a college athlete brought me to 黑料不打烊 Law. I first heard of 黑料不打烊 Law because one of my college teammates had a twin sister who was attending 黑料不打烊 Law. We communicated about the law school, which really helped me make my decision.

How did you identify your residency as an option?

I coordinated my residency placement through the independent placement option. Previously, I saw a posting for a summer legal internship with USA Lacrosse and the intern needed to be able to earn class credit for their work. I made a mental note that USA Lacrosse accepts legal interns and that interns earned class credit for working. Knowing that the residency program required earning class credit for the work, I thought this would be a good match. I sent an introductory email to USA Lacrosse鈥檚 general counsel for explaining what residency was and essentially pitched myself for the job.

Describe your daily responsibilities at the office.

Working alongside the general counsel, some unanticipated tasks emerged daily. However, my main project was working on the National Governing Body application to submit to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

For its application, USA Lacrosse had to complete a full edit and audit on all corporate policies, bylaws and national team player contracts. This exposed me to the process of auditing corporate policy documents, redlining agreements and allowed me to practice the skill of drafting agreements. It was very rewarding to see the project through over my 10-week residency.

Other projects I worked on included completing an audit of the contract management system, which contained over 400 contracts. This involved high attention to detail and taught me about contract lifecycle management. I also independently created and presented a risk assessment concerning USA Lacrosse鈥檚 compliance with ADA web content standards. I also assisted in policing USA Lacrosse鈥檚 trademarks. I was responsible for over 200 takedowns of products that infringed on the organization鈥檚 protected marks. As someone who is very interested in intellectual property, I thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on experience with this assignment.

Based on your experience, what鈥檚 surprised you the most about the practice of law?

The most surprising aspect of my residency was discovering how much more I learned through practical experience compared to a classroom setting. In just 10 weeks, I encountered and explored many more legal topics during my residency than I ever did in a ten-week class.

In what ways, if any, has your residency experience shaped your plans for after graduation?

This experience truly solidified my passion and commitment to pursuing a legal career within the sports and entertainment industry. It was amazing to learn from such an influential woman in the industry. My supervisor was an amazing leader to learn from because she led by example with her strong work ethic, dedication to making the organization a better place for employees and members, and her emphasis building on relationships.

I鈥檝e always said that I wanted to work in sports and entertainment, so it was an amazing opportunity to work under the supervision of someone who had my dream job as general counsel for a sports organization. In-house legal roles offer the unique opportunity to work toward a common mission with one client, while collaborating across departments to shape strategic decisions. Moreover, merging my lifelong passion for athletics with a legal career allows me to contribute meaningfully to an industry that has personally impacted me.

Share one 鈥渜uick tip鈥� for current and prospective students as they prepare for their own 黑料不打烊 Law residencies or, more broadly, law school in general.

My biggest piece of advice would be to say yes to everything. If your supervisor asks if you want to sit in on a meeting, then the answer is yes. When they ask if you want to work on a certain project, the answer is also yes. Saying yes to all the opportunities you are offered, demonstrates a strong work ethic and exposes you to many different areas of the practice.

An internship at a small law firm confirmed her desire to pursue a legal career and eventually brought her to 黑料不打烊 School of Law, where a residency-in-practice with Bell Partners sharpened her skills and confidence.

鈥淢y residency helped me shift from thinking like a law student to thinking like a practicing attorney,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 just research for the sake of it. You鈥檙e solving real problems, and that makes you more efficient, more focused, and more prepared.鈥�

黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Residency-in-Practice Program is the cornerstone of an innovative curriculum that emphasizes legal skills through hands-on learning. Every second-year law student spends the winter or spring in a full-time, 10-week placement under the supervision of jurists and lawyers inspired to mentor future legal leaders.

This is the third in a series of conversations with 黑料不打烊 Law students in the Class of 2025 reflecting on their recent residencies-in-practice.

What inspired you to study law, and why did you select Bell Partners for your residency-in-practice?

From a young age, I was always interested in the law. In college, I majored in criminology and was required to complete an internship. I knew I didn鈥檛 want to follow the typical path, like interning with a parole officer, so I sought out my own opportunity and interned at a small law firm near campus. I realized this was something I truly enjoyed, and it confirmed my decision to pursue law school after graduation.

Bell Partners first caught my attention when their senior vice president spoke to one of our student organizations about what in-house counsel work is like. After the meeting, I introduced myself and explained my interest in business law. I even spoke to a former 黑料不打烊 Law student who had completed a residency there and asked about their experience.

When it came time for the residency match process, Bell Partners was my top choice. I was excited by the opportunity to learn more about in-house counsels鈥� role 鈥� especially at a company focused on investment and real estate, which is an area I have a personal connection to through my family. The combination of business law and real estate made it a great fit.

What were some of your daily responsibilities?

My responsibilities varied day to day, which kept things interesting. Some days, I redlined contracts or non-disclosure agreements. Other days, I focused on legal research, looking into statutes that involve rental properties and issues.

My supervisors also involved me in day-to-day issues. For example, if an urgent legal matter arose and they needed to solve a problem, I was able to assist and support them. It was a great way to learn how fast-paced and dynamic in-house counsel roles can be.

What did you learn in your residency that surprised you?

What surprised me most was how broad in-house legal work really is. My supervisor once told me that in this role, you don鈥檛 need to know everything about one thing, you need to know a little bit about a lot of things. That really stuck with me. You don鈥檛 need to specialize in certain areas, you need to be versatile and know enough about different areas of the law to be able to research and resolve issues.

One of the biggest things I learned was how important it is to simplify legal language. As law students, we鈥檙e trained to explain everything in detail. But in the real world, sometimes the answer needs to be clear and simple 鈥� just a 鈥測es鈥� or 鈥渘o,鈥� especially when working with non-lawyers. I learned to adjust how I communicate based on my audience.

The experience with Bell Partners also improved my legal research skills. I honed abilities I already felt comfortable with, like issue-spotting and being able to analyze information quickly but in a very detail-oriented way. For example, in a contract, maybe you redline those terms you want to revisit and fine-tune in the final version.

Looking toward graduation and launching your career, how did your residency experience prepare you? What essential skills or connections did you develop?

This experience confirmed for me that this is the area of law I want to go into. As an undergraduate, I dabbled in business law and kept it in the back of my head throughout law school. Being able to work and see the daily lives of attorneys in an in-house counsel position proved that this is where I want to be.

My residency experience played a crucial role in preparing me for my job search. I built meaningful connections with my supervisors, several of whom have supported me with recommendations during the application process. The experience also gave me greater confidence in the quality of my work and affirmed my ability to contribute effectively in a legal environment.

Getting a taste of professional legal experience through the Residency-in-Practice Program before we graduate from law school and enter practice is very important. It helped me recognize my value as a potential employee at any law firm. Additionally, I developed stronger communication skills, particularly in understanding how different attorneys approach and respond to various situations. These insights have been essential in shaping my professional growth and readiness for the next step in my career.

Those distinctions can determine who has access to legal counsel, when warrants are required, and what remedies exist when rights are violated.

That complex divide was the focus of a panel discussion hosted by We The People: 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 Constitutional Law Journal on Oct. 7, 2025. 鈥淯nlawful or Unprotected? 4th Amendment Rights in Criminal vs. Immigration Detention鈥� attracted a standing-room-only crowd to Room 204 at 黑料不打烊 Law鈥檚 downtown Greensboro campus, with discussion and response to audience questions lasting more than an hour and a half.

Panelists Cheri Beasley, Sandra Day O鈥機onnor Professor at 黑料不打烊 Law and former chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court, Erin Fitzgerald, assistant professor of law and a former prosecutor, and Jeremy McKinney, a renowned immigration attorney, explored variability in Constitutional protections and how those safeguards operate in practice. Their discussion was moderated by Professor of Law David Levine.

鈥淐ourts are grappling in real time with evolving issues,鈥� Beasley said, noting a trend of brief orders and rulings from higher courts clouding how lower courts should respond. 鈥淎ppellate courts sometimes use brief or per curiam dispositions. When major questions are resolved on abbreviated orders, the U.S. Supreme Court鈥檚 so-called 鈥榮hadow docket,鈥� the lack of reasoning can disserve the public and the bar鈥� through lack of legal guidance.

Fitzgerald explained that searches and arrests generally require a warrant supported by probable cause, except in limited, well-defined circumstances such as emergencies or brief investigative stops. Lesser encounters 鈥� like brief detentions or frisks 鈥� require only reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot.

鈥淚n the simplest terms, the Fourth Amendment protects people and their 鈥榩ersons, houses, papers, and effects鈥� from unreasonable governmental searches and seizures,鈥� Fitzgerald says. 鈥淲e care because we all have boundaries 鈥� our phones, cars, homes. 鈥� Knowing these standards is how we protect our rights.鈥�

McKinney described how the same standards don鈥檛 necessarily apply in immigration matters, where proceedings are considered civil. People questioned or detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have a right to remain silent, may refuse entry to their homes without a judicial warrant, and can ask to speak with an attorney 鈥� but those rights are grounded in statute, not constitutional law. Because immigration cases are civil, the exclusionary rule that suppresses illegally obtained evidence in criminal court rarely applies.

Beasley expanded on the practical challenges this creates for courts and communities, noting that individuals are sometimes held in local jails at federal request and that many detention centers are privately operated, complicating oversight and access to due process.

鈥淒etention usually implies criminal punishment, but immigration detention is labeled civil, and that fluidity raises due process concerns: Who may be held, where, under what conditions, and with what rights?鈥� Beasley said. Despite these complexities, she said, lawyers and judges play a crucial role in upholding fairness, transparency, and public confidence in the legal system.

McKinney detailed a recent case where an immigrant was mistaken for someone on a watch list with the same name. He was detained and interrogated without a judicial warrant and held at a facility in Georgia, though McKinney said it was clear his client wasn鈥檛 the individual the government was looking for. The client posted bond, but ICE invoked an 鈥渁utomatic stay.鈥� McKinney freed his client through a writ of habeus corpus 鈥� challenging the lawfulness of government detention 鈥� but hiring an attorney to take that step is cost prohibitive for many.

He cautioned that knowing your rights may not matter as much in the current climate if those 鈥渇eel ignored on the ground.鈥�

鈥淭he government can鈥檛 have it both ways 鈥� calling people 鈥榗riminals鈥� while denying criminal-procedure protections in what it labels as civil proceedings,鈥� McKinney said.

Panelists closed by urging future lawyers to understand these boundaries, help clients know their rights, and uphold justice in every setting 鈥� criminal, civil or otherwise.

鈥淟awyers and courts are pushing back and upholding the rule of law,” Beasley said, noting why she is encouraged during a challenging moment for democracy. “The pendulum swings, but advocacy, teaching and judging move the needle. To our students: It鈥檚 a good time to be a lawyer. Your work changes lives and strengthens institutions.鈥�

That conviction is shaping her future in employment and civil rights law, and it鈥檚 one reason she is the inaugural recipient of the Dean George R. Johnson Scholarship at 黑料不打烊 School of Law.

When her early studies to be a dentist left her uninspired, 鈥渋t was easy for me to pivot to the law path because I realized it鈥檚 civil rights lawyers who make the difference,鈥� Wallace said. 鈥淭hey advocate for change in the legal system, and that鈥檚 when you see real progress.鈥�

Coming of age, learning more about the ongoing civil rights movement and persistent inequality, and deepening knowledge through political science and Africana studies at Seton Hall University, Karrington followed her interests to 黑料不打烊 Law. Now a third-year law student, she has distinguished herself as a leader among peers and as a future advocate for fairness.

Johnson was a member of 黑料不打烊 Law’s founding faculty and served as the Law School’s second dean. He passed away in 2020, and is remembered as a steady leader who guided the school through its first ABA accreditation and helped establish its academic foundations. A noted scholar of administrative, regulatory and constitutional law, he combined rigorous teaching with a deep commitment to mentorship, particularly for students underrepresented in the profession. His legacy endures at 黑料不打烊 Law through awards and scholarships in his name that honor excellence, service and professional achievement.

鈥淭his scholarship is the ideal way to carry on George鈥檚 legacy,鈥� said Dr. Linda Morris, Johnson鈥檚 widow. 鈥淗e loved the law and saw it as a way to bring justice, equity and significant change to the community. This scholarship helps the next generation of students begin their professional journey by focusing on their studies and easing some financial strain. It is my hope that the recipients will share George鈥檚 passion for the law and wanting to make a difference in the world. And perhaps some of them will seek a career in legal education or will mentor others as they start their career.鈥�

鈥淒ean Johnson was a man of distinction and quiet character,鈥� said Ronny Lancaster P鈥�08 L鈥�12, one of the scholarship鈥檚 co-founders along with Dr. Morris, Eric Meredith L鈥�09, and Mark Jetton L鈥�09. 鈥淚n meeting Dean Johnson for the first time, one would be impressed with both his clarity of vision and his ability to confidently explain it. He was a man of intellect and academic legal excellence.鈥�

Lancaster said the group envisioned supporting students who 鈥渆mbodied and reflected the character of Dean Johnson鈥� 鈥� those who demonstrate academic excellence, the promise of a successful legal career, and a deep commitment to community.

鈥淢s. Karrington Wallace demonstrates these characteristics, and more,鈥� Lancaster said. 鈥淒ean Johnson would be very pleased.鈥�

The scholarship also reflects the power of philanthropy at 黑料不打烊 Law, and how the generosity of alumni and friends creates opportunities for students to fulfill their dreams and carry forward the values of those who came before them.

鈥淗e loved the law and saw it as a way to bring justice, equity and significant change to the community. This scholarship helps the next generation of students begin their professional journey by focusing on their studies and easing some financial strain. It is my hope that the recipients will share George鈥檚 passion for the law and wanting to make a difference in the world.”

– Dr. Linda Morris, Dean George R. Johnson’s wife

At 黑料不打烊 Law, Wallace鈥檚 record reflects that same blend of excellence and service. She is a member of the Moot Court Board and serves as co-chair of the scoring committee for this fall鈥檚 Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition. A research assistant for Professor of Law David Levine, she contributes to ongoing scholarship about artificial intelligence and its impact on the legal profession. She was also recognized last spring with two honors at 黑料不打烊鈥檚 31st Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Awards.

鈥淒ean Johnson believed deeply in the power of the law to advance justice and opportunity,鈥� said 黑料不打烊 Law Dean Zak Kramer. 鈥淜arrington reflects that same spirit. She鈥檚 thoughtful, hardworking and already using her skills to lift others. This scholarship 鈥� endowed by Dean Johnson鈥檚 family, friends and former students 鈥� connects 黑料不打烊 Law’s history to our future in a way that honors his values.鈥�

‘Miss Get-It-Done’: Classmates and faculty reflect on Wallace’s character

For Wallace, that call to carry a legacy forward resonates deeply. The first in her family to attend law school and soon to be the first attorney among her relatives, she sees her accomplishments as a chance to inspire others.

鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 always feel like I鈥檓 doing something groundbreaking,鈥� she said, 鈥渂ut I know I鈥檓 breaking barriers and paving the way for the person behind me. You should celebrate your progress, because someone is always watching and being inspired by you, even if you don鈥檛 realize it.鈥�

Her service and leadership have been evident throughout her time at 黑料不打烊 Law. Wallace served as vice president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where classmates credit her with carrying multiple responsibilities on a small executive board. She hosted attorney panels, organized study sessions, and planned community events ranging from Halloween movie nights to Easter egg hunts. She has also contributed to the Innocence Project and Name Change Clinic events.

鈥淪he is 鈥楳iss Get-It-Done.鈥� If you need her for something, she鈥檚 more than willing to help in the best way she can 鈥� or find the right person to do it,鈥� said Savannah Stinson L鈥�25, president of the BLSA, who worked alongside Wallace. 鈥淪he essentially took on three roles to make up for the lack of numbers on our e-board. 鈥� She is dependable, committed and wise.鈥�

鈥淜arrington is one of the most knowledgeable people I know,鈥� said classmate Jayme Palmer L鈥�25. 鈥淪he is driven, caring and passionate about everything she does. She is also the best shoulder to lean on.鈥�

鈥淪he is 鈥楳iss Get-It-Done.鈥� If you need her for something, she鈥檚 more than willing to help in the best way she can 鈥� or find the right person to do it. She is dependable, committed and wise.鈥�

– Savannah Stinson L鈥�25, president of the Black Law Students Association

Faculty and staff echo those observations. Krista Contino Saumby, director of career development in the Office of Student and Professional Development, said Wallace 鈥渟tood out from her first trimester鈥� for her deep thinking and clarity of purpose. Assistant Director Kristen Covington praised her as 鈥渄edicated to helping others鈥� and noted her growth in confidence and openness to opportunities.

Wallace sees her future in civil rights law, with a focus on employment law. After a residency with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and an internship with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services, she hopes to pursue judicial clerkships and ultimately practice law in ways that ensure fairness and dignity for those whose rights are often overlooked.

鈥淢y role models are changemakers like Bryan Stevenson,鈥� attorney, activist and author of the best-selling legal memoir 鈥淛ust Mercy,鈥� Wallace said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I want to be as an attorney: Someone who disrupts what we think of as normal to create something better.鈥�