(l-r) Akim Anastopoulo, Charleston Law President Constance Anastopoulo, Craig Conover (’14), owner of Sewing Down South, and Codi McIntyre, owner of Le James and Managing Partner of Cheers in Charleston.

Charleston School of Law hosted its inaugural President’s Formal on Friday evening, December 5, 2025, at the home of Law School President Constance and Akim Anastopoulo. The event celebrated more than two decades of growth and accomplishments at the institution.

More than 120 guests attended, including judges, attorneys, and civic and community leaders from across South Carolina. Judge Michael Duffy, a member of the Board of Trustees, welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude for being part of an institution that has remained committed to student success for over 20 years. He also introduced President Anastopoulo, commending her for accepting the role after serving more than 17 years on the faculty.

President Anastopoulo highlighted notable achievements from recent years, including student successes, faculty accolades, and the School’s transition to a 501(c)(3) organization. She emphasized that the School’s motto, Pro Bono Populi— “for the good of the people”—is embedded in the curriculum. To graduate, every student must complete at least 50 hours of pro bono service.

The Law School currently enrolls 700 students representing 117 colleges and universities, and nearly 3,200 alumni living in 47 states. Anastopoulo noted that the School continues to see sustained growth and a promising future.

Charleston School of Law faculty continues to be recognized nationally, presenting at conferences across the country and receiving notable honors. Anastopoulo shared that the school was ranked in the Top 10 by The Princeton Review (2024) for both “student accessibility” and “quality of teaching,” calling the achievement “a reflection of our faculty’s dedication and our students’ success.”

The evening also recognized Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus J. Edward Bell III, whose leadership has been instrumental in several initiatives, including the launch of the school’s new Public Policy Institute (PPI).

Jennifer Wilkins ’23, a recent graduate who passed the South Carolina Bar Exam this fall, helped develop the PPI during her time as a student. She addressed attendees and shared the Institute’s mission: to advance nonpartisan, evidence-based solutions to urgent public challenges through rigorous research, community partnership, and student involvement.

President Anastopoulo concluded by announcing that the President’s Formal will become an annual tradition and that the school will host its first golf-outing fundraiser this spring.

For more information about Charleston School of Law and opportunities to support programs or student scholarships, please contact Advancement@charlestonlaw.edu or call (843) 377-2154.