AALS LENS Now - September 18, 2026

Legal Education News

As the U.S. Department of Education has recommended ending federal recognition of the ABA as sole law school accreditation, experts raise concerns over the future of accreditation and the legal profession. Wendy Perdue, reporter for the AALS Task Force on the Regulation of American Legal Education, discusses how changes could impact law schools and students in the immediate future. (Virginia Lawyers Weekly)
Large U.S. law firm hiring has declined 7.5% in 2025, the first drop in entry-level hiring since 2011. The decline in hiring is largely shaped by law firm’s using AI at higher rates causing them to reassess staffing needs. (Bloomberg Law News)
A new ABA study found that over 41% of lawyers report that legal work has harmed their mental health. The study also found high rates of burnout and alcohol use among young lawyers despite increased wellness initiatives in the legal profession. (Reuters)
Other legal education stories from the week include:
- University of Colorado Law earns ABA reaccreditation. (Colorado Law)
- LSAC informs Iranian students that they cannot take the LSAT under current sanctions. (ABA Journal)
- UCLA Chancellor condemns symposium held at the law school to commemorate the 9/11 attacks over defense attorney inclusion. (Inside Higher Ed)
- Judge discusses how Indiana could make a plan to evaluate law schools without the ABA. (The Indiana Lawyer)

DOJ sues states over tuition laws. (Higher Ed Dive)
How universities are trying to address AI concerns while actively embracing the technology. (The New York Times)
A look at the Trump administration’s recent actions affecting higher education. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Proposed IRS tax plan suggests revoking the tax-exempt status of private nonprofit colleges. (Higher Ed Dive)
Political arguments cause conflict over development of university core curriculums. (The New York Times)

How law firms can address gaps in legal judgment and professional identity. (Thomson Reuters Institute)
Why small law firms should use different AI policies than large firms. (ABA Journal)
OpenAI partners with legal tech company to bring AI to more law firms. (Business Insider)
Newly released “AI Guide for Litigators” teaches lawyers how to implement AI in their practice. (Thomson Reuters Institute)

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law professor Erin Corken publishes two-part series on AI ethics and legal practice. (Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School)
A look at the University at Buffalo Law Family Violence and Women’s Rights Clinic. (University at Buffalo)
University of Chicago Law Intensive Trial Practice Workshop helps students experience what it is like to try a case. (University of Chicago Law School)
Fordham Law celebrates 10^th anniversary of Center on Race, Law and Justice. (Fordham Law News)
LMU Loyola Law launches Binational Migrant Advocacy Project. (Street Insider)
Rutgers Law launches mostly online JD program. (Rutgers Law School)