For Immediate Release
February 15, 2006
Contact:
Kim Munkres
kmunkres@wilkinguge.com
(909) 625-2225 ext. 26
University of La Verne College of Law Becomes Only ABA-accredited
Law School in Fast-growing Inland Southern California
Ontario, Calif., February 15, 2006 – Dean Donald J. Dunn is pleased to announce the American Bar Association has granted provisional accreditation to the University of La Verne College of Law, making it the only ABA-accredited law school in Inland Southern California, the fastest growing metropolitan region in the United States.
“Great expectation has led to great achievement,” said Dean Dunn. “ULV has always provided an exceptional legal education as evidenced by the 35 College of Law alumni currently on the bench. Provisional accreditation will allow us to offer our graduates the same rights and privileges other high-caliber students receive when they attend ABA-accredited institutions.”
The announcement comes at a time when San Bernardino and Riverside County courts are reporting a severe shortage of judicial officers and Inland Southern California’s population is significantly underrepresented by legal professionals when compared to neighboring metropolitan regions. Currently, Inland Southern California’s resident-to-attorney ratio is 840:1, in comparison to 217:1, 223:1, 232:1 and 341:1 for Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties, respectively.
Third year ULV law student, Dan Messner, is encouraged by the ABA’s decision to grant accreditation to ULV College of Law. “It’s a victory for the student. Accreditation opens up a whole new world of opportunity.”
“The courts are excited about having an ABA law school in the Inland Empire that produces the caliber of quality legal representation important for this region,” said Riverside Superior Court Judge Jean Leonard. “Having an ABA-accredited institution nearby will allow the legal community to retain individuals committed to serving the needs of this area.”
ULV President Stephen Morgan predicts accreditation will only increase the College of Law’s already diverse applicant pool.
“The College of Law has always provided a progressive environment focusing on the success of each student through small classes, greater emphasis on the individual and personalized career development. Now that it is accredited, students will not need to leave Inland Southern California to attend an ABA-accredited law school.”
Dean Dunn notes over 65% of College of Law graduates already remain in Inland Southern California to practice in their chosen legal specialties, making the law school a valuable resource to the Inland legal community.
On a larger scale, many Inland legal professionals believe the growth of the College of Law mirrors the development of the region.
“ABA accreditation is another sign of the maturation of our region in general and of ULV College of Law in particular,” said George Reyes, a partner at Best Best & Krieger, the Inland Empire’s oldest and largest law firm.
Economist John Husing added, “Building a high-end economy is one of Inland Southern California’s regional goals, and top-notch professional schools are vital to meeting this goal. Ontario has taken a key leadership role in the drive to developing a well-educated workforce.”
About the ABA Accreditation Process
The College of Law’s quest for accreditation began with its application to the ABA in Fall 2005. After an extensive self-study and a positive site visit in September 2005, administrative representatives from the law school and ULV’s main campus appeared before the ABA’s 19-member Accreditation Committee to present the law school’s credentials for accreditation.
On Jan. 23, the Accreditation Committee recommended the law school to receive provisional ABA approval, and the process continued on Feb. 11 when the College of Law’s representatives appeared in Chicago before the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. When the Council concurred with the Accreditation Committee’s recommendation, ULV’s representatives made a final appearance before the ABA’s House of Delegates on Feb. 13, when final provisional approval was granted to the 36-year old law school. A law school must remain in provisional status for a minimum of two years before becoming eligible for consideration for full approval.
About the University of La Verne College of Law
Located in Ontario, Calif., the University of La Verne College of Law serves over 3.8 million people as the only accredited law school in Inland Southern California and an additional 2.2 million people in San Gabriel Valley and Eastern Los Angeles County. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California.
Established in 1970, the College of Law adheres to the ideals and vision of the University of La Verne and is recognized as a progressive school, integrating time-honored methods in teaching the law with the most advanced technology available. Known for its emphasis on advocacy, the law school offers small classes that feature a traditional curriculum and practical skills taught by respected, practice-proven faculty focused on individual students’ needs and a prominent and supportive alumni network, both grounded in a commitment to ethics and service.
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For more information about the University of La Verne College of Law, please call (909) 460-2001 or visit the Web at http://law.ulv.edu. For more information about the ABA’s accreditation process, visit http://www.abanet.org/legaled/accreditation/acinfo.html.
The University of La Verne College of Law was provisionally approved by the American Bar Association on February 13, 2006.
