Project
Law Center
Introduction to the Law Center
The Law Center at Southern University is a public law school in Baton Rouge. The Law Center offers full-time, part-time, and evening programs. The Law Center is accredited by the American Bar Association and Louisiana Supreme Court. Located in the A. A. Lenoir Hall, the Law Center’s program is designed to ensure that students graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of civil law and common law.
Degree Programs
- GRADUATE - Juris Doctors Degree
- DUAL DEGREE - Juris Doctor/Masters of Public Administration (JD/MPA) and Juris Doctor/Masters of Business Administration (JD/MBA)
- CERTIFICATIONS - Public Law and Tax Law
Founded in 1947 to provide legal education for African-American students, the Law Center has been an important part of Louisiana legal education. The national demand for Southern’s graduates and the demand for students to achieve law degrees is growing dramatically. The Center will be expanded to accommodate its growing student body, improve learning opportunities, and provide enhanced student amenities. The project will enhance the center and be a magnet to attract top students.
Improvements and expansion of the Law Center’s A.A. Lenoir building include:
- Improved and expanded classroom areas
- A new auditorium
- Improved building systems and infrastructure
- Faculty offices and lounges
- Reading rooms and common areas
| A.A. Lenoir Addition | 59,400 sf |
| Number of Stories | 1-4 |
| Building Height | 18-55’ |
| Parking Garage | 165,000 sf |
| Car Capacity | 650 |
| Retail (in Garage) | 25,000 sf |
| Parking Garage Total | 190,000 sf |
| Number of Stories | 5 |
| Building Height | 45’ |
| Site / Landscaping | 35,000 sf |
Cost Estimate
| IMPROVEMENT | COST | SECURED | NEEDED | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.A. Lenoir Expansion | $23,000,000 | |||
| A.A. Lenoir Renovation | $10,000,000 | |||
| Parking Garage | $15,000,000 | $11,075,000 | $650,000 is secured; $10,425,000 is identified as future project (P5) in Capital Outlay. If additional funding is secured, the project will be accelerated. | |
| Retail (in Garage) | $1,200,000 | |||
| Site / Landscaping | $1,800,000 | |||
| Soft Cost | $5,400,000 | |||
| TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS | $56,400,000 | $11,075,000 | $45,325,000 | |
| Endowment Programming | $8,500,000 | $2,119,342 | $6,380,658 | |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $64,900,000 | $13,194,342 | $51,705,658 |
“The Southern University Law Center is undertaking renovations of A.A. Lenoir Hall to further enhance the educational and work environment for our campus community. Our goal is to revive and transform our campus, creating spaces that foster active learning, engagement, and collaboration. These improvements represent an investment in the future of our next generation of lawyer leaders.”
ALVIN WASHINGTON
“I chose to attend Southern University Law Center because it is known for its quality education and its track record of producing real leaders in the legal field. My next step is a federal judicial clerkship with Chief Judge Debra Brown in the Northern District of Mississippi this fall. I believe this is a phenomenal opportunity to engage with others and to hone my skills. Donor contributions to Southern can enrich the student experience and provide opportunities that reach beyond the classroom.”
CHAREE WOODARD, ‘24
- Juris Doctor Degree
- Homestate: Mississippi
- Editor-in-Chief
- Southern University Law Review, Vol. 51
- Student Attorney
- Bankruptcy Clinic Student Attorney
- Grade Appeals Board Member