UNC School of Law welcomed Professor Tracey Banks to its faculty at the beginning of the academic year. She teaches in the Research, Reasoning, Writing, and Analysis program. Her passion, breadth of experience, and commitment to empowering students has already enriched the Carolina Law community.
Banks developed a drive to create change early on. After growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, she headed west to study economics at Stanford University. She worked in the nonprofit sector after graduating, drawn to making an impact through organizations like the Urban Coalition and United Way. When Banks later relocated to North Carolina, she decided to pursue law to open up new career opportunities. After earning her J.D. at Duke Law, where she focused on real estate, Banks briefly practiced law at Brooks Pierce before going in-house as counsel for Jefferson Pilot Financial.
But a call from a fellow summer clerk changed the course of her career. When recruited to become the new director of Wake Forest School of Law’s legal writing program, she discovered her true calling in legal education. As Banks explains, “Being in a classroom teaching students, getting to be there when the light goes off, or when they figure out the direction they want to take their career – that’s what I love.”
At Wake Forest, Banks taught a wide range of courses and served in vital roles including assistant dean for academic engagement and president of the University Faculty Senate. She began by teaching legal writing and analysis, foundational skills from her perspective. She also taught specialized courses like Secured Transactions, using her gift for breaking down complex topics into understandable components. As she explains, “If you slow it down and break it down, students gain confidence to pull concepts apart, understand them, and explain them to somebody else.” Banks contributed broadly at Wake Forest, displaying unwavering dedication to students and the institution. While flourishing there, she felt ready for new growth opportunities, leading her to Chapel Hill.
In considering a move, Banks was drawn to Carolina Law’s demonstrated values and commitment to developing ethical, compassionate lawyers. Aside from Banks’ mother growing up in the Chapel Hill area, she also had another positive personal connection to the University. Her late grandfather, a high school basketball coach in North Carolina, had developed a meaningful friendship with legendary UNC men’s basketball Coach Dean Smith. When her grandfather passed away, the first flowers the family received were from Coach Smith, highlighting the tradition of community at UNC. For Banks, these family bonds framed Carolina as a welcoming place to grow by joining the law school faculty.
In her new role, Banks is thrilled to focus on teaching and engaging students. She aims to nurture an inclusive environment where students feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Her philosophy centers on embracing one’s humanity and values alongside their legal identity. As she explains, “You get to be yourself and layer lawyer on top of that person. And you’ll be good.”
Outside of class, Banks is eager to learn from and contribute to Carolina Law’s student groups and broader community. She currently serves on the Committee on Inclusion and Community, connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and seeking opportunities to promote an inclusive environment. Banks humbly reflects, “I’m trying to look and listen for now, assuming I don’t know anything.” Banks is eager to guide students toward realizing their full potential, helping them find the right career path for their skills and interests.
Her commitment to uplifting others comes through in everything she does. When asked what motivates her, she shares a simple yet profound belief – that people thrive when they feel supported. As Banks explains, “You really thrive when you’re in a place where these are your people. They’ve got your back so you can take risks.” This unwavering student focus drives her approach.
While unsure what lies ahead in this new chapter, her journey thus far shows she still has much to contribute to the Carolina Law community.
