[petra]
Western State University College of Law has had its ups and downs.
The for-profit Fullerton school had sought ABA accreditation a few years ago, but didn’t get it because of its bar pass rate and attrition.
As the new dean, Bill Adams hopes things can only get better from now on.
“I’m optimistic that we have a good argument to get full accreditation this fall,” he said. “Based upon our recent site inspection and bar exam results, I think we have a very good chance.”
The ABA granted the school provisional approval in 2005. The school also has accreditation by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California (CBE).
Adams says he’s reluctant to introduce new programs until the school is accredited, but he has a few in mind.
While he worked as associate dean at Shepard Broad Law Center of Nova Southeastern University in Florida, he rolled out several programs that he’d like to introduce at Western. Among them are an international study program and masters degrees for non-lawyers.
He said the masters in health law, for working nurses, doctors and risk managers, was especially popular at Shepard. And employment law for HR professionals has doubled the number of students in its second year, he said. “A growing number of law schools are starting to add them,” he said. “There are a number of working professionals who’d like to have some knowledge of law.”
Adams’ first day was Monday. He replaces Maryann Jones, who retired after 19 years as dean.
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