Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Kristin Cooper ‘82 

Former North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper ‘82 used her influence and Campbell Law education over the years to positively advocate for North Carolina’s children who are dealing with challenges such as abuse, neglect, hunger and illiteracy. Cooper, who is originally from Oklahoma City, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma. After law school, she worked as a staff attorney to the legislature in Oklahoma and in North Carolina. Cooper served two terms on the North Carolina Arts Council and sits on the law school’s Board of Visitors and the Raleigh Little Theatre Advisory Board. In 2023, Campbell University honored Cooper with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Cooper expressed at the ceremony that though her time at Campbell Law involved strenuous work and studies, she’s grown to look back at that time with appreciation and regularly uses aspects of the education she received from the school.

Current Role: Retired, former First Lady of North Carolina

Why Campbell Law? 

Cooper says “good luck” is what brought her to Campbell Law.

On practice

Throughout her career, Cooper has worked in government law as well as serving as a Guardian ad Litem for children in Wake County since 2003, using her legal training to represent foster children in court. 

A lesson that stuck

“Check the law before you speak.”

People who shaped you

Fellow Campbell Law alumna Secretary of State Elaine Marshall ‘81 and I have had the closest to parallel lives.

Advice to current students

“It will get better.”

The next 50 years

Cooper says she would like to see the law school expand its inclusivity.

Sidebar

Currently listening to: Musical theatre.

Most adventurous thing: Hosted a luncheon for the president of Japan. 

Favorite Raleigh spot: My front porch.

Proudest moment: Receiving my distinguished alumna award, of course.