Campbell Law welcomes milestone 50th entering class
The first-year law students entering the 2025 academic year at Campbell Law School represent a major milestone for the law school — they make up the 50th entering class, according to Dean J. Rich Leonard. It’s also the most diverse class in the law school’s history, with 25 percent of its members identifying as students of color. “Twelve years ago I walked away from a federal judgeship to come here to be the dean,” he said during the final day of Orientation on Friday, Aug. 15. “I did it because I believe in this school, I believe in the faculty, its mission, the training we give and I believe in the enormous impact we are having in our state, our region and our country…this school is a collection of great teachers. We write, we perform public service, we’re involved in the community, but first and foremost, we teach. You will be exposed to a level of pedagogy that you have never experienced before. Equally devoted to you are the staff of this school. You will find here a collection of men and women who work tirelessly to make this school the best experience for all of you that it can possibly be.” Learn more at this link.
Hutchens Business Law Clinic officially launches in downtown Raleigh
Campbell Law officially launched the Hutchens Business Law Clinic with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 7 at Raleigh Founded North. Thanks to a very generous donation from the Hutchens Law Firm in Fayetteville, Campbell Law has revived its Business Law Clinic this fall semester under the direction of Benji Jones, who initially started the Business Law Clinic with her former partner and their law firm Innovate Capital in 2019. The Hutchens Business Law Clinic – in partnership with incubator Raleigh Founded – works with clients across the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to help them solve real-world business and legal problems. The clinic is located at 509 West North St. in downtown Raleigh. Learn more at this link.
Spots still open for Campbell Law Advanced CLE course on Expert Testimony in October
Campbell Law will offer an intensive three-day Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course on the effective use of expert witnesses before and during a trial on Oct. 8-10, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. The comprehensive program offers attorneys a unique opportunity to develop and refine their skills in working with expert witnesses through both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical exercises, says Professor Chris Cox, director of Campbell Law’s Advocacy Program. The course is designed to provide attorneys with real-world experience in consulting with actual experts and conducting direct and cross-examinations in a realistic trial setting, Cox said. Participants will engage in a complex mock case involving a fatality in an automobile collision, working directly with practicing experts to understand the nuances of expert testimony from both preparation and presentation perspectives. This practical approach ensures that attendees immediately gain applicable skills that can enhance their trial advocacy. Register at this link.
You're invited to join the 2025 Presidential Welcome Tour
Come enjoy a series of special evenings with Campbell University President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs. These relaxed receptions will include the opportunity to enjoy fellowship, food and the chance to hear firsthand about the vision for our university’s future. We hope you'll join us and be part of the conversation! There will be six events with the first kicking off in Charlotte on Sept. 16 and the last wrapping up in Wilmington on Nov. 6 with visits to Winston-Salem on Sept. 23, the Raleigh Campus on Oct. 2, Hampton, Virginia, on Oct. 11, Fayetteville on Oct. 22 and Buies Creek on Oct. 28. The events are free and open to all Campbell alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. Pre-registration is required. Register at this link.
Join Special Olympics North Carolina at Pendo in Raleigh for 'Over The Edge 2025'
Are you ready to go over the edge for a good cause? Several Campbell Law alumni are willing to sponsor FIVE current law students who aren't afraid of heights to participate in this year's "Over the Edge" challenge fundraiser for Special Olympics North Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Pendo building next door. Charles Brittain '96, who currently serves as Public Guardian for Cumberland County, and Billy Richardson '80, for whom the Richardson Family Education Law Clinic, have agreed to donate the full $1,000 fundraising minimum to sponsor a student to "Go Over the Edge" as our very own Professor Jon Powell '98 (pictured) did a few years ago in honor of his brother who he describes as "a special needs kid who had a profound impact on shaping my life." If you are interested, please reach out to Walker Brittain at wbrittain@sonc.net.
Associate Registrar Vanessa Jackson receives first Cherished Camel Award
Vanessa Jackson, the associate registrar for Campbell Law, was the recipient of the first Cherished Camel Award in August, recognizing her contributions to the school since joining in 2022. Jackson was surprised while on main campus recently — she is currently working toward a doctorate with the Divinity School — by President William Downs, classmates, Gladys the Camel and Law School Registrar Connie Shipman Newsome, who nominated her for the award. “Vanessa has been a Godsend to the law school since joining on the first day of classes back in 2022,” Newsome said. “She strives toward continuous process improvements … and I’ve just always admired her drive and her initiative.” The Cherished Camel Award is an early initiative by Downs, who became Campbell University’s sixth president on July 1. The award is designed to regularly recognize “exceptional performance” by Campbell staff and to “promote excellence and provide visible university-wide appreciation of employees who demonstrate daily dedication, initiative and productivity.” Learn more at this link.
It's not too late to sign up for Campbell Law Alumni Association's 'Connecting with Campbell Law' CLEs
In honor of the Campbell Law Alumni Association‘s 10th anniversary, the Association will host 10 additional hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) throughout the state during 2025 in addition to its six-hour annual CLE in October, Assistant Dean of External Relations Megan Sherron ‘10 has announced. Alumni Association members can attend the CLEs for FREE and non-members and guests pay $50 each (with the exception of the annual CLE in October). Current students, faculty and staff can also attend for free but must register in advance. The next one will be held in-person on Sept. 25 at Leo's Italian Social, 4720 Piedmont Row Dr. #150, in Charlotte from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. We will start with the two-hour CLE followed by a one-hour reception for socializing. This presentation will offer two general credits (pending N.C. State Bar approval). Amanda Demopoulos, Deputy General Counsel - Duke Energy; Chris Craft, Wells Fargo; Tripp Griffin, Chief Compliance Officer, Healthgram; and Julie Mueller, Novolex will discuss "Exploring Different Career Paths after Law School" (general credit). Jennifer Staples of Littler Mendelson P.C. will provide an Employment Law Update (general credit). Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law Spotlights
Ken Hammer joins School of Law as visiting professor for academic year
Kenneth B. Hammer has joined Campbell Law as a visiting professor for the 2025-26 academic year, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. Hammer, who has been an adjunct professor at Campbell Law for 15 years and has also taught as an adjunct at the University of North Carolina law school, will teach 1L Contracts Law and Copyright Law. He has been named Campbell Law Adjunct Professor of the Year three times. Hammer retired earlier this year from his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, a leader in retail store technologies in more than 40 countries. Learn more at this link.
Elizabeth 'Brooks' Savage '19 earns NCBA's Young Lawyer Pro Bono Service Award 2025
Campbell Law School alumna Elizabeth (Brooks) Savage ’19, who served as the student-led Pro Bono Council’s director as a law student, is the 2025 recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Pro Bono Service Award. “One act of service (no matter how small you self-perceive it to be) can make the world of difference for a disaster survivor who needs trusted counsel after experiencing such severe loss,” Savage was quoted as saying in an article on the NCBA website about Disaster Legal Services recovery efforts following 2024’s Hurricane Helene. She currently practices workers compensation and construction litigation as an associate attorney with Willson Jones Carter & Baxley, P.A. in Raleigh. Learn more at this link.
Erica Howard ’26 shares her study abroad experiences with her Campbell Law family
When I was first accepted into Campbell Law, Assistant Dean of Admissions Miguel Hernandez welcomed me with the words, “Campbell Law is a family.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of that statement. Today, after having had the privilege to study abroad twice with my classmates, faculty and deans, I can say with certainty: Campbell Law truly is a family. I have been blessed to take part in two study abroad experiences—first in Nottingham, England, and more recently in St. Andrews, Scotland. Both opportunities not only expanded my education but also deepened the bonds within our Campbell Law community. Learn more at this link.
Alumni News and Class Notes now available online
Did you get married, have a baby, get a promotion, get elected, retire or experience any other exciting life change? We want to hear about it! Submit your alumni note for inclusion in our newly published online Alumni News and Class Notes at this link. Send your updates to Coordinator of External Events Sharon Sparks at ssparks@campbell.edu or Director of Communications and Marketing Lisa Snedeker at lsnedeker@campbell.edu.
SAVE THE DATE
- Veterans Legal Clinic Opening September 4
- Campbell University Football vs. ECU Alumni Tailgate September 6
- Alumni Association Charlotte CLE September 25
- Presidential Tour at Raleigh Campus October 2
- Campbell University Football vs. N.C. State University October 4
- Campbell Law Advanced CLE on Expert Testimony October 8-10
- Alumni Association Swearing-In Ceremony October 10
- Alumni Association Annual CLE October 24
Check out Campbell Law swag
Looking for Campbell Law apparel? Our Campbell Law brand shop is ready and open for business! All orders are made on demand and ship in approximately 15 days. We have T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, tumblers, coasters and more! Click here to shop.
Are you a Campbell Law judge?
If you or anyone you know is a Campbell Law alumna/nus and also a current or past judge, we are expanding our "Judges of Campbell Law" wall we unveiled in 2021! The exhibit honors alumni who have served on a variety of judicial benches. Read more at this link. Please contact Coordinator of External Relations Sharon Sparks at ssparks@campbell.edu or call 919-865-4652 for more information.