Unease is developing at a proposal from Auckland University to fold its 140-year-old law school in with its business and economics faculty.
The university proposal is also to create two law departments - one focussed on private law and one on public law - in the process of being bundled in with the business school.
It is a draft proposal and feedback is being received until January 20 with a decision expected in March.
The university says it is move designed to build on the unique identities and strengths of both faculties.
The move has raised concern among some staff with concerns the school could lose the independence it has held as a standalone faculty for more than a century.
RNZ understands they are working on a collective submission against the proposal.
A former leading student representative says there is frustration among students, who believe it is simply a cost-cutting measure from the university.
The Criminal Bar Association is also concerned the move could detract from a students' learning of the whole picture of the legal system - towards a more commercial focus.
Clayton Kimpton is chief executive of the Law Association - formerly known as the Auckland District Law Society.
Clayton is also a graduate of the Auckland University law school.
Photo: Supplied by University of Auckland
