Charleston School of Law and City of Charleston Finalize Agreement on Woolfe Street Property

Charleston School of Law and the City of Charleston have officially finalized an agreement regarding the sale of the property at the corner of Meeting and Woolfe Streets in the heart of downtown Charleston. The Charleston City Council approved the agreement during its October meeting, with Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr. signing off on the settlement agreement, which finalizes the litigation between the parties. 

“The finalized agreement reflects a strong and enduring partnership between the School of Law and the City — a relationship rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Charleston’s growth and future,” according to Bill Craver, the School’s attorney.

“This is an important step forward for both Charleston School of Law and the City,” said J. Edward Bell III, President Emeritus and Chairman of the Board at Charleston School of Law. “We want to thank the City and members of the City Council for working closely with us to reach this resolution. The City has been a trusted partner since the school’s founding in 2003. This settlement opens the door for us to explore a long-term home on the peninsula, and we welcome the City’s continued involvement as we shape that vision.”

With the agreement in place, Charleston School of Law will begin developing plans, within the peninsula, for a permanent campus location that serves its students, faculty, alumni, and the greater Charleston community. As one of the City’s academic and civic pillars, the School continues to distinguish itself through exceptional teaching, service, and student achievement.

Charleston School of Law has consistently earned Top 10 national rankings from The Princeton Review in categories such as “Faculty Accessibility” and “Quality of Teaching,” demonstrating the school’s dedication to student-centered education. Its commitment to community service is equally strong — Charleston Law students have contributed more than 313,000 hours of pro bono service across South Carolina since the School’s founding.

Charleston Law students have also made a name for themselves nationally in trial advocacy competitions, earning recognition as semifinalists and finalists in prestigious events — further underscoring the school’s emphasis on excellence and practical training.

This agreement follows a series of transformative milestones for the institution, including its transition to 501(c)(3) status in 2024.  Looking ahead, Charleston School of Law remains firmly rooted in its mission: to serve its students, as well as the legal profession and the broader Charleston region, through accessible legal education, community engagement, and public service.