The Charleston School of Law Takes a Giant Leap Forward!
Charleston, SC – In a remarkable turn of events, the Charleston School of Law has officially transitioned from a for-profit institution to a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity! This exciting change marks a significant milestone for the school, which has been serving the community for nearly two decades. Having made the switch on December 3, 2024, the Charleston School of Law is set to embark on a new chapter that promises to up the ante not just for its students but for the entire local community as well.
A Dream Come True
The transition to non-profit status didn’t happen overnight. The Charleston School of Law filed an application last October with the American Bar Association (ABA), seeking approval to make the transition. According to a recent news release, this step was necessary since any significant changes at accredited law schools require the ABA’s green light. President Emeritus and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, J. Edward Bell III, has been a driving force behind this change since he took office in 2015, stating, “Changing from for-profit to 501(c)(3) status has been my goal since the beginning.”
Bell emphasized that this transformation will open new avenues for growth and innovation, building upon the school’s successes over the last nine years. “We have grown our reputation nationally, and Charleston Law will continue to make tremendous progress to the betterment of our students and community,” he noted enthusiastically.
Celebrating Milestones
This year isn’t just about the non-profit status; it also marks the 20th anniversary of the Charleston School of Law’s establishment. Interim Dean Jonathan A. Marcantel shared his excitement as well, stating, “In addition to celebrating our twentieth year, we are now celebrating the long-awaited dream of converting to a 501(c)(3).” It’s a beautiful convergence of history and future, and the atmosphere at the school is charged with optimism!
New Beginnings
As part of this switch in status, the Charleston School of Law has unveiled a newly elected Board of Trustees, which aims to play an essential role in guiding the school’s future. Additionally, Hal Cobb (’12), who had previously served as the Chairman of the Charleston School of Law Foundation, has been named the interim president. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a pivotal moment in the school’s journey. “It is a tremendous honor to serve the Law School in this interim capacity,” Cobb said.
His enthusiasm about the school’s growth is palpable, as he views this new chapter as an exciting opportunity to enhance alumni engagement and bolster fundraising efforts. This is key for supporting student success, not to mention facility enhancements that will serve the future generations of lawyers.
A Bright Future Ahead
For current students at the Charleston School of Law, this shift in status means even more opportunities for scholarships, grants, and a greater emphasis on community engagement. The anticipation of what lies ahead is electrifying, and students can look forward to an enriched academic experience.
As the Charleston School of Law steps boldly into its new role as a non-profit institution, it also signifies a commitment to empowering future legal minds with a rounded, community-focused education. And let’s not forget: this change is not just about the school itself but about the community it serves, paving the way for a generation of impactful attorneys ready to make a difference.
Stay tuned as we watch this transformative journey unfold – it’s going to be exciting!
