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 conferences/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 March 6, 2026
AALS Legal Education Blogs Digest – Week Ending March 6, 2026
Top stories from the past week include:
- Law schools are expanding AI-focused coursework, with many institutions offering classes that teach skills like AI literacy, legal research with AI, and AI ethics. A Bloomberg Law survey found that 25 out of 28 law schools indicated that they provide AI-focused courses. Schools are emphasizing practical applications as AI-literacy is becoming a necessary skill for new lawyers. (Bloomberg Law)
- Washington University School of Law has created its own private loan program offering students $25,000 at a fixed interest rate to help cover costs following the introduction of a federal student loan cap. Many schools are offering loan programs and scholarships to help students offset costs and avoid taking risks with private lenders. (Reuters)
- Connecticut and New Mexico are exploring alternative pathways to attorney licensure with both states creating task forces and committees to develop supervised‑practice pathways to law licensure. These efforts follow national recommendations encouraging alternative licensure models to improve access to justice and better assess practical readiness to practice law. (ABA Journal)
- Other legal education stories:
- Judge Robert S. DiPaola named dean of University of Kentucky Law. (University of Kentucky)
- Florida State University Law dean Erin O’Hara announces plans to step down. (Tallahassee Democrat)
Higher Education
- College presidents are increasingly questioning whether their boards have the capacity, structure, and mindset needed to handle mounting pressures such as enrollment declines, political polarization, financial strain, and rapid technological change. Experts recommend that institutions assess their boards honestly and look at how changes can foster stronger leadership and better decision-making. (Inside Higher Ed)
Law School Programs, Clinics and Milestones
- Brooklyn Law Incubator & Policy Clinic helps art students understand copyright law. (Law.com)
- University at Buffalo Law expands opportunities for students to pursue rural practice. (University at Buffalo School of Law)
- Florida State University Law Business Law Clinic offers advice for starting a business to students. (FS View)