Merger Talks Are Now Off The Table At These Two Law Schools

It's been reported that the schools' talks just 'fizzled' out.

Title Law school on a book and a gavel.

(Image via Getty)

Many alumni, students, faculty and others shared with us their strong feelings of pride in both law schools’ identity and tradition. While there was widespread support for the idea of innovative programs and collaborations, many expressed concerns about the idea of a combination of the two law schools.

The successful program of cross-registration in selected courses between the two law schools, now in its fourth semester, illustrates the potential for innovative cooperation.

We want to emphasize that both schools entered these discussions from positions of strength. Both law schools are successful and will continue to be the focus of investments by their parent universities.

— A joint statement released by the University of Akron School of Law and the Cleveland–Marshall College of Law, politely calling off their proposed merger. The law schools had previously announced in August 2020 that they were exploring the possibility of combining forces.


Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked 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.