Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Allegra Collins ‘06
The Honorable Allegra Collins ‘06 currently serves as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, an adjunct professor at Campbell Law School teaching Judicial Writing and a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School teaching Appellate Practice. She chose not to run for re-election in 2026 and instead will return to private practice. A former clinical professor at Campbell Law, she remains an active contributor to the legal learning community, offering insight into judging, appellate advocacy and legal writing. Originally from McLean, Virginia, Judge Collins earned her LL.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke Law School and her bachelor’s degree from The College of William & Mary.
Current Role: Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals
Why Campbell Law?
Collins’ interest in Campbell Law began with the school’s strong reputation for rigorous legal training. Her admission interview with then Assistant Dean of Admissions Alan Woodlief ’94 confirmed that Campbell was the right fit for her.
On practice
Collins found her path to appellate law early in her first year at Campbell. She was inspired by watching then second-year students Ashley Brathwaite ’05 and Robin Muse ’05 deliver a moot court argument, an experience that sparked her interest in advocacy. As she discovered her affinity for legal research and writing, she joined the moot court team and wrote an appellate brief, solidifying her desire to pursue appellate practice after graduation.
A lesson that stuck
For Collins, the enduring lesson from law school is the importance of the relationships formed along the way. “The most important people you will meet are the ones sitting next to you,” she says. She remains “so thankful for and proud of her classmates” for their shared perseverance, mutual support and continued encouragement long after graduation.
People who shaped you
Collins credits Professor Margaret Currin ‘79, who has served as her professor, dean, colleague and predecessor as director of Campbell Law’s Externship Program. One moment that stands out occurred during Collins’ 1L year, when she feared she would miss her contracts exam because she was going into labor with her son. Currin reassured her that everything would work out, and it did. Their relationship has since grown into a lifelong friendship. Collins admires Currin as a role model whose “unwavering faith, commitment to her family, dedication to helping others and achievement of excellence in the practice and profession of law” continue to inspire those around her.
Advice to current students
“Focus on the task before you and do it to the very best of your ability. There is no better or faster way to advance in the future than to excel in the present.”
The next 50 years
Collins believes Campbell Law should continue its commitment to excellence, maintaining the high standards that have defined the school’s first 50 years.
Sidebar
Currently reading: “Grit” by Angela Duckworth
Most adventurous thing: In 1996, I left for Europe by myself with only a backpack and a six-month Eurail pass. I ended up staying for four years.
Favorite Raleigh spot: Our neighborhood cul-de-sac where neighbors all meet and hang out.
Proudest moment: I can’t choose one.