Southern University Law Center

Southern University Law Center (SULC) stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and a commitment to justice, offering a rich educational experience rooted in its groundbreaking history. As one of only two public law schools in Louisiana, SULC holds a unique and vital position in the state's legal landscape. Its legacy is not just academic, but deeply intertwined with the fight for civil rights and equal opportunity, making it an inspiring choice for future legal professionals.

The genesis of SULC is a pivotal moment in American history. In 1946, when African-American veteran Charles J. Hatfield, III, was denied admission to the state's sole law school due to segregation, his subsequent lawsuit spurred the State Board of Education to action. In a landmark decision on January 10, 1947, they resolved to establish a dedicated law school for African-American students at Southern University, opening its doors in September of that year. This act of founding ensured that aspiring Black legal minds in Louisiana finally had access to higher legal education within their home state.

From its inception, the Southern University Law School, as it was initially known, played a crucial role. Its first dean, Aguinaldo Alfonso Lenoir, Sr., laid the foundational principles that would guide generations of students. Over time, the institution evolved, and after 38 years of dedicated service, it was re-designated as the Southern University Law Center by the Southern University Board of Supervisors, reflecting its expanded scope and impact. The building that houses the Law Center proudly bears the name A.A. Lenoir Hall, honoring its visionary first dean, and civil rights attorney Louis Berry also served as dean from 1972 to 1974.

Today, students at SULC become part of a powerful legacy, training in an institution born from the pursuit of equity. They join a community dedicated to upholding the principles of justice that defined its founding. For prospective students and families, SULC offers not just a law degree, but an opportunity to contribute to and draw inspiration from a history of breaking barriers and shaping the legal profession for the better.