North Carolina Central University School of Law welcomed 148 first-year students to the Legal Eagle family this fall through its 1L orientation and Flight School program.
The incoming class includes 132 students enrolled in the day program and 16 in the evening program. There are 99 women and 49 men.
The class reflects the broad range of backgrounds represented. Of the 148 incoming students, 88 identify as Black, 33 as white, 14 as Hispanic or Latino, six as Asian and two as Native American, with five students not reporting race or ethnicity.
Before beginning classes, students participated in Flight School, a two-week program that introduces first-year students to foundational skills and strategies for succeeding in law school. Sessions covered legal analysis, case briefing, statutory interpretation, legal writing, issue spotting and exam preparation, along with time management and effective study strategies.
The program also gave incoming students opportunities to learn from NCCU Law faculty, administrators, alumni and current students while becoming familiar with the expectations and culture of the law school.
Flight School culminated on Aug. 13 with the First-Year Student Pinning Ceremony, a symbolic moment connecting those beginning their legal education with generations of Legal Eagles who came before them.
For several members of the incoming class, that connection was personal. Jori Wilks was pinned by her parents, Judge Brian Wilks ’96 and attorney Lisa Wilks ’96, who attended NCCU Law together.
“I take great pride in calling myself a double legacy,” said Jori Wilks. “Knowing that this institution shaped a lot of the people I know and cherish today, NCCU was my only choice when I decided to chart my own path for law school.”
Becoming a lawyer, however, was not always part of her plan. Growing up as the daughter of two attorneys, Jori Wilks initially resisted pursuing law because she wanted to establish an identity and career path of her own.
Her perspective changed during her time as a student-athlete, when an experience advocating for herself and her teammates helped her recognize a passion for advocacy. It also showed her the importance of understanding how policies and procedures can be used to effect change.
Although she initially worried that pursuing law might be viewed as simply following in her parents’ footsteps, Wilks said her parents reminded her that she could build upon their example without duplicating their careers.
“I was reminded by them that I am the author of my own story,” she said.
Wilks was one of several first-year students pinned by family members who are NCCU Law alumni. Xavier Crump was pinned by his parents, attorneys Jason Crump ’97 and Avery Crump ’97; Grant Emory by his father, attorney Randy Emory ’89; Nicholas Harvey III by his grandfather, attorney Nicholas Harvey Sr. ’81; and Trevin Wilson by his brother, Trevor Wilson ’26.
J. Chad Perry ’07, chief special counsel with the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services, delivered remarks during the ceremony, and Monica Burnette ’09, an assistant district attorney in Durham County, administered the professionalism oath.
The ceremony also marked a first for Dean Joseph Karl Grant. Student Bar Association President Bakari Jackson pinned Grant as he begins his first academic year leading NCCU School of Law.
With their pins in place and Flight School behind them, NCCU Law’s newest Legal Eagles are prepared to carry forward the law school’s tradition of excellence and service.