So, you’ve probably seen Will Kulp on Southern Hospitality—the guy balancing the high-stakes world of Charleston nightlife at Republic Garden & Lounge with a massive, looming future in the legal world. It’s a weird mix, right? One minute he’s dealing with VIP tables and the next he’s buried in Case Briefs.
Honestly, the Will Kulp law school journey has become one of the most talked-about subplots of the show. People are obsessed with whether he’s actually going to pull it off. Being a "law student" is one thing, but being a law student while cameras are capturing your every move in a Bourbon Street-style bar is a whole different beast.
Where Exactly is Will Kulp Going to Law School?
Let’s clear the air on the facts first. Will Kulp is currently a student at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
It’s not just some random school. In South Carolina, "UofSC Law" is basically the epicenter of the legal "good old boys" network. If you want to practice in the Palmetto State, this is where you go to make the connections that actually matter. It’s located in Columbia, which means Will has been doing a lot of back-and-forth commuting between the state capital and the cobblestone streets of Charleston.
The Educational Blueprint
- High School: Academic Magnet High School (one of the top-ranked schools in the country, so the guy has brains).
- Undergraduate: College of Charleston (majored in Biology and Chemistry).
- Law School: University of South Carolina (Class of 2025/2026 timeframe).
It’s interesting because his background in science—Biology and Chemistry—isn't the typical "Political Science" path most lawyers take. It shows a level of analytical thinking that probably makes him pretty dangerous in a courtroom, especially if he ends up doing personal injury or medical-related law.
The "Nepo Baby" Rumors and the Kulp Legal Legacy
You can't talk about Will Kulp and law school without mentioning his dad. His father is Timothy Kulp, a very well-known and highly respected criminal defense attorney in Charleston.
Tim Kulp is a legend in the local scene—a former FBI agent and a board-certified specialist. Because of this, fans of the show have been quick to slap the "nepo baby" label on Will. The narrative is usually: "Oh, he doesn't have to worry, he’s just going to walk into his dad’s firm."
But here’s the reality: law school doesn’t care who your dad is.
The Socratic Method will eat you alive regardless of your last name. You still have to pass Property Law. You still have to survive the Bar Exam. While he definitely has a "safety net" waiting for him at Kulp & Elliott, the academic grind is a solitary mountain to climb.
Is Law School Really That Competitive?
In Season 2 of Southern Hospitality, there was this huge drama about Will’s classmates allegedly spreading rumors about him. He claimed the environment was so "cutthroat" that people were trying to sabotage his reputation to get ahead.
Is it true? Kinda.
Law school is ranked on a curve. This means for you to get an 'A,' someone else has to get a 'C.' It creates a pressure cooker where people sometimes hide library books or refuse to share notes. However, most law students will tell you that the "rumor-mongering" Will described is pretty rare. Most people are too tired to care about bar drama; they’re just trying to figure out what "Promissory Estoppel" means before their 8:00 AM class.
Reality TV vs. The Bar Association
There’s a real risk here. The legal profession is notoriously conservative.
Showing up on a reality show where people are drinking, fighting, and partying is... risky. Will has mentioned this on the show, noting that he has to be careful. The "Character and Fitness" portion of the Bar application is no joke. They look at your public conduct. He’s essentially walking a tightrope between being a TV star and a future officer of the court.
What's Next for the Future Attorney?
Will recently got engaged to his long-time girlfriend and co-star, Emmy Sharrett. He’s credited her with being his "rock" during the stress of his studies. It looks like the plan is to finish his JD, pass the South Carolina Bar, and eventually transition away from the nightlife scene into the family business.
He’s already been clerking for law firms in Charleston, gaining real-world experience in civil litigation and personal injury. He isn't just playing a law student on TV; he's actually doing the work.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Law Students
If you're looking at Will's path and thinking about law school yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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- GPA and LSAT still reign supreme: No matter your background, your numbers get you through the door.
- Network where you want to live: Will staying in South Carolina for school is a smart move if he plans to practice there. Regional loyalty is huge in law.
- Balance is a myth: You don't "balance" law school and a job like Republic; you just survive it. If you’re going to work while in school, make sure your employer understands the "Finals Week" disappearances.
- The "Character and Fitness" check is real: If you have high-profile social media or a reality TV gig, be prepared to explain it to the Bar examiners.
Will Kulp is currently proving that you can be both a reality TV personality and a serious student, but the real test will come when he swaps the Republic vest for a suit in front of a judge.