Update on new law school(s) in Ontario.

I have posted on this topic before at:
http://www.lawschoolbound.ca/blog/_archives/2008/5/20/3701584.html

As you may know, Lakehead University is attempting to open a new law school in Thunder Bay. Opening a new school is a major undertaking and major undertakings are never easy. The following article by Robert Todd of Law Times suggests that Ontario is not presently willing to fund a new law school. This may present a temporary roadblock. Ultimately, I predict that the leadership shown by Lakehead University will prevail and that you will see a new law school at Lakehead.

Two points made in this article are worthy of note:

1. The suggestion that there should be no new law graduates because of a possible shortage of articling positions. This is a strange argument. Articling was supposed to have been abolished when the law schools were created. Hence, this argument seems to be ridiculous. Talk about moving into the future, while looking at the rear view mirror!

See my earlier post on the possible abolishment of articling at:
http://www.lawschoolbound.ca/blog/_archives/2008/2/21/3537467.html

2. The suggestion that because the ratio of law school applicants to law school registrants has remained constant since 1997, that there are enough law schools. This is like arguing that the fact that a situation has been consistently bad, means that one should continue with it. Another ridiculous argument.

Have a look at the this article by Robert Todd from August 1, 2008 Law Times:

“Province says no money for new law schools

Lakehead University pushing on with its plan anyway

By Robert Todd | Publication Date: Friday, 01 August 2008

The Ontario government has made it clear that it will not fund any new law schools during its current mandate, but that isn’t stopping Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert from continuing that school’s campaign for a northern law school.

“We think the rationale that we provided, and have been providing all along, is still valid, still strong,” says Gilbert. “We should and will continue to make the case.”

In a memo to all Ontario university presidents, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities noted that the ratio of law school applicants versus registrants has not substantially changed since 1997, which implies that the six existing law schools in the province are adequate.

It also pointed to a Law Society of Upper Canada report earlier this year indicating a shortage of articling placements."

To read the rest of the article, click here:

http://www.lawtimesnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4190&Itemid=82

There is some discussion of this issue at www.lawandstyle.ca.

And as always a bit of discussion and comments at The Star.

MacLeans ran an interesting piece on this.

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