AALS LENS Now - October 9, 2026

Legal Education News

As the ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar awaits a final decision from the US Department of Education on their status as a federally recognized accreditor of law schools, experts are discussing the implications of that decision. AALS CEO Kellye Testy weighed-in on what schools can expect in advance of the decision and in the future. (ABA Journal)
Tennessee has become the latest state to reduce its reliance on the ABA for law school accreditation. The Supreme Court of Tennessee has changed its admissions rules to potentially allow graduates of non-ABA-accredited law schools to qualify for the bar. (Reuters)
The US Department of Justice has accused UCLA Law of discriminating against Asian and white applicants by allegedly giving Black and Hispanic candidates with lower LSAT scores a greater chance of admission. In recent months, the federal government has expanded its scrutiny well beyond banned affirmative‑action‑related policies, targeting a range of efforts to enroll a representative student body. (Reuters)
Other legal education stories from the week include:
- What law schools can learn about generative AI from computer science programs. (ABA Journal)
- Despite rising law school costs, school financial support is allowing students to borrow less money. (The National Jurist)
- Harvard Law ends work authorization for international students’ externships. (The Harvard Crimson)
- Drake Law launches national search for next dean. (Drake University)

What graduate students should know about state-based student loans. (PBS News)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness applicants face major delays in the federal loan buyback program. (The Washington Post)
New report finds that most college students finish their degree in four years or less. (The Washington Post)
Colleges prepare to roll out new Pell Grants for short-term career-oriented programs. (Inside Higher Ed)

How law firm leaders can help prevent lawyer burnout. (Law.com)
Despite large fines, lawyers have not stopped using AI-fabricated citations. (Law.com)
How artificial intelligence is changing the business model of law firms. (Law.com)
Lawyers question whether expertise in AI will be in demand into the future. (Law.com)

Harvard Law Library Innovation Lab introduces Law Skills Hub to encourage proper use of AI. (Amicus Libris)
Hofstra Law launches Legal Tech and Innovation Institute. (Long Island Business News)
Lewis & Clark Law Business Legal Clinic celebrates 20th anniversary. (Lewis & Clark Law School)
University of Memphis Law launches ‘3+3’ accelerated degree program with University of Tennessee Martin. (The Pacer)