Here are a few of the most important news stories you need to know from the past week.
For the last decade, AALS has kept the legal academy and supporters informed with our weekly Legal Education News Digest and Blogs Digest. These digests track important developments in legal education, the legal profession, and higher education on the federal level. They also highlight new programs, collaborations between schools, milestones, faculty accomplishments, awards, clinical activities, and special events. Sign up to receive these digests by email.
Law schools can share news and updates with the editors of the weekly digest here.
AALS Legal Education News Digest – Week Ending September 12, 2025
AALS Legal Education Blogs Digest – Week Ending September 12, 2025
Top stories from the past two weeks include:
- The ABA Task Force for American Democracy released a report with dozens of recommendations to embolden the public’s trust in government and the rule of law. One recommendation is to expand the oath taken by US lawyers to include commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law. The report is a result of two years of research from the bipartisan task force aimed to protect democracy in America. (Reuters)
- Law professor bloggers are searching for new platforms as the blog host website TypePad announced that they will shut down at the end of September. Paul Caron will shut down his popular TaxProf Blog after posting daily for over 21 years. Others are searching for new website hosts and scrambling to archive thousands of posts. (Law.com) (ABA Journal)
Higher Education
- The US Department of Education has announced plans to change the interpretation of race-based discrimination, increase flexibility in college accreditation, and rework financial aid eligibility. The update comes as part of a series of initiatives from the Department aimed at controlling education and funding at higher education institutions. (Inside Higher Ed)
- University enrollments this fall are varied, related to several factors. Many universities report concerns over international student enrollment and public perception of higher education, which could lead to decreased enrollment. Despite this, some universities welcomed record numbers of students as part of an upward trend following the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no clear explanation for these successes, though many schools report increased interest in health-related majors and growth of online programs. (Inside Higher Ed)
Law School Programs, Clinics and Milestones
- Campbell Law Veterans Legal Clinic seeks clients to challenge discharge classifications. (Campbell)
- UConn Law launches Graduate Certificate in Insurance Law. (UConn Today)
- Detroit Mercy Law launches fully online JD program. (Law.com)
- NYU Law scholars launch Democracy Project. (NYU Law)
Law School Dean Moves and Hires
- Kristen E. Murray appointed interim dean of Temple Law. (Voices @ Temple Law)