36 graduate in December from law school

Three dozen students received their law degrees Dec. 13 in the Charleston School of Law's largest December ceremony to date.

"In three short years, this graduating class has already had a profound impact on the lives of others and on the life of this law school," Dean Andy Abrams said.  "Through their efforts and those of their predecessors, the Charleston School of Law has now contributed over 100,000 hours of free legal services to their community.

"We have never been more proud of a group of students, and their compassion for others and commitment to use the law as a instrument for positive social change bodes well for their future and the future of the communities they will serve."

Among the 36 graduates were nine students who gave more than 100 hours of pro bono service.  The school is one of the few in the country to require volunteer service as a graduation requirement.  Thirty hours of giving back to the community is required.

Eight students also graduated with honors:  six received cum laude academic honors; two graduated magna cum laude.

The school's spring graduation is scheduled for May 15, 2010.