RALEIGH — Campbell Law School’s Hannah Brown ’25 received High Merits and finished first out of all Campbell University graduate school oral presentations at the recent 15th Annual Wiggins Memorial Library Academic Symposium.
Her project, “When the Judiciary Teaches the Legislature a Lesson: Leandro v. State,” was one of many impactful projects shared by Campbell students at the symposium.
Brown’s presentation delves into the constitutional, legal and political dimensions of the landmark “Leandro v. State” case, which has had a lasting influence on education policy in North Carolina. The abstract for Brown’s presentation states: “The Leandro litigation has revealed the tension between judicial enforcement of constitutional rights and the persistent inaction of the legislative branch. Despite the North Carolina Supreme Court affirming a constitutional right to a sound basic education in 1997, violations of this right continue to persist, especially in underserved communities like Hoke County.”
She continued, “The presentation explores the ongoing judicial efforts to enforce the right to education and questions whether a constitutional right without an effective remedy truly remains a right. As the state continues to struggle with providing equitable resources, it is crucial that the courts step in to uphold the promises made in our Constitution.”
Brown was mentored by Professor Lisa Lukasik, who teaches courses in education law and policy. Brown’s submission for the symposium can be viewed on the symposium website.
Brown shared that while she was not yet born when the Leandro litigation began, its impact continues to influence school systems throughout North Carolina. Professor Lukasik’s Special Education Law course helped Brown understand just how critical K–12 education is for students of all abilities. She also had the privilege of participating in both the fall and spring semesters of the Richardson Family Education Law Clinic, which is led by Professors Lukasik and Staff Attorney Jen Story. Brown said these experiences solidified her interest in education law and advocacy and made the Leandro case — the intersection of constitutional rights, resource equity and public policy — a natural and compelling focus for her research. The project gave Brown the opportunity to explore how the courts can play a role in protecting rights when political solutions fall short, and to consider what it truly means for a state to promise every child a “sound basic education.”
Beyond her academic work, Brown has been an active participant in the Richardson Family Education Law Clinic. In October 2024, Brown, along with fellow student, Tilson Gitter, successfully advocated for a 14-year-old child in Wake County, ensuring that the child’s probation status was protected and that he could remain in school. The students collaborated with the Juvenile Public Defender’s Office to address violations of the child’s educational rights, which had caused the child to miss school and jeopardized his probation. Brown’s work in the clinic has been instrumental in challenging the school-to-prison pipeline and advocating for equitable educational opportunities for marginalized students, according to Professor Lukasik.
Brown reflected on her experience in the clinic, stating, “Participating in Professor Lukasik and Professor Story’s Education Law Clinic has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my law school career. So much of law school is hypothetical — what I love about the Clinic is that it is entirely grounded in reality. The Clinic gave me the opportunity to build a relationship with a local family and serve their child directly. Through this experience, I was able to apply my knowledge of the IDEA from Professor Lukasik’s Special Education Law course, while also enhancing my legal research, writing and client counseling skills. The Clinic does real, meaningful work that certainly has a positive impact on the lives of students in Wake County. It is an enriching experience that I would recommend to any of my classmates seeking hands-on experience in education law.”
The Symposium’s prestigious recognition of Brown’s work highlights the excellence and depth of her research on the Leandro case, reflecting both her academic rigor and her commitment to making a meaningful impact in education law, organizers said.
Brown earned her undergraduate degree at Wofford College and has since deepened her passion for education law through her experiences at Campbell Law. Brown’s work in the Richardson Family Education Law Clinic has made a significant impact on both the local community and her understanding of how legal advocacy can serve students’ educational needs.
The Wiggins Memorial Library Academic Symposium provides a platform for students and professionals to exchange knowledge, research findings and insights. The 15th annual symposium showcased a wide range of student research projects and creative works from various disciplines across campus, with students from both undergraduate and graduate programs participating.
The symposium’s theme ties into Campbell University’s Hallmarks of Initiative and Calling, demonstrating how student research can contribute to meaningful change. For students interested in pursuing similar projects or gaining exposure to diverse academic fields, the Wiggins Memorial Library Academic Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to connect with faculty, peers and the broader community. Brown’s research on Leandro v. State underscores the intersection of law, education and public policy — an issue that is both timely and critical.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1986, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2025, Campbell Law celebrated 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 15 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.