Valparaiso Law School Suspends Admissions
Rumors of the demise of Valparaiso University School of Law have been slightly exaggerated.
According to reports, the law school is closing its doors. That's true, but not right now.
The law school is closing its doors only to new admissions. So it's not over -- yet.
"Very Difficult Decision"
Frederick Kraegel, chairman of the university board, said the decision to close admissions was "very difficult." He said the university has tried to stave off financial problems.
"Actions have included a reduction in employment levels last year in an attempt to align the school's faculty and staff to its decreased student population," he said. "Despite these efforts, it is highly unlikely that the Law School's operations will achieve financial stability."
So yeah, the law school is closing. At least, that's how Above the Law called it.
"Valparaiso is the second fully accredited law school in the country to throw its hands up in defeat and shut its doors, and the second Indiana law school to close in the last year," wrote Staci Zaretsky.
"Not Looking Good"
In an update, the website clarified its report to say that the school is "suspending admissions." But it's still not a good look.
It's especially tough for Indiana students right now. Indiana Tech Law School closed last year with the worst bar pass rate in the state.
In all fairness, at least Valparaiso is being fair to its students. Other law schools have shut down with little or no notice.
In California, Whittier Law School became the first ABA-accredited school to announce it was closing. USA Today reported its "demise could be a sign of things to come."
Related Resources:
- Law School Closures Mounting (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Another Reason to Take Up a Rural Law Practice (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Law School Wants to Stop ABA From Disclosing Accreditation Warning (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)