Statement of Michael S. Greco, President,
American Bar Association

June 26, 2006 -- The American Bar Association and the U.S. Department of Justice have reached agreement resolving an inquiry regarding the ABA's ongoing compliance with the agreed-upon June 25, 1996, final judgment in the United States v. American Bar Association.

Contrary to the impression resulting from a press release issued last week by the Department of Justice, the stipulation executed by the parties and the order entered by the court make clear that there was no finding of civil contempt. The settlement as approved by the court also ends any question as to whether the ABA's law school accreditation process complies fully with antitrust laws. 

The ABA remains committed to assuring the highest quality education for lawyers because this benefits both the public and our profession.  The ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar will promote this commitment by continuing to administer the law school accreditation process in full compliance with antitrust law, and by the ABA’s services to law schools and to the bar admissions process.

 Media contact:  Nancy Cowger Slonim, 312-988-6132 or slonimn@staff.abanet.org