AALS LENS Now - October 2, 2026

Legal Education News

A new AccessLex study found that law school grades are strongly associated with passing the bar exam on the first attempt. Given the strong correlation between first-year grades and bar exam success, the study suggests that schools emphasize skills like reasoning, writing and mastery of course material to prepare students for the exam. (ABA Journal)
An Education Department advisory committee declined to recommend either renewing or revoking the ABA’s authority to accredit law schools. After two deadlocked votes, the decision now falls to an Education Department undersecretary who has 90 days to decide. (Bloomberg Law News)
Law school applications have continued to increase, rising 8% in the 2025-2026 admissions cycle and more than 27% over two years. Admissions officers attributed the increase in interest to the current US political climate as many students view law school as a way to address policy issues. (Law.com)
Other legal education stories from the week include:
- Texas Attorney General opens investigation into the American Bar Association. (Reuters)
- How political views in law school applications can affect admissions. (U.S. News)
- Podcast: How law students with ADHD or dyslexia can use AI as a learning tool (Law School Toolbox)
- Merritt McAlister appointed dean of University of Florida Law. (The Florida Bar)
- How the accelerated law school recruitment timeline is impacting students negatively. (Reuters)

New federal loan limits will limit access to grad school for many students. (The Hechinger Report)
Federal government rescinds millions of dollars for programs that support migrant students and international education. (Inside Higher Ed)
Large public universities report declines in international enrollment. (Higher Ed Dive)
US Education Department eliminates Title IX rules meant to bolster nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Washington Post)

Opinion: Why lawyers should receive trauma-informed training. (PR Newswire)
Why lawyers need good judgment as AI use increases. (Forbes)
How lawyer “poaching” is affecting the legal profession. (The Economist)
Opinion: Why young lawyers should not turn away from Department of Justice job openings. (Bloomberg Law)

Indiana University Law professor Lauren K. Robel recognized by Section on Women in Legal Education. (Maurer School of Law)
University of Michigan Law Center for International and Comparative Law sends students to Tanzania to learn about African law. (Michigan Law)
University of New Mexico Law students help create statewide affordable housing plan. (The University of New Mexico)
Notre Dame Law clinics and programs collaborate on religious exclusions amicus brief. (University of Notre Dame)
Penn Carey Law collaborates on new certificate of study on AI and Law. (Penn Engineering)
University of Toledo Law launches Beyond Conviction Clinic to support community needs. (The University of Toledo)
A look at the University of Utah Law Mental Health Legal Clinic. (The University of Utah)