Concordia University Proposed Law School in Boise, Idaho

Facts:

  
Proposed Location: 500 S. 10th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Distance from Portland: 644 miles
Dean: TBD
President: Dr. Charles E.Schlimpert
Web site: www.concordialaw.com

Timeline:

  
November, 2007: Concordia University begins discussions with individuals in Boise about starting a law school in the area.
April 11, 2008: University's Board of Regents votes to authorize President Schlimpert to commence search for a dean and to move forward with the preliminary planning.
May, 2008: Search for dean begins.
July 16, 2008: Board of Regents meeting scheduled; establishment of law school on agenda.

Rationale:

  1. Concordia University has a history with Idaho, from enrolling its students, to its farmers providing food to our campus. The proposed law school is a natural extension of that history.
  2. According to the University's strategic plan, as we grow into a premier, regional Lutheran university, we remain open to geographic expansion as long as it fits our core mission.
  3. Preparing lawyers with Concordia's values and commitment to community service fits the mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society.
  4. There is no law school currently within the Concordia University system of the ten Concordia's throughout the nation.
  5. There are only two law schools associated with any Lutheran college or university in the nation.
  6. The Treasure Valley is one of the four largest Metropolitan Service Areas without an ABA-approved law school within 100-150 miles and is one of the ten largest Metropolitan Service Areas without an ABA-approved law school within 50 miles.
  7. Currently, the only law school in Idaho is on the campus of the University of Idaho in Moscow, yet nearly half the state's lawyers and the state supreme court are 300 miles away in Boise.
  8. Forbes Magazine has consistently ranked Boise as one of the top ten metropolitan areas in the nation for starting a business or career.