Hastings cuts class size by 20 per cent in response ro ailing industry

Frank Wu, the dean of The University of California Hastings College of the Law, has reduced enrollment at Hastings by 20 per cent - a figure that accounts for 240 students over the next three years. The move responds to the crisis in legal education, and is a rare example of an institution of legal education modifying its course to take account of the vast changes in the legal market. In this interview, Mr Wu explained: “We can fill the class, but it would be irresponsible. It's like the housing market: People shouldn't take a subprime debt on a house just because it's available. Nor should people buy into an education that's too big and expensive for them.” Wu said that the impact on his payroll of 275 people would be minimal: seven people took separation agreements; 10 were laid off because their jobs were eliminated; 10 people were reduced to part-time; and four-and-a-half open positions were closed.

Hastings cuts class size by 20 per cent in response ro ailing industry thecareerist.typepad.com Tue, Jun 5, 2012