Law School On Probation Is Reportedly Struggling Financially, Conducting Layoffs

Do you know what's going on behind closed doors at Thomas Jefferson School of Law?

When we last checked in with the Thomas Jefferson School of Law late last year, the American Bar Association had just put the school on probation for being out of compliance with numerous standards required to maintain accreditation. Specifically, the ABA found the school’s anticipated financial resources, admissions practices, academic program, and bar passage outcomes lacking. In its public memorandum to the school, the ABA noted that “only immediate and substantial action” could put Thomas Jefferson back on track.

As a condition of its probation, Thomas Jefferson was ordered to send all applicants a letter or email detailing the school’s subpar first-time bar examination passage rates in comparison with California’s first-time bar examination passage rates for the past four administrations of the exam. Though we initially expressed incredulity that this would deter applicants, it’s apparently working. Sources at the school claim that class sizes are quickly shrinking, and we’ve been told that more students are transferring out of the school than are being admitted. An insider reports that only 15 students began their studies at the school this spring, a number much smaller than usual.

To that end, insiders at Thomas Jefferson say that the school is experiencing financial troubles thanks to its decreased enrollment numbers. One source says that the school can no longer afford to make payments on its campus building, and that the administration is looking at a new location to move to after the spring semester is over. “One place is all the way in Rancho Bernardo,” says another source. “The lease is up at the place in downtown San Diego and the owners will not re-sign the school due to TJSL not keeping up with the payments.”

Back in November, after Thomas Jefferson was first put on probation, the administration claimed in a public FAQ document that it was “meeting its financial obligations and will continue prudent financial management.” These days, it seems that layoffs are part of the law school’s “prudent financial management” plan. Here’s what we’ve heard from tipsters who once worked at Thomas Jefferson School of Law:

• TJSL can no longer operate with the current probation status. They did another round of layoffs including staff and faculty.

• TJSL is going to close. They laid off six people by walking us out, one-by-one. Two other senior staff members quit suddenly after this. They cannot afford their expensive “campus” building past May/June of THIS YEAR (was confirmed in a staff meeting by the Dean and General Counsel). They are looking for a new building but no one will rent to them, so they are trying get the empty offices rented out to third parties. It’s a mess. The school is in financial trouble.

We’ve reached out to the school for comment earlier today, but have yet to hear back from anyone. If and when we do, we will update this post as soon as we can.

Do you know what’s going on behind closed doors at Thomas Jefferson School of Law? Please don’t hesitate to let us know, as law schools are a subject we cover quite closely. Please email us or text us (646-820-8477) with any information you might have.

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Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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