Elon Law applies for ABA approval to launch a full-time J.D. program in Charlotte by 2027

Plan would add a second Charlotte-based path to Elon’s existing part-time law degree

Elon University School of Law is seeking American Bar Association approval to start a new, full-time Juris Doctor program in Charlotte, with the first class planned for fall 2027. The proposal would expand Elon Law’s footprint in North Carolina’s largest city beyond its current part-time Flex Program, which began in 2024 and is based at the university’s Charlotte Center in South End.

Under the plan, the new Charlotte program would be a full-time, accelerated J.D. designed to be completed in roughly two and a half years. Elon officials have said the curriculum would mirror the model already used in Greensboro, emphasizing experiential learning and a structured “residency-in-practice” component in the second year with attorneys or judges.

Location tied to Queens University campus as merger discussions continue

Elon has indicated that beginning in fall 2027 it intends to operate its Charlotte law programs from the Queens University of Charlotte campus, either as part of a proposed institutional merger or through a lease arrangement if a merger is not completed by then. The campus location discussed publicly is in the Myers Park area.

The expansion would place a new full-time law program back in Charlotte a decade after the for-profit Charlotte School of Law closed in 2017 following accreditation and licensing issues. Since then, Charlotte-area students seeking a full-time, in-person J.D. have typically attended programs outside the city or pursued alternative formats.

Enrollment targets, admissions timeline, and accreditation constraints

Elon has said it expects the initial cohort for the full-time Charlotte program to be about 75 students. Applications are expected to open in 2026, but admissions offers would not be made until the ABA grants the necessary approval to proceed.

Elon Law already offers:

• a full-time J.D. program in Greensboro;
• a part-time Flex J.D. program in Charlotte, built for working and place-bound students.

What changes for the legal education landscape in Charlotte

The proposed program would add a second, locally delivered route to a J.D. for Charlotte-area residents and could increase the supply of law students training within the city’s court systems, firms, public agencies and nonprofit legal organizations. University leaders have described the intent as building deeper ties with Charlotte’s legal community, while maintaining a presence in both Charlotte and Greensboro.

Key dates announced so far: applications planned for 2026; first full-time Charlotte class targeted for fall 2027, subject to ABA approval.

The next major milestone is the ABA’s decision process, which will determine whether Elon can enroll and admit students for the proposed program on the intended schedule.