U.S. FEDRegulation
Justice Department warns ABA of possible antitrust probe over law school adjunct teaching limits
The Justice Department has warned the American Bar Association that it could face an antitrust investigation unless it loosens law school accreditation rules limiting how much adjunct faculty can teach, Above the Law reported October 14, 2026, citing The Wall Street Journal. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward made the warning in an October 7 letter to the ABA's accreditation council.
Key points
- The letter went to the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, which accredits law schools.Above the Law
- Woodward argued adjuncts are cheaper and often bring more practical experience, and that caps on their teaching hurt legal education.Above the Law
- The council proposed last month to drop its rule that full-time faculty teach the first third of the curriculum.Above the Law
- Woodward's letter says that proposal would not fully resolve the department's concerns.Above the Law
- A council spokeswoman said the council plans to respond to the letter.Above the Law
- Woodward gave the council 15 days to change the standard or explain why it does not violate federal antitrust law.Above the Law