Mark Martin, Founding Dean of the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law at High Point University, celebrated the school’s successful first year as North Carolina’s newest law school. In a recent interview with the North Carolina Bar Association, Martin (former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina) reflected on the law school’s milestones since welcoming its inaugural class in 2024 and on the strong partnerships developed across the state’s legal community.
One of the year’s highlights was the dedication of the new 77,500-square-foot law school building, which includes a 120-seat courtroom, two smaller trial courtrooms, and a 13,000-square-foot library. The September dedication drew judges, members of the North Carolina Bar, and university leaders, including President Nido Qubein, to celebrate the facility’s completion.
Martin noted that the school’s commitment to professionalism, civility, and practical skills training has become central to its culture. The curriculum includes accelerated “practica” courses each year. First-year students complete an Access to Justice module taught by former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice and ALI Council Member Nathan Hecht, second-year students undertake mandatory trial advocacy, and third-year students complete a professional leadership practicum.
Martin also emphasized the school’s guaranteed internship program, under which every student secured a placement during the inaugural year—including 32 judicial internships. The law school has since expanded its clinical offerings, adding a Community Law Clinic, a Veterans Law Clinic, and an Appellate Advocacy Clinic, the latter of which has already filed multiple matters in the Supreme Court of the United States.
Looking ahead, Martin said the Kahn School of Law remains focused on enhancing bar-exam preparation, developing new externship opportunities, and building upon the enthusiasm of its growing student body. “Our inaugural year has been a remarkable success,” he said. “We are excited to see our students become the first graduates of High Point University’s law school in May 2027.”