Outlook for the second session of the 119th Congress

After a first session defined by procedural friction, short-term funding measures and a record government shutdown, the second session of the 119th Congress is unfolding with fresh challenges, along with unresolved issues from the previous session.

Jan 22, 2026 8:59 AM CST

Claw Enforcement: California is latest state to ban cat declawing

In the latest knuckle-down on cat declawing, California this year joins five other states and Washington, D.C., in banning the surgical procedure for nonmedical reasons.

Jan 21, 2026 2:25 PM CST

Lawyers must provide information to former clients, but there are limits, new ABA ethics opinion says

Lawyers sometimes have to provide additional information to former clients and their new attorneys, even if the information is not found in the former client’s file, according to an ABA ethics opinion released Wednesday.

Jan 21, 2026 10:00 AM CST

New deans led nearly one-quarter of law schools in 2025

Almost 25% of accredited law schools were led by a new dean in 2025, according to Law.com.

Jan 21, 2026 9:45 AM CST

Statement of ABA President Michelle A. Behnke regarding Indiana judge shooting and violence against judges

Jan 20, 2026 4:30 PM CST

Legal Ed council underscores independence as states limit accreditation powers

Amid steps by states to create their own accrediting systems, the ABA council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar on Friday voted to clarify its independence from the overall ABA by setting up a new unit focused on law school oversight and by limiting options for input on accreditation standards.

Jan 16, 2026 1:15 PM CST

ABA Legal Ed council will consider options for ‘more autonomy’ at special meeting

At a special meeting Jan. 16, the council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar will consider recommendations “to give the council more autonomy over its self-governance” and allow changes to be implemented more quickly, according to memos to the council from the governance committee posted Jan. 9.

Jan 14, 2026 2:36 PM CST

Elon University aims to open law school as merger moves forward

Charlotte, North Carolina, could have its first law school since 2018 if a proposal for Elon University to open a full-time law program at Queens University of Charlotte is approved, according to Law.com.

Jan 14, 2026 10:10 AM CST

ABA Advocacy: The first session of the 119th Congress

The first session of the 119th Congress convened on Jan. 3, 2025, with Republicans taking control of both chambers following Donald Trump’s reelection. What ensued was a turbulent session that adjourned Jan. 3, 2026, marked by bitter disputes among members, challenges to Speaker Mike Johnson by members of his own party, and a standoff over Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions that ultimately triggered the 43-day government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history.

Jan 14, 2026 9:24 AM CST

6 law schools hit perfect pass rates for July California bar exam

Six law schools hit 100% pass rates for first-time applicants on California’s July 2025 bar exam, according to a story by Law.com.

Jan 13, 2026 1:10 PM CST

Speculation swirls over what law school accreditation might look like if states break away from ABA

Texas recently became the first state to officially cut ties with the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Meanwhile, Florida and two other states are considering similar moves. These moves have raised more questions than answers about what accreditation might look like and what the implications would be for law schools, law students and licensure.

Jan 13, 2026 9:20 AM CST

Law license portability granted to military members and attorney spouses by DOJ

Members of the military and their spouses who are licensed attorneys in one state can now practice anywhere in the country, according to a December update issued by the U.S. Department of Justice to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Jan 8, 2026 8:25 AM CST

Texas Supreme Court cuts ties with ABA Legal Ed council to handle law school accreditation

The Texas Supreme Court has officially cut ties with the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar as its law school accreditor.

Jan 7, 2026 11:05 AM CST

18 law student groups ask ABA Legal Ed council to protest recruiting timelines

Leaders of 18 student organizations from top law schools wrote the council of the ABA's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar protesting the high-speed timelines for employment recruiting at law schools.

Jan 7, 2026 10:04 AM CST

ABA Cornerstones Commission issues final report on civics, civility and the rule of law

The American Bar Association today released the final report of its Cornerstones Commission, “Lawyer as Public Citizen: Collaboration, Civics & Civility,” which examines how lawyers can rebuild trust in institutions and strengthen civil liberties and democratic values through sustained partnership in their local communities.

Jan 6, 2026 11:30 AM CST