AALS LENS Now - September 4, 2026

Legal Education News

Despite concerns that new federal financial aid rules could impact law school enrollment, law schools have reported stable class sizes and strong application growth. New federal loan caps and the elimination of Grad PLUS loans have made law school more complicated to access, and many legal education experts have voiced their concern that it will impact low-income and underrepresented applicants the most. (ABA Journal)
A survey of first-year law students found that their success depends most on preparation, realistic expectations, support systems and wellness habits. The report recommends that academic success professionals focus on pre-law preparation and proactive support to help first year law students succeed. (AOL)
Other legal education stories from the week include:
- The ABA struggles to retain accreditor status amid scrutiny from the Trump administration. (Law360)
- Op-Ed: A look at the current battle between the federal government and the ABA over accreditation. (The Maryland Daily Record)
- Washington Bar Exam hosts make-up exam after cancelling first exam due to technical issues. (Bloomberg Law News)
- Paul Caron reappointed dean of Pepperdine Law. (Pepperdine University)
- University of Houston Law Center hosts AALS Pathways to Law Teaching Regional Workshop. (University of Houston Law Center)

What students should know about this year’s changes to federal student loans. (The Boca Raton Tribune)
90% of colleges do not require test scores for admission for 2026-27. (Inside Higher Ed)
Study finds that AI tends to grade students’ essays higher than humans. (Inside Higher Ed)

ABA discusses the need for eliminating bias and enhancing diversity in the legal profession. (American Bar Association)
How artificial intelligence highlights the need to define the term “practice of law.” (Bloomberg Law)
Stanford study finds that federal court records are being sealed at high rates. (Law.com)
How changes to accreditation could impact professional licenses. (Inside Higher Ed)
Survey finds that an increasing number of mid-level associates fear AI will replace them. (Law.com)

Georgia State Law Gateway Scholars Program expands access to legal education by not requiring test scores. (Georgia State News Hub)
A look at Harvard Law Tenant Advocacy Project. (Harvard Law School)
Hofstra Law Edge Ahead Program helps incoming students prepare for law school. (Hofstra University Law News)
Temple Law Tenant Rights Help Service assists students with renter rights and housing concerns. (Temple Now)
University of Virginia Law announces new course offerings to teach students about AI use. (University of Virginia School of Law)