The University of Akron and Cleveland State University are exploring a potential merger of their law schools—the result of which would be the largest law school in Ohio, with approximately 800 J.D. students.
The two campuses are launching a working group in September, headed by the deans of both law schools, which will examine the feasibility of a unified law school. The working group is expected to issue a recommendation in the fall, with further approvals for a potential merger coming in 2021, according to an announcement issued Aug. 27. A merger would require the blessing of the American Bar Association, the Ohio Department of Education and the presidents of both universities. The earliest possible launch of a unified law school is August 2021, officials said.
