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 October 31, 2025
AALS Legal Education Blogs Digest – Week Ending October 31, 2025
Top stories from the past week include:
- A Florida Supreme Court workgroup has developed a list of a dozen alternative methods to law school accreditation. Florida is one of four states considering eliminating the ABA’s role as sole law school accreditor. The recommendations include nine alternatives for the state to independently accredit law schools along with three options working with external organizations including the ABA. Critics of alternative accreditation worry that removing the ABA as sole accreditor could negatively impact degree portability for law graduates. (ABA Journal) (The Florida Bar)
- An LSAC study found that nearly half of LSAT test takers listed “helping others” as their motivation for applying to law school. Other driving factors for law applicants included social justice and financial security. This survey could provide insight into the 29% increase in law school applicants over last year, which already saw historically high applicant numbers. (ABA Journal)
- Law students across the country have started artificial intelligence clubs to address the increasing use of AI in the legal profession. At least 16 law schools have student-led AI groups engaging in activities like pitch competitions, panels and demonstrations. Law schools have also responded to increased AI use by creating required training and curriculum for students. (Reuters)
Higher Education
- A federal judge indefinitely blocked the most recent round of layoffs at the US Department of Education. A total of 4,000 layoffs were blocked including 500 at the Department of Education, mostly at the Office of Postsecondary Education and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. This judgment is seen as a win for the Education Department which has already endured thousands of layoffs and cuts to funding as the Trump Administration has announced plans to eliminate the department altogether. (Inside Higher Ed)
- The American Council on Education along with 31 co-signers penned an open letter asking for higher education institutions and the associations that represent them to be exempt from the new $100,000 H-1B visa application fee. The new H-1B requirements have faced criticism from educational organizations and employers who rely on foreign workers. So far, the federal government has announced some exceptions to the fee, and higher education institutions are advocating to be added to that list. (Inside Higher Ed)
- A Quinnipiac University poll found that the majority of Americans believe that the Trump administration is overreaching in their management of higher education. Since taking office, the Trump administration has administered numerous new regulations and cut funding to universities unless they comply with demands. The poll showed that around 70% of Americans found that the federal government’s actions towards universities are an overreach of power and that they should allow universities more freedom. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Law School Programs, Clinics and Milestones
- A look at Boston College Law Pro Se Legal Assistance Clinic. (BC Law)
- Case Western Reserve Law Appellate Litigation Clinic presents case before sixth circuit court. (CWRU Newsroom)
- University of Chicago Law Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship hosts business pitch competition. (The University of Chicago)
- High Point Law opens Pro Bono Veterans Law Clinic. (High Point University)
- University of North Carolina Law hosts mock trial with artificial intelligence jury. (Reuters)
- Widener Commonwealth Law & Government Institute celebrates 25th anniversary. (Widener University Commonwealth Law School)