Applications are up 25 percent at Campbell University's law school, and officials there say they have downtown Raleigh to thank for it.

Campbell is moving its law school from Buies Creek to a new headquarters in downtown Raleigh, a new facility opening this fall. Law school officials say the draw of an urban law school experience is leading to far more applicants.

"Today's students want to be in an urban environment where they can gain experience and see the law in action," said Lewis Hutchison, assistant dean for admissions, in this recent news release. "Being within walking distance of the state legislature, appellate courts, state agencies and dozens of law firms and corporate offices means our students will be able to do both."

The law school will be at 225 Hillsborough Street. The 109,000-square-foot building offers 40 percent more space than the previous law school home on the Buies Creek campus.

The law school at Campbell University, which is slated to relocate from the Buies Creek campus to Raleigh later this year, has announced plans for a clinic catering to low-income senior citizens.

 The clinic, slated to open during the 2009-10 school year, will provide experience for law students while serving senior citizens in the greater Raleigh area, according to a university press release.

Dubbed the "Campbell Senior Law Clinic," the operation will be led by an attorney specializing in elder law and will help low-income seniors who might not otherwise be able to afford an attorney.

It will focus on wills, power of attorney, guardianship, abuse and neglect, housing, consumer fraud and other issues pertinent to seniors.

Cases will be generated through referrals and a partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina, according to the Campbell press release.

  The clinic is funded in part by a $150,000 gift from Progress Energy.