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GCU plans 2027 law school launch under Arizona Supreme Court exception
Grand Canyon University expects to open its College of Law in fall 2027, and its graduates may seek Arizona bar admission before the school earns American Bar Association accreditation. The state Supreme Court says the exception could help address an attorney shortage.
Grand Canyon University plans to open a College of Law in fall 2027 after the Arizona Supreme Court approved a path for its graduates to seek admission to the State Bar of Arizona before the school receives American Bar Association accreditation.
Graduates will still have to pass the Arizona bar exam. The court’s decision marks the first time in state history that graduates of a law school without ABA accreditation may pursue admission to practice under such an arrangement.
Arizona generally requires prospective lawyers to graduate from an ABA-accredited school. But a law school must operate for at least a year before it can receive that accreditation, creating a gap for GCU’s first students. The court’s exception allows them to seek admission while the university pursues ABA approval after its first year of classes.
The court said the decision is intended to improve access to legal services. Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer cited a shortage of attorneys and said the university could help meet demand in communities across Arizona.
GCU President Brian Mueller said the approval gives the university room to pursue a new approach to legal education. The school’s opening is scheduled for fall 2027.