They were selected from a record pool of more than 230 applicants to the part-time, evening, in-person program hosted at 乱伦视频’s Charlotte Center.

Nearly 120 students are enrolled in the program as it enters its third year. Designed for place-bound students balancing law school with jobs and other commitments, the Flex Program offers a path to a law degree that can be completed in about three years and eight months 鈥� meaning this year’s new students could graduate as soon as March 2030 鈥� with the flexibility to adjust their pace and extend studies if needed.

Vice Dean and Professor of Law Alan Woodlief welcomed the class during Convocation ceremonies on Aug. 10 highlighting the academic achievement and professional experience its members bring to 乱伦视频 Law.

鈥淵ou were selected based on your many prior achievements, your demonstrated passion for studying law, and your immense potential for success in law school and in serving others through the legal profession,鈥� Woodlief said. 鈥淵ou should be proud of your admission to the Flex Program and motivated to live up to the high expectations we have for you.鈥�

48 鈥� Total Enrollment of the Entering Class of Fall 2026

154 鈥� Median LSAT

66% Female | 34% Male

31% 鈥� Students of Color

29 鈥� Average Age

20+ 鈥� Members holding advanced degrees

27% 鈥� First-Generation College Students

Nearly 90% of incoming students are the first in their families to attend law school.

Broad professional and educational experience

Entering Flex Program students earned undergraduate degrees from 34 colleges and universities. The institutions most represented in the class include:

• UNC-Chapel Hill with six students;
• UNC Charlotte with four;
• Appalachian State University and the University of South Carolina with three students each, and;
• North Carolina State University and Winthrop University with two students each.

More than 20 undergraduate majors are represented, ranging from art history to zoology. Political science is the most common major, with 12 students, followed by criminal justice with five, psychology with four and business with three.

Two members of the class have served in the military, and several competed as varsity athletes.

The class also brings substantial professional experience to the classroom. Eleven students 鈥� 23% of the class 鈥� already work in the legal field, including as paralegals and legal assistants. Others have built careers in banking and finance, real estate, nursing, journalism, teaching and sports coaching.

The class also reflects the Flex Program鈥檚 strong regional ties. Eighty percent of students are from North Carolina, while five are from South Carolina. Other members of the class come from Utah, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.

鈥淲e look forward to witnessing firsthand your accomplishments to come 鈥� over the next four years and throughout your careers as 乱伦视频 lawyers 鈥� as you channel this energy, focus, and commitment to excellence and service in your new chosen profession as pioneering lawyer leaders,鈥� Woodlief said.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather III delivered the Call to Honor, challenging students to consider not only what they hope to accomplish as lawyers, but whom their work will ultimately serve.

鈥淭he lawyer, and the law student, who demonstrates fidelity to the field is always in the fight because they are thinking of what someone else needs from them 鈥� fighting for someone else鈥檚 interest as if it were their own,鈥� Merriweather said during ceremonies held Mon., Aug. 10, at 乱伦视频鈥檚 Charlotte Center at 330 W. Tremont Ave. in Charlotte鈥檚 South End neighborhood.

Merriweather leads the district attorney鈥檚 office for North Carolina鈥檚 26th Prosecutorial District, the state鈥檚 largest. His connection to 乱伦视频 Law is also personal: his wife, Lila Riley L鈥�10, is a member of the law school鈥檚 second graduating class.

Describing law as a vocation rooted in serving others, Merriweather reflected on experiences that shaped his own path, from witnessing lawyers pursue justice following a racially motivated killing in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to working with a grieving father as a first-year law student interning in the Mecklenburg County District Attorney鈥檚 Office.

鈥淭hose who are fulfilled in this practice believe that it is something that we are called to do,鈥� Merriweather said. 鈥淚f you truly commit to pursuit of this practice, you do so because you believe that you have a charge to keep: to speak up for someone, and to tell someone鈥檚 story with full impact.鈥�

Merriweather urged students to:

• Be ambitious, curious, studious and sharp, while never losing sight of the people the law is meant to serve.
• Build a reputation for integrity. 聽Future clients and colleagues must be able to rely on a lawyer鈥檚 word, competence and credibility.
• Find your own sense of purpose in the law. When the work becomes difficult, Merriweather encouraged students to return to a simple question: 鈥淲hat are you here to do?鈥�

The Flex Program allows students to earn a law degree through a part-time, in-person course of study designed for working professionals and place-bound students in the Charlotte region.

Flex Program Student Bar Association President Raygan Angel LF鈥�28, a member of the program鈥檚 inaugural cohort, encouraged new students to build a supportive community rather than view classmates as competitors.

鈥淭he relationships you grow here will matter just as much as the cases you鈥檙e going to have to study,鈥� Angel said. 鈥淪o introduce yourself, form the study group, share an outline and celebrate each other鈥檚 wins instead of measuring yourself against them. The legal profession needs more lawyers who compete with integrity and lead with generosity.鈥�

Vice Dean and Professor of Law Alan Woodlief opened the ceremony by recognizing the commitment required of Flex Program students, many of whom will balance full-time careers and other responsibilities with law school. He told the third cohort that faculty and staff 鈥渕arvel at鈥� and respect the work they have done to organize their lives around pursuing a legal education.

The ceremony concluded with an 乱伦视频 tradition connecting the newest law students to the university鈥檚 name and history. 鈥溌衣资悠碘�� is the Hebrew word for oak. The university has long used the growth of an acorn into an oak tree as a symbol of education, transformation and individual potential.

Woodlief presented each student with an acorn as they crossed the front of the room, where Dean and Professor of Law Zak Kramer greeted them and shook their hands. The students will receive oak saplings at Commencement.

Kramer closed the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of the third Flex Program cohort and the community that has grown around the program. He also echoed Merriweather鈥檚 message about finding a calling in the law, urging students to lean into the law school experience and promising that 乱伦视频 Law would take seriously their ambitions and dreams.

鈥淵our calling is what brought you here, and our charge, as we see it, is to make sure that you can answer that call, whatever that call is,鈥� Kramer said. 鈥淭he call is up to you. We will follow it, and we will do everything we can to support you and launch you into your career.鈥�

About 乱伦视频 Law

乱伦视频 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, full-time 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 curriculum offers a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which provides exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

乱伦视频 Law has graduated more than 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 500 students and the law school is regularly featured in the top tier of preLaw Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est Schools for Practical Training鈥� rankings. In 2026, 乱伦视频 Law received ABA approval to launch a full-time 2.5-year J.D. program on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte beginning in Fall 2027. The 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study for place-bound students at 乱伦视频鈥檚 Charlotte campus, welcomed its third cohort in Fall 2026.

“Your future will be shaped far less by the titles you earn than by the person you become while earning them,” said Taylor, delivering the annual Call to Honor in downtown Greensboro’s Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. “I hope people know you as someone they can trust. Someone who’s prepared. Someone who listens. Someone who treats everyone with dignity. Someone who uses the law not simply to make a living, but to make a difference.”

Taylor serves North Carolina’s Judicial District 8, hearing cases in Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties following her 2025 appointment by Governor Josh Stein. Drawing on her own path from 乱伦视频 Law graduate to assistant district attorney, private practice attorney, adjunct professor and judge, she reminded students that the most meaningful legal careers are built one opportunity 鈥� and one relationship 鈥� at a time.

Taylor didn鈥檛 imagine becoming a judge when she arrived at law school. In fact, she’d planned on a career in sports and entertainment law. But through her law school experiences, including a Residency-in-Practice with the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office and an internship at the Alamance County District Attorney’s Office, she found her calling.

She implored students to remain open to opportunities they cannot yet see, trusting that each experience will prepare them for what comes next.

Throughout her remarks, Taylor encouraged students to:

• “Walk through every door” 乱伦视频 Law opens, knowing that the lessons you learn and the skills you develop may prepare you for tomorrow’s unexpected paths.
• Never stop learning, remaining curious, humble and open to growth throughout your legal career.
• Remember the people behind every case, approaching each client with compassion and respect as well as legal skill.

Student Bar Association President Trey Sharpe McClenny L’26 echoed Taylor’s message, reminding students that the legal profession is defined by character.

“Law school will provide you a lot of titles beyond lawyer,鈥� McClenny said. 鈥淵ou will become a counselor, an advocate, an officer of the court. But to many, you will simply become their lawyer on speed dial. Wear those titles with kindness and compassion. Be someone that others trust and want beside them.鈥�

Provost Rebecca Kohn welcomed students to 乱伦视频 and introduced one of the university’s longstanding traditions. Named for the Hebrew word for “oak,” 乱伦视频 presents each new student with an acorn symbolizing the beginning of their academic journey. At graduation, students receive an oak sapling representing the growth they have experienced during their time at 乱伦视频 and the continued growth that lies ahead.

Kohn also highlighted the close faculty mentorship and academic rigor that define the 乱伦视频 experience.

“乱伦视频 Law faculty engage with students both inside and outside the classroom,鈥� Kohn said. 鈥淭hey’re known for their accessibility and responsiveness to students, and they will stretch you and challenge you more than you thought possible.鈥�

乱伦视频 Law Dean Zak Kramer closed the ceremony by reflecting on a conversation with with Taylor before Convocation. Taylor told him she hadn鈥檛 envisioned becoming a judge until an 乱伦视频 Law mentor recognized qualities in her that she had not yet seen in herself. Building on Taylor’s message, Kramer encouraged students to embrace every opportunity at law school, reminding them that each one will shape their careers in unexpected ways.

“We don’t know yet where your career is going to take you, but I promise you that each and every one of us at 乱伦视频 is completely committed to helping you get there,鈥� Kramer said. 鈥淲e will take your dreams seriously, we will hold them precious, and we will do everything in our power to launch you into the life that you have imagined.鈥�

聽in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she focuses on family law and immigration. In the profile, Seymour reflects on the challenges and rewards of changing careers later in life and encourages others not to let age stand in the way of pursuing meaningful work.

“The most obvious thing that anybody could ever say, but it had not occurred to me that I could actually be different or just change. It shifted for me,” Seymour told People.

Seymour has remained closely connected to 乱伦视频 Law since graduating in 2017. , she regularly mentors students, supports experiential learning opportunities and has partnered with the law school on pro bono initiatives that expand access to legal services while providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

Last year, Seymour supervised students participating in a power of attorney clinic in partnership with FaithAction International, a project that earned the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2026 Law School Pro Bono Project of the Year Award. She wrote the letter of recommendation to the bar association that led to the students’ recognition.

to learn more about Seymour’s inspiring career journey and the lessons she hopes others will take from it.

As they helped parents prepare legal documents designed to ensure their children would continue receiving care and education if the unexpected happened, students found themselves doing something equally important: listening to families navigating uncertainty and providing greater peace of mind.

Organized by 乱伦视频 Law’s Pro Bono Board in partnership with 鈥� an agency that advocates for and serves immigrants in the Triad 鈥� the May 2025 clinic responded to concerns from families who wanted to prepare for the possibility of sudden family separation. Under the supervision of licensed attorneys 鈥� including an 乱伦视频 Law alumna and a faculty member 鈥� students assisted parents in completing powers of attorney that would allow trusted caregivers to make educational and medical decisions for their children if needed.

“It was something concrete we could actually do,” recalled Molly Hohler L’26, who helped organize the clinic through the Pro Bono Board.

Families spoke candidly about their fears as they contemplated possible detention or deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Working alongside fellow board leaders Frank Edwards L’25, Adnan Omer L’25, Saniya Pangare L’25 and Cameron Riordan L’25, Hohler organized the clinic with FaithAction International, Professor of Law Andy Haile and attorney Abigail Seymour L’17. Together, they identified a way to use their legal training to meet a community need and serve real clients.

More than a year later, that student-led effort earned statewide recognition. during the association’s Annual Meeting this summer, recognizing an “outstanding law student group whose pro bono project advanced access to justice in North Carolina.

鈥淵ou have that script of what you want to say, and then all of that goes out the window because you recognize the emotions your client is experiencing. It taught us that you have to approach clients with empathy, not just legal answers.”
鈥� Adnan Omer L’25

The idea grew from conversations with FaithAction International, which identified an urgent community need and contacted the Pro Bono Board. Immigration legal advice was beyond the scope of what students could provide, but powers of attorney offered a meaningful way to serve clients under attorney supervision.

For Adnan Omer L’25 and others, the clinic quickly became much more than a legal exercise.

“People come to you on one of the hardest days of their lives,鈥� said Omer, now an associate attorney with Vrapi Weeks Immigration Attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 鈥淵ou have that script of what you want to say, and then all of that goes out the window because you recognize the emotions your client is experiencing. It taught us that you have to approach clients with empathy, not just legal answers.”

Seymour L’17, who founded Greensboro-based Camino Law in 2019, was the supervising attorney for the clinic. As a former Pro Bono Board member herself, she understood the value of the experience for students. Throughout the day, she observed, interpreted and worked alongside them during client meetings in the one-day clinic.

“The main purpose of this clinic was to give people a sense of control and preparation,” Seymour said. “Peace of mind to know that if the worst were to happen, they would have a plan.” 乱伦视频 Law students 鈥渨ere wonderful and jumped right in. They didn’t hang back.鈥�

“The most important lesson is learning to work with clients who are facing significant challenges that we as lawyers may never experience ourselves. In class, we can debate and discuss these abstract issues of law and policy, but when you see how they affect real people, that makes it a different lesson.”
鈥� Professor of Law Andy Haile

In recommending the clinic for the statewide award, Seymour praised the students’ “extraordinary professionalism, leadership and compassion,” writing to the NCBA that they approached the work “not as an academic exercise, but as a professional responsibility.” The project exemplified “the highest ideals of pro bono service in North Carolina,鈥� she wrote.

Haile, who also supervised students during the clinic, said the experience demonstrated why experiential learning is critical for legal preparation. Some skills can鈥檛 be learned in a classroom.

“The most important lesson is learning to work with clients who are facing significant challenges that we as lawyers may never experience ourselves,” Haile said. “In class, we can debate and discuss these abstract issues of law and policy, but when you see how they affect real people, that makes it a different lesson.”

For Pangare, whose family immigrated to the United States, the project carried special meaning.

“It was an opportunity to help people feel more secure in their homes, their surroundings and their communities,” said Pangare 鈥� now an associate attorney at Hall Booth Smith P.C. in Asheville, North Carolina. “We wanted to help a community we knew felt vulnerable and let them know we were there to support them.”

“We have unique skills as soon-to-be lawyers. The more we can use those skills to help people, the better lawyers we become in the process.”
鈥� Molly Hohler L’26

She joined Hohler and Shannon Ward L鈥�26, current Pro Bono Board co-director, in accepting the award on behalf of 乱伦视频 Law during the NCBA Annual Meeting on June 26.

Hohler said that public service has been a throughline in both her personal and professional life. Serving on the Pro Bono Board gives her an opportunity to channel that instinct alongside classmates who share a commitment to service.

“I love working with clients. It gives me new energy,” Hohler said. “We have unique skills as soon-to-be lawyers. The more we can use those skills to help people, the better lawyers we become in the process.”

A total of 347 alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends made gifts to 乱伦视频 Law during the 2025-26 academic year, a 23% increase over the previous year and the highest donor total in school history.

The law school also recorded a school-record 乱伦视频 Society-level donors 鈥� pledging $1,500 or more annually 鈥� reflecting growing investment in 乱伦视频 Law’s students, programs and future.

Highlights from the year include:

• The highest annual fundraising total in seven years and a 20% increase year over year.
• 11% alumni participation, a school record.
• 24% growth in 乱伦视频 Day fundraising.
• 67% growth in the 3L class gift campaign.
• A new endowed scholarship established to support student bar examination preparation.

“This kind of support doesn’t happen by accident,” 乱伦视频 Law Dean Zak Kramer said. “There’s excitement about where 乱伦视频 Law is going. We’ve seen record bar exam results, record applications and approval to expand our full-time program to Charlotte. Big things are happening at 乱伦视频 Law, and our alumni and friends are making them possible.”

The results continue a multi-year trend of increasing engagement among 乱伦视频 Law alumni and supporters, who contribute to scholarships, student programming, professional development opportunities and other initiatives that strengthen the law school’s mission.

Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Leighty said the record-setting year reflects the growing community of alumni and friends who believe in 乱伦视频 Law’s students and mission.

“We like to say that big things are happening at 乱伦视频 Law. Indeed, they are,鈥� Leighty said. 鈥淧hilanthropy reflects our community鈥檚 shared belief in our students.鈥�

Among the year’s accomplishments was the establishment of a new endowed scholarship dedicated to helping students prepare for the bar examination, expanding support for graduates as they take the final step toward entering the legal profession. That growing support paid dividends this year, as the Class of 2025 set school records for state and national bar passage.

The latest fundraising and engagement results build on continued momentum across 乱伦视频 Law as the law school expands its impact in Greensboro, Charlotte and throughout North Carolina.

The record surpassed the previous high of 82.7%, set by 乱伦视频 Law’s charter class in 2009. In all, 132 of 136 December graduates sat for a bar examination in winter and spring 2026.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025,鈥� Dean Zak Kramer said. 鈥淥ur graduates put in the work and supported each other along the way. Together, they raised the bar for all future 乱伦视频 Law graduates.鈥�

The nationwide result comes two months after 乱伦视频 Law announced a record 91.96% first-time pass rate on the February 2026 North Carolina Bar Exam. The newly compiled data provides a broader measure of graduate success, showing that 90.9% of the law school’s 132 graduates who sat for a bar examination passed on their first attempt, regardless of jurisdiction.

The results also reflect the advantages of 乱伦视频 Law’s accelerated 2.5-year J.D. curriculum in Greensboro and聽鈥� beginning in Fall 2027 鈥� Charlotte. Students graduate in December, sit for the February bar exam and, upon passing, can begin practicing law months earlier than graduates of traditional law programs. The accelerated timeline allows graduates to enter the profession and begin earning sooner.

The energy in the building around the bar exam has changed. They feel it. We all feel it. We’re looking forward to continuing this trajectory.

鈥� Assistant Dean for Academic Success Jenny Lane

This year鈥檚 record-setting performance reflects a culture shift at 乱伦视频 Law and growing momentum around the law school’s programs and outcomes. 乱伦视频 Law adopted a “One and Done” motto and mindset around the bar exam, with faculty and staff expanding academic support initiatives. In particular, the Office of Academic Success provided additional coaching, workshops, practice examinations and individualized support to reinforce that message throughout students’ legal education and bar preparation.

鈥淲hat is special about this class is that they truly embodied 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 鈥極ne and Done鈥� mission,鈥� said Jenny Lane, assistant dean for academic success. 鈥淭hey understood the power of coming together as a community and conquering the bar exam.

鈥淚t matters when we invest in students and believe in them. The energy in the building around the bar exam has changed. They feel it. We all feel it. We’re looking forward to continuing this trajectory.鈥�

Twenty graduates sat for bar examinations in 11 states outside North Carolina. Seventeen passed on their first attempt, including every graduate who sat in nine of those jurisdictions.

For graduates, passing the bar exam marks the culmination of years of legal study and the beginning of professional practice. For 乱伦视频 Law, the Class of 2025’s record-setting results reflect the success of a model of legal education built around experiential learning, practical training, and preparing students to enter the legal profession ready to serve clients and communities from day one.

鈥淭he value proposition of this law school is incredible,鈥� Kramer said. 鈥淎 skills-based education, in 2.5 years, with incredible outcomes like this. Big things are happening at 乱伦视频 Law and we鈥檙e just getting started.鈥�

Applications will be accepted starting Sept. 1, 2026.

The ABA approval clears the way for 乱伦视频 Law to expand its nationally recognized model of full-time legal education to North Carolina’s largest city. At that point, 乱伦视频 Law will offer three pathways to a law degree in North Carolina: a full-time program in Greensboro, a full-time program in Charlotte and the part-time 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program in Charlotte.

“This comes at an incredible moment for 乱伦视频 Law,” said 乱伦视频 Law Dean Zak Kramer. “Within the last year, we’ve celebrated historic bar passage rates and employment outcomes for our graduates, along with record enrollment and student applications. The ABA’s approval of our Charlotte program builds on that momentum, allowing 乱伦视频 Law to bring our signature approach to legal education to one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.”

The inaugural Charlotte class, consisting of up to 75 students, will begin studies in August 2027 on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte. The charter cohort will graduate in December 2029, following 乱伦视频 Law’s existing 2.5-year, seven-trimester academic calendar in Greensboro. The 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program will also begin holding its part-time evening classes on the Queens campus in Fall 2027.

The full-time Charlotte program will replicate the innovative curriculum established at 乱伦视频 Law’s Greensboro campus. The hallmark of 乱伦视频 Law’s experiential, skills-based, community-centered approach to legal education is the Residency-in-Practice Program: a course-connected placement that pairs every student with a practicing attorney or judge during the winter or spring of their second year.

That experience moves students beyond studying the law to begin living it 鈥� working alongside attorneys and judges, serving clients and communities, and developing the professional judgment and practical skills expected of new lawyers. Students return to campus with greater confidence, stronger professional connections and a clearer sense of the kind of lawyer they will become.

乱伦视频 Law is in the early stages of hiring a full complement of professors, administrators and student support personnel who will lead the full-time program in Charlotte. The move aligns with the proposed merger of 乱伦视频 and Queens University, which remains subject to final approval from SACSCOC and the U.S. Department of Education.

乱伦视频 leaders are working closely with Queens University to ensure law students benefit from a vibrant campus experience and the resources of a thriving university community.

The expansion also builds on 乱伦视频 Law’s longstanding relationships throughout Charlotte’s legal community. Already, more than 10 percent of the law school鈥檚 alumni live and work in the Charlotte area. Law school leaders plan to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new connections and grow opportunities for students to serve in a region with a need for legal talent, legal services and innovative legal education.

Through clinics, residencies and community partnerships, 乱伦视频 Law students regularly work alongside attorneys, judges, nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help address unmet legal needs.

“We’ve been in Charlotte all along through our students, alumni and community partnerships,” Kramer said. “This approval gives us an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Charlotte. We’re excited to invest here, build new partnerships and help shape what comes next.”

Additional information about admissions, faculty hiring and program development will be announced in the coming months.

About 乱伦视频 Law

乱伦视频 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.

乱伦视频 Law has graduated more than 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 an A+ rating each year since 2023. 乱伦视频 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

The 乱伦视频 Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched in Charlotte in 2024. Designed for students balancing work, family and other commitments to earn their J.D. in under four years, it will enroll its third cohort in Fall 2026.

These were the questions centered in the fictional case analyzed and argued by 116 first-year 乱伦视频 Law students in the school’s 19th Annual Intramural Moot Court Competition, held May 27 and 28.

A deaf small-business owner applied for a loan from an online lending company and was offered a 14.25% interest rate. After his twin brother 鈥� who shared nearly identical financial, educational and employment credentials but did not have a disability 鈥� received a 6.25% rate for the same loan, he suspected the lender had considered his disability when evaluating the application.

The business owner sued under the ADA, arguing that the online lender discriminated against him based on his disability. A federal court dismissed the case, finding that the lender’s website was not a place of public accommodation covered by the ADA and that the law regulates access to lending services, not the terms of the loans offered.

The business owner appealed the ruling to the fictional U.S. Court of Appeals for the 15th Circuit, which regularly hears cases represented by 乱伦视频 Law students.

Members of the Class of 2027 comprised the largest group ever to compete in the spring event, with 58 teams appearing before volunteer judges that included local judges, attorneys, 乱伦视频 Law alumni, and law school faculty and staff.

All first-year students were introduced to the case in their Legal Method & Communication courses as the basis for graded oral arguments this spring. Each student presented two oral arguments, one for appellant and one for appellee, and was scored on preparation, speaking ability, argument structure and responses to judges鈥� questions.

Top 10 Oral Advocates in the 2026 competition (with ties)

• Gabrielle Brown Roycroft
• Aarya Deshmukh
• Zaria Hanchell
• Adelaide Anne Zahren
• Avery Vidt
• Michael Iafrato
• Grant Paramore
• Rachel Wilson
• Jacqueline Gardner (tie)
• David Bryant (tie)
• Megan Chen

鈥淭his competition was a reminder not to let fear of failure keep me from trying,” said Gabrielle Brown Roycroft L’27, from Salisbury, North Carolina, who is interested in family law, estate planning and civil litigation. She graduated from Catawba College with a degree in politics. “It鈥檚 worth it to push through the nerves and use them as fuel to perform your best. You can鈥檛 memorize your way through oral advocacy. You have to think on your feet and respond in the moment. When you鈥檝e done the work in advance, you can trust your preparation and focus on having a conversation with the judges.鈥�

Selections for membership on the Moot Court Board will be announced this summer before the board hosts the 17th Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition on Oct. 22-24. Moot Court Board members will also compete in a slate of national moot court competitions during the 2026-27 school year.

Vice Dean and Professor of Law Alan Woodlief, director of 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Moot Court Program, praised the Moot Court Board for its professionalism and hospitality in running the spring competition.

The annual event sees the 乱伦视频 Law community step up to provide an exceptional experience for first-year students. This year, 乱伦视频 Law was honored to host more than 50 volunteer attorneys and judges, including over 20 乱伦视频 Law alumni, as well as a current justice and former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court participate as judges.

鈥淢oot Court is a great experiential learning opportunity, and I was excited to see so many students take advantage of this experience to strengthen their advocacy skills,鈥� Woodlief said. 鈥淥ur Moot Court Board did an exceptional job coordinating the school鈥檚 largest-ever competition, and they could not have done it without the great support from our student body, faculty, and staff, as well as the many 乱伦视频 Law alumni, attorneys, and judges who contributed to the success of the competition.鈥�

Alumni judges reflect: 鈥業t helped me find my voice鈥�

The annual Intramural Moot Court Competition 鈥� along with the graded Legal Method and Communication Program鈥檚 graded oral arguments held the week before 鈥� is also a homecoming of sorts.

Alumni return to campus each spring to hear arguments, offer feedback and help first-year students develop the advocacy skills they will use throughout their careers. 聽They have clear memories of standing at the podium themselves and how meaningful it was to their development to receive feedback from legal professionals.

April Franklin L’25 said oral arguments helped her overcome her nerves and discover a passion for advocacy.

鈥淚t gave me confidence. It helped me find my voice that I didn’t know that I had,鈥� said Franklin, who is pursuing practice in wills and estates, health care or corporate law. 鈥溌衣资悠� gave me the support that I needed to progress in this career path, and I want to be able to give that same support to the next generation of 乱伦视频 Law students.”

Landon Eckard L’25, who will begin a federal judicial clerkship in Detroit this summer, said moot court taught him to think on his feet and respond to difficult questions from judges.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the most spontaneous kind of advocacy there is in the legal profession,鈥� Eckard said. 鈥淵ou can have a rough script before you get there, but one minute into the argument, that script goes out the window. It made me a better litigator and a better attorney.鈥�

Thomas Harvey L’22, a criminal defense attorney in nearby Rockingham County, North Carolina, pursued law as a second career. He returns because he remembers exactly what it felt like to stand at the podium as a student and believes the experience helps shape better advocates.

鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 that long ago that I was standing right where they are. Believe it or not, the judges are all rooting for you individually,鈥� Harvey said. 鈥淚t’s such a joy to come back and be a part of 乱伦视频 Law.鈥�

2026 Intramural Moot Court Competition student leadership

Overall Chairs of the Competition: Isabel Craige L鈥�26, Elizabeth Gregory L鈥�26, Sierra Watkins L鈥�26

Judge Recruitment and Coordination Chairs: Emma Farrell L鈥�26, James Galipeau L鈥�26, Cayla James L鈥�26, Bailey Langford L鈥�26, Renata Navarro L鈥�26

Bailiff Recruitment and Coordination Chairs: Madisyn Butler L鈥�26, Erin Carleton L鈥�26, Megan Eldredge L鈥�26, Cameron O鈥橬eil L鈥�26, Tyler Sesker L鈥�26

Scoring Committee Chairs: Brittany Balis-West L鈥�26, Jackie Rullman L鈥�26, Rebecca Vairin L鈥�26

LMC Oral Argument Coordination Chairs: Daulton Hadaway L鈥�26, Courtney Maxwell L鈥�26

Presiding over the ceremony were The Hon. Catherine C. Eagles of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, The Hon. Stephanie L. Reese of the North Carolina Superior Court and The Hon. Bill Davis of the North Carolina District Court. Graduates were presented to the court by sponsoring attorneys before being admitted to practice before the state bar, the federal bar or both.

鈥淭oday is the day you can represent people, represent clients and call yourself a lawyer,鈥� Eagles said during the Thursday, May 21, session. 鈥淚t鈥檚 your job to stand up for people and to stand up for the rule of law. It is your job to conduct yourself uprightly and according to law, and to look after our system of justice every day in everything that you do.鈥�

The ceremony was hosted by the 鈥檚 Young Lawyers Section, one of many held across North Carolina and the nation as members of 乱伦视频 Law鈥檚 Class of 2025 complete their legal studies after December graduations and successful performances on the February 2026 bar examinations. Dean of 乱伦视频 Law Zak Kramer delivered remarks welcoming new attorneys, calling the ceremony 鈥渢he culmination of years of work and sacrifice by our graduates and their families.鈥�

Jonathan M. Parisi, president of the Young Lawyers Section, encouraged newly licensed attorneys to engage in the legal profession and broader community as they begin their careers.

鈥淭his is not the end of your learning journey. It鈥檚 just the beginning,鈥� Parisi said. 鈥淪eek out mentors, get involved in your legal community, and find ways to serve.鈥�

Davis reminded them that their professional reputation will shape their careers.

鈥淵our reputation is your greatest tool and your greatest asset,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淏e thoughtful about how you interact with judges, lawyers, clients and court staff. Build a reputation that will serve you well and help you succeed.鈥�

Reese emphasized the responsibility attorneys assume when clients place their trust, livelihoods and futures in lawyers鈥� hands.

鈥淵ou鈥檝e shown incredible strength and character in making it to this point,鈥� Reese told the newly admitted attorneys. 鈥淧eople put their very lives in your hands. From today forward, you have that responsibility, and no one else can carry it for you. You are their voice. You are their guide and their strength in the storm.鈥�

Eagles also encouraged the graduates to pursue civic leadership beyond courtrooms and law offices.

鈥淟awyers are often the people making the nonlegal parts of our community work,鈥� Eagles said. 鈥淔ind your place where you can make a contribution beyond the courtroom and your office.鈥�

Presiding over the ceremonial court sessions were:

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

The Hon. Stephanie L. Reese of North Carolina Superior Court for the 24th District

The Hon. Bill Davis of North Carolina District Court for the 24th District

乱伦视频 Law graduates admitted to federal and state court

乱伦视频 law graduates seeking admission only to federal court

乱伦视频 Law graduates seeking admission only to state court

听尝’25

About 乱伦视频 Law

乱伦视频 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.

乱伦视频 Law has graduated more than 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 an A+ rating each year since 2023. 乱伦视频 Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 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 will enroll its third cohort in fall 2026.