Cooley Law School's Ann Arbor campus receives full ABA approval

The American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, has granted full approval to Thomas M. Cooley Law School's Ann Arbor campus. The Council determined that both Cooley's Ann Arbor campus and the law school are in full compliance with ABA standards and that the school may continue to report its annual questionnaire data and basic consumer information in consolidated fashion. ''We are pleased that the Council saw fit to grant both provisional approval and final approval at the same time,'' said Cooley President Don LeDuc. ''The ABA's approval reflects the outstanding work of Ann Arbor Associate Dean Joan Vestrand and her dedicated faculty and staff.'' With Cooley Ann Arbor's approval, all four of Cooley's Michigan campus locations have achieved full ABA approval status. Cooley's other Michigan campuses are located in Lansing, Auburn Hills, and Grand Rapids. Cooley Law School remains one institution, now with five locations. The newest campus opened in Tampa Bay, Fla., in May 2012 with 111 students, and operates with the Council's acquiescence. In recommending approval, the Council's Accreditation Committee noted the diversity of Cooley's student body (29 percent minority) and faculty (21 percent minority), Cooley's clinical programs and externship placement sites, the wide variety of pro bono opportunities for the Ann Arbor students, and the quality of Cooley's teachers, staff, and facilities. ''I am so proud of the way Ann Arbor has embraced Cooley and our students and welcomed us into its courtrooms, law firms, businesses, and the community,'' said Vestrand. ''It is an honor to have the Council recognize our efforts in providing great legal education and public service.'' The Council is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for the nation's law schools. Published: Thu, Jun 28, 2012