The University of South Carolina School of Law recently launched a number of new programs and initiatives. One of the programs is a 4+3 Direct Admission Program. This program allows Portland State University students to receive an undergraduate degree from PSU and an advanced degree from Willamette Law.
In addition, the School of Law recently added new faculty members. Professors Elizabeth Chamblis and Clyde “Bennett” Gore Jr. have been named to endowed chairs. They are joined by Professor Robin Morris Collin, who will lead the university’s environmental justice efforts. She will also help to lead a new initiative to address communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
In addition to the new faculty members, the university is also launching a new program, the Health Law Certificate, which prepares law students for the ever-changing health care issues that they will face in the future. It is the sixth certificate added to the College of Law’s curriculum.
The law school also announced the Signature Strengths Initiative. As part of Willamette Law’s historic progressive approach to legal education, this initiative will allow students to explore their strengths and learn about ways to apply them in a career in law. Through these programs, the university hopes to encourage students to develop the skills necessary to lead in the world.
Additionally, the School of Law will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. To celebrate this milestone, the school has launched a new scholarship to help domestic violence victims in South Carolina. Another new initiative is the Rule of Law Collaborative, which will support research in post-conflict countries.
At the same time, the School of Law will also be celebrating the opening of its new home. It includes grand architecture and state-of-the-art technology. A dedication ceremony will be held on May 17 with a keynote speech from Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S., Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Another new initiative involves the School of Law’s Lawyers & Leadership course, which is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the legal industry. Students will work with local teachers and mentors to support them in their careers.
The School of Law also launched the Veterans Legal Clinic, which will open July 2 and provide free legal assistance to low-income veterans. There are also several new courses available this semester, including a course on Fourth Circuit Practice taught by Judge Shedd. Also, the library will be closing for a short period as it moves from its current location to the School of Law’s new building.
Finally, the School of Law is partnering with Virgin Hyperloop One to work on a project that will connect residents in South Carolina to a new high-speed transportation network. Professor Elizabeth Chamblis will be one of the faculty members teaching a class on the project, which will explore the legal and policy issues surrounding the initiative.
With these new developments, the University of South Carolina School of Law is looking forward to the future. In fact, the school is planning to add five more endowed faculty positions over the next few years.