Law Center News
Southern University Law Center and Southern University at New Orleans Sign Agreement to Establish 3+3 Accelerated Law Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2026
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I’Tyonnie Jackson, Director of Communications and External Affairs at SULC
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Darren Smith, Director of Communications at SUNO
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Southern University Law Center and Southern University at New Orleans Sign Agreement to Establish 3+3 Accelerated Law Program
New Orleans, La. —Southern University Law Center (SULC) and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) signed a memorandum of understanding today establishing a 3+3 Accelerated Law Program designed to create a structured route for SUNO students interested in pursuing legal education.
The agreement formalizes a collaboration between the two historically Black institutions within the Southern University System to expand access to law school preparation, academic advising, pre-law programming, and professional opportunities for students pursuing careers in law, public service, policy, advocacy, and related fields.
Through the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program, eligible SUNO students will be able to complete undergraduate preparation while working toward a streamlined transition to Southern University Law Center. The program is designed to help students identify their interest in law earlier, receive coordinated advising, and move more efficiently from undergraduate study into professional legal training.
"This partnership represents our shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and creating clear pathways to professional success for students," said Alvin Washington, chancellor of the Southern University Law Center. "As two institutions within the Southern University System, SUNO and the SULC are uniquely positioned to collaborate in ways that strengthen student success and advance the System’s mission of educational excellence.”
Under the agreement, Southern University Law Center will provide academic advising and support to undergraduate students interested in the 3+3 pathway, collaborate on curriculum alignment, offer guest lectures, pre-law programming, and campus visits, and designate a point of contact for coordination and student support. Southern University Law Center will also guarantee admission to qualified students who meet the program’s admissions criteria.
Southern University at New Orleans will identify and advise students interested in the 3+3 pathway, align undergraduate curriculum to fulfill Southern University Law Center’s admissions prerequisites within three years, designate a faculty advisor to oversee student progress, promote the program through advising, outreach, and marketing, and share relevant academic data in accordance with applicable laws.
“This partnership between Southern University at New Orleans and the Southern University Law Center represents a transformative investment in the future of our students and our state. By creating a streamlined pathway to both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years, we are expanding access to legal education while removing financial and structural barriers that have historically prevented many talented students from pursuing careers in law. said Dr, Joseph Bouie, Jr., Chancellor of Southern University at New Orleans. Together, we are strengthening the pipeline of future attorneys who will advocate for justice, serve their communities, and lead Louisiana with integrity and purpose.”
The partnership strengthens the academic bridge between SUNO and SULC while supporting both institutions’ commitment to expanding access, advancing student success, and preparing graduates for a legal career.
The agreement comes as SULC continues to build partnerships that support academic progression and workforce preparation. By creating a more intentional route to legal education, the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program will help students better understand the academic expectations, professional opportunities, and career possibilities connected to law and public service.
The memorandum of understanding became effective upon signing and will remain in effect for up to three years, with annual review by both institutions.
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About Southern University Law Center
Established in 1947, the Southern University Law Center is a progressive, innovative institution that provides access and opportunity to a diverse group of students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to obtain a high-quality legal education with training in both civil and common law. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Law Center is one of five institutions comprising the Southern University System – the only HBCU system in the nation. The institution is nationally recognized for its diversity, racial justice initiatives, and community outreach efforts.
About Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), founded in 1956, is a public historically black university committed to providing quality educational opportunities for the diverse populations of the Greater New Orleans region. As part of the Southern University System, SUNO offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional success.
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