Overview of Seeking ABA Accreditation Status

Accreditation and State Bar Admission

The Wilmington University School of Law is not currently approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association and makes no representation to any applicant that it will receive approval from the Council before the graduation of any matriculating student.

Wilmington University announced the formation of the School of Law in October 2022. Wilmington University School of Law will apply for ABA provisional approval in accordance with ABA procedure. Consistent with ABA procedure, the School of Law will notify the ABA of our intent to seek approval in March 2024, with the goal of achieving provisional approval before our first class of students graduates. Wilmington University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1975 and maintains special program accreditation for many programs.

ABA Accreditation Application Projected Timeline

Year

Approximate Timeframe

Status

1

Academic Year 2022-2023

Administration Preparation to Open School of Law

2

August 2023

First Incoming Class of Students

March 2024

Submit Intention to Apply for ABA Accreditation

3

August 2024

Second Incoming Class of Students

Fall 2024

ABA On-Site Visit Review

Spring 2025

ABA Provisional Accreditation Decision

4

August 2025

Third Incoming Class of Students

Academic Year 2025-2026

If Provisional Granted in Spring 2024, Review Year

May 2026

First Incoming Class of Full Time Students Graduate

July 2026

If Provisional Granted prior to graduation, First Incoming Class of Students eligible to take Bar Exam.

NextGen Bar Exam anticipated to begin in July 2026.

5

Academic Year 2026-2027

If Provisional Granted in Spring 2024, Review Year

6

Academic Year 2027-2028

Earliest year to apply and receive Full ABA accreditation