Strickman tapped as first dean of a new Florida Law School - NEWS - Leonard Strickman, Florida International University - Brief Article

Leonard Strickman, most recently law school dean at the University of Arkansas, was recently named as the first dean of the new law school at Florida International University that is slated to open in the fall of 2002.

Strickman, 58, served for eight years at the University of Arkansas before stepping down last year. A Yale Law School graduate, Strickman also guided the development of the Northern Illinois University College of Law, helping the school gain accreditation in his eight years there prior to Arkansas, according to officials.

"The most important point is that he has extensive experience in American Bar Association legal accreditation," FIU Provost Mark Rosenberg told the Associated Press. "It is critical for FIU to get early provisional and full accreditation for the college of law, and he has incredible experience."

In the spring of 2000, after several attempts, FIU finally got the Florida Legislature's approval for the Miami region's first public law school. In 1988, 1992, and 1999, the Florida Board of Regents turned down FIU's requests to establish a law school.

The university plans to open the law school for up to 60 part-time and 60 full-time students, officials said. It will recruit mainly from its own undergraduate school and local universities.

Although it won't be eligible for full accreditation until 2007, the law school can apply for American Bar Association accreditation after its second year of operation and could get provisional accreditation the following fall, according to AP.

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