Chapman Community Celebrates Law School's Move up the U.S. News Rankings

March 28, 2008, brought good news for the School of Law in its ongoing reach for excellence. Early that morning, the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings revealed that Chapman had moved into the 3rd tier – an entirely expected but noteworthy achievement for a law school that has been in existence for barely a dozen years.  

The news was announced by Dean Eastman to thunderous applause at Chapman's monthly “En Banc” reception that evening. The Dean noted, “While we are happy that others are recognizing the hidden gem that is Chapman, we will not rest here.  Our aspirations are, quite simply, to be recognized as one of the best opportunities in legal education.”

The Chapman University School of Law now ranks in the 1st or 2nd Tier of law schools in category after category.  Since last year’s US News balloting, Chapman has appointed 11 new faculty hires only a year after hiring 9 new visiting faculty members.  This unprecedented expansion in faculty and programs has elevated Chapman to one of the nation’s truly premier law schools in Entertainment Law and as a major player in International, Criminal and Constitutional Law.  With faculty members who have clerked for six United States Supreme Court Justices and an influx of several million dollars, Chapman has enhanced its leadership in Tax and Business Law, Clinical Programs, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, and Environmental, Land Use, and Real Estate Law.   

At the reception, a new photo exhibit entitled "Historic Courthouses," by Justice Raymond Ikola, was unveiled in the Parham & Polly Williams Gallery. The exhibit portrays a wonderful photographic record of some of California’s most historic courthouses. The event was attended by University President Jim Doti and Chancellor Daniele Struppa, along with a packed audience of students, faculty, attorneys, judges and special friends of the University.

Dean Eastman's announcement drew a thunderous ovation from the festive audience.

 
Students celebrate the Dean's news, while Associate Dean McConville and Professors
Cianciarulo and Badrinarayana give the new third tier hand sign.