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 26, 2025
AALS Legal Education Blogs Digest – Week Ending September 26, 2025
Top stories from the past two weeks include:
- Many law schools are welcoming large first-year classes following a significant increase in law school applications for the fall 2025 admissions season. The national applicant pool increased by 18% for the most recent cycle, with many law schools welcoming historically large first-year classes. (Reuters)
- More law schools are implementing mandatory artificial intelligence training in response to the increased use of AI in the legal profession. At least eight law schools have incorporated training into first-year student orientation, legal research and writing courses, or mandatory standalone classes. Legal educators are saying it’s necessary to teach proper use of artificial intelligence as a tool, and to educate students on how to avoid issues like AI hallucinations. (Reuters)
Higher Education
- The US Department of Education has placed Harvard University on heightened cash monitoring. This designation allows greater federal oversight into a school’s finances and is typically only implemented for colleges in financial distress. Higher education experts have voiced concern that this is a form of harassment from the federal government intended to cause increased stress on staff and keep students from accessing financial aid. (Inside Higher Ed)
- A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return $500 million in medical research grants to UCLA. The grants were suspended by the federal government over allegations of antisemitism, use of race in admissions, and recognition of transgender identities by the school. The legal victory is a positive sign for universities, many of whom are pursuing legal action to regain federal funding they believe was unrightfully stripped for political reasons. (Los Angeles Times)
- The National Association for College Admission Counseling has recently presented their research into race in applications, admissions and enrollment. The research examines how the US Supreme Court decision on affirmative action as well as federal actions targeting DEI initiatives have affected diversity at universities. The study found significant gaps between the number of applicants from minority racial groups and the number of students admitted. (Higher Ed Dive)
Law School Programs, Clinics and Milestones
- University of Akron Law launches study abroad program in Peru. (Cleveland Jewish News)
- University of Georgia Law announces new admissions pathway. (The National Jurist)
- A look at University of Miami Law Litigation Skills Program. (University of Miami School of Law)
- Rutgers Law launches Criminal Defense & Advocacy Clinic and Women’s Rights and Gender Justice Clinic. (Rutgers Law School)