Honors
Class rank and honors will be determined by the cumulative grade-point average. The Law School Registrar calculates class rank after all grades are received each term.
Degree Honors
The degree of Juris Doctor will be awarded with honors under the following circumstances:
Summa Cum Laude: Any student who graduates in the top two percent of the graduating class shall be designated as graduating summa cum laude. For example, a student who graduates ranked 2/105 is in the top 2% of the class (2/105 = 1.90%) and will receive the honor of summa cum laude. On the other hand, a student who graduates ranked 3/105 is in the top 3% of the class (3/105 = 2.86%) and will receive the honor of magna cum laude.
Magna Cum Laude: Any student who graduates between the top three percent and the top seven percent of the graduating class shall be designated as graduating magna cum laude. As explained above, a student graduating ranked 3/105 will received the honor of magna cum laude, as that ranking puts the student in the top 3% of the class. A student graduating 7/105 (=6.67%; top 7%) will also receive the honor of magna cum laude, whereas a student graduating ranked 8/105 (=7.62%; top 8%) will receive the honor of cum laude.
Cum Laude: Any student who graduates between the top eight percent and the top fifteen percent of the graduating class shall be designated as graduating cum laude. As an example, a student graduating ranked 8/105 will receive the honor of cum laude (8/105=7.62%, which is top 8% of the class). Likewise, a student graduating ranked 15/105 will receive the honor of cum laude (15/105 = 14.28%, which is top 15%), while a student graduating 16/105 will not (16/105=15.24%, which is top 16%).
The award of honors is determined exclusively by the final cumulative grade-point average.
Dean’s List
After each term (fall and spring trimesters for third-year students; each trimester for second- year students), the Dean will publish a “Dean’s List.” To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must be a full-time student and earn a semester/trimester grade point average that places the student in the top 15 percent of his or her class for courses taken during that term.
Awards Given by the Faculty and Administration
Gergen Leadership Award
Each year the members of the faculty at Elon Law select for recognition an individual from the graduating class whose activities represent the twin principles of leadership and professionalism. This award is named in honor of David Gergen, whose professional life and contributions have embodied the highest levels of selfless leadership and service. Gergen has served as adviser to four United States presidents. He is the Director of the Center for Public Leadership and Professor of Public Service at the Harvard Kennedy School, one of the country’s preeminent political commentators, and Chair of Elon’s Law School Advisory Board.
Distinguished Service Award
In the Spring of 2012, the Law School Faculty created the Distinguished Service Award to recognize a graduate student for service to the law school through engagement in and contributions to the life of the school and demonstrated commitment to its mission.
“Strongest Comprehensive Performance”
These awards are presented by the faculty for performance in required classes. The “Strongest Comprehensive Performance” award is given to the student that, in the opinion of the faculty member teaching the required course, has had the strongest performance in the course. This assessment is not limited to the highest grade – it can include participation, oral and written work, group work as well as final grade.
Additional Recognition/Awards
North Carolina Advocates for Justice Student Advocacy Award
This award recognizes a graduating student for demonstrated commitment to public service and excellence in trial and/or appellate advocacy skills.
ALI-CLE Award
This award is to recognize a graduate who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership, the qualities embodied by the parent organization, the American Law Institute.
American Bankruptcy Institute’s Medal for Excellence
This award is given by the American Bankruptcy Institute on behalf of its more than 5,000 members, to the student having demonstrated excellence in the study of bankruptcy law.
CLEA's Outstanding Student Award
(Clinical Legal Education Association) This award is for excellence in representing clients; excellence in the student’s course work, including exploring the legal, ethical, strategic and pertinent issues raised in representing clients; and the student’s overall contribution to the clinical community.
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award
This award recognizes a graduating student who demonstrates an overall ability in trial advocacy by high achievement in trial practice, evidence, and pleading and procedure courses.
Marshall-Thompson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Constitutional Law Studies
Created by Barron Thompson, a graduate of the Law School’s charter class, this award comes with a stipend and recognizes excellence in the study of Constitutional Law.
Michael L. Rich Memorial Award for Excellence in Criminal Law Studies
The Michael L. Rich Memorial Award for Excellence in Criminal Law Studies was created this year by Elon Law faculty to honor the memory of our friend and colleague, Professor Mike Rich, the Maurice Jennings Emerging Scholar and associate professor of law. Professor Rich died on December 7, 2016, and leaves an immeasurable legacy of teaching, scholarship, and mentorship. This award recognizes excellence in study of criminal law, his main area of scholarship.
National Association of Women Lawyers Recognition
This award goes to the graduate who has shown academic achievement, motivation, tenacity and drive, and who is likely in the future to contribute to the advancement of women in the society.
North Carolina Bar Association Pro Bono Recognition Awards
This award from the North Carolina Bar Association recognizes those members of the graduating class who have provided at least 75 hours of pro bono legal service to the community.
North Carolina State Bar Student Pro Bono Award
This award recognizes the public service rendered by one law student at each North Carolina law school and is presented annually at the October meeting of the NC State Bar.
Order of Barristers
The Law School established a chapter of this national organization in the spring of 2012 and, per the organization’s constitution, may select up to 10 members for induction each year. Membership in this national organization recognizes graduating law students who have excelled in moot court and mock trial activities.