Tom Beckmerhagen made the trip from Germany. Swenja Surminski flew in from London. Vincent Boland came from St. Lucia, navigating through the Caribbean just as Hurricane Melissa passed by. By Friday morning, they’d all gathered at the Carolina Club alongside insurance executives from New York and students who’d spent months researching catastrophe bonds. The question …
Historic $600 million insurance innovation links storm-resilient construction with financial markets
A UNC School of Law professor has helped design the world’s first catastrophe bond that rewards climate resilience. This groundbreaking $600 million insurance-linked security is transforming the way insurers and investors manage climate risk. On Friday, October 24, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will host a conference bringing together leaders from the …
Students provide free legal services to rural small businesses during fall break
Nine small business owners in rural western North Carolina received critical legal support last week thanks to 10 Carolina Law students who spent their fall break providing pro bono services in Sylva, N.C. The Oct. 16-17 trip connected local entrepreneurs with legal expertise they might not otherwise access, from business formation guidance to contract reviews. …
Law School Students to Argue Before Jury of AI Programs in Mock Trial
Unprecedented simulation examines whether artificial intelligence could reduce bias in criminal justice Unprecedented simulation examines whether artificial intelligence could reduce bias in criminal justice Three artificial intelligence programs will decide the fate of a fictional defendant when the University of North Carolina School of Law presents “The Trial of Henry Justus” during Converge-Con, UNC-Chapel Hill’s …
Now What? is what’s next for Professor Gene R. Nichol
Gene R. Nichol, the Boyd C. Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, has penned a new book, “Now What? How North Carolina Can Blaze a Progressive Path Forward,” to be released Oct. 21, 2025.  In this new book, Nichol examines the outcomes of the 2024 election, …
Old friends, different views, one powerful conversation
Judge Myers and Professor Marshall Lead Conversation on Civil Discourse Across Political Divides Judge Richard Myers ’98 and Professor Bill Marshall spent years as colleagues at Carolina Law, their offices kitty-corner from each other. They’d debate politics from opposite ends of the spectrum, emerge to commiserate about “those people” who didn’t understand the issues, then …
Alumni return to Chapel Hill to celebrate excellence at Carolina Law
Nearly 170 alumni and friends of UNC School of Law returned to Chapel Hill on October 3 for an evening that captured what makes the school’s community special. “Tonight is a time for Carolina Law alumni and friends to come together in celebration and support of our alma mater,” Brian Meacham ’03 told the audience. …
Major changes in business law demand attorney attention
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping legal practice while interstate competition for corporate charters has reached unprecedented levels. Business attorneys need to understand both developments, and UNC School of Law’s 2025 Dan K. Moore Program in Ethics will provide that essential perspective. The four-hour virtual continuing legal education program takes place Friday, Nov. 14, from 9:30 …
Early pro bono involvement leads to lasting commitment
This story originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of Carolina Law Magazine. James Jolley ’14 came to UNC School of Law eager to do pro bono work. As a former high school teacher, he was excited to enroll in Carolina Law but found it hard to leave the classroom and the opportunity to positively …
New issue of Carolina Law Magazine now available
We are excited to announce the release of the latest issue of the Carolina Law magazine. This edition features the outstanding achievements of our faculty, students, and alumni, while exploring current legal trends and issues. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay connected with the UNC School of Law community!