Dear Friends,
The seasons are beginning to shift here in Chapel Hill, bringing familiar sights to our campus. In a few weeks students and faculty will gather among the dogwoods and azaleas underneath legendary Carolina blue skies. Spring brings a welcome sense of renewal and optimism. We hope for a successful close to the academic year and relish the excitement of the class of 2025 as they prepare for commencement, the bar examination, and lives as members of a noble profession.
Since the publication of our last Carolina Law Magazine, Western North Carolina fell prey to the wrath of a one in 100-year flood. Our western neighbors met its trials with extraordinary resilience, generosity, and community. Members of the Carolina Law community stepped forward to serve our fellow citizens in ways that make us proud.
The future of the law school is brighter than ever. We’re living through a remarkable chapter in the school’s history. Our current students are the most accomplished we’ve ever welcomed, joining a distinguished network of more than 11,000 alumni who lead and serve in communities throughout North Carolina and beyond. In 2024 we achieved the school’s highest-ever U.S. News & World Report ranking, at number 20 out of 200 American law schools. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of the entire Carolina Law family – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – to bettering the state’s oldest graduate and professional school.
This issue of Carolina Law Magazine is more than a collection of stories. It’s a testament to the strength, innovation, and generosity of our community. You’ll read about alumni leaders and student volunteers who came together to support neighbors after Hurricane Helene, faculty whose research shapes the legal landscape, and alumni whose unwavering support propels our mission forward.
As you read, I hope you take pride, as I do, in the impact of our community. Together, we carry forward a proud tradition of scholarship, service, and pursuit of excellence.
Sincerely,
Martin H. Brinkley ’92
Dean and William Rand Kenan Jr.
Distinguished Professor of Law