Golden Gate University’s historic law school, founded in 1901, will stay closed following a court decision that dashed the hopes of former students and alumni fighting to bring it back. In a ruling on Monday, California Superior Court Judge Richard Ulmer denied a request for an injunction that could have reopened the 123-year-old San Francisco institution.
Ryan Griffith, an alumnus of Golden Gate Law representing the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment, noting that a court order to reopen the school now seems “unlikely.” The plaintiffs had filed a breach of contract lawsuit in February, arguing that the university’s sudden closure announcement in November 2023 left them without proper support or transfer options.
University officials cited plummeting enrollment, weak job prospects for graduates, and low bar exam pass rates as reasons for the closure. Golden Gate is now the latest of several law schools to shutter amid these struggles, a growing trend among ABA-accredited institutions.
In his decision, Judge Ulmer ruled that the plaintiffs’ claims were vague, and their delayed response in filing the lawsuit weakened their case. Additionally, many former students have already transitioned to other law schools, such as the University of San Francisco and Mitchell Hamline, making it impractical to force Golden Gate to rehire faculty and staff.
While the doors of Golden Gate Law School will remain closed, the battle isn’t over. Plaintiffs still have the chance to pursue monetary damages for alleged unlawful business practices, breach of contract, and false advertising. A hearing is set for October 22 to determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.
Ryan Griffith remains hopeful that further discovery in the case will shed light on the school’s financial troubles and administrative decisions, potentially uncovering new evidence.
