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

Where are they now? Legal Opportunity Scholarship recipients share impact on their careers

It’s been more than 25 years since past ABA President William “Bill” Paul created the Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which has provided $15,000 scholarships to more than 400 diverse law students from around the country.

Jan 6, 2026 11:17 AM CST

ABA President Michelle Behnke reflects on 2025 and looks toward 2026

2025 saw a host of challenges in the legal sector. The good news is that the ABA, through our broad and diverse network of members, entities, and national and international partners, works each day—both visibly and behind the scenes—to uphold the rule of law, defend the independence of the judiciary, and preserve the integrity of the legal profession.

Jan 5, 2026 10:30 AM CST

Florida Supreme Court nixes proposal that lets lawyers not take state bar exam

The Florida Supreme Court recently struck down a proposal that would have allowed certain state government lawyers to practice in the state for three years without taking the Florida bar exam.

Jan 5, 2026 9:31 AM CST

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Making us all stronger

When we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion: Have we achieved equality yet? There may not be one moment when we believe equality has been achieved. Progress has been made. However, diversity, equity and inclusion are now under attack.

Jan 1, 2026 1:25 AM CST

Letters From Our Readers: ABA works for us

We are often asked as ABA members why lawyers should be ABA members. The question comes in many ways, but what it really comes down to is: What is the value and relevancy of ABA membership?

Jan 1, 2026 1:20 AM CST

ABA President Michelle Behnke aims to bring lawyers together in ‘unprecedented times’

At the ABA Annual Meeting in August, Michelle Behnke commended the association for remaining steadfast in its protection of the rule of law and the legal profession, despite unprecedented challenges by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Jan 1, 2026 12:20 AM CST

ABA Notices - Winter 2026

Jan 1, 2026 12:10 AM CST

ABA Legal Ed council appoints new committee to review accreditation standards

A special advisory committee charged with reviewing law school accreditations has been formed, including state supreme court justices and law school deans and professors, the council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar announced Monday.

Dec 23, 2025 9:39 AM CST

Five strategies for leaders to prioritize mental health and well-being

Dec 23, 2025 9:00 AM CST

Want to get into a top-tier law school? Prepare for a tough fight

Getting into a top-tier law school can be especially tough as acceptance rates go down and application rates go up.

Dec 19, 2025 11:02 AM CST

Senior lawyer, filmmaker explores questions about retirement in latest documentary

Longtime civil litigator Stephen Herman filmed, edited and produced several videos with his wife Evelyn Neaman, who worked in program management at the Justice Education Society, before deciding to focus his lens on retirement. Retirement on Trial, a documentary Herman and Neaman released in 2023, explores the challenges lawyers face when preparing (or not) for life beyond practicing full time.

Dec 17, 2025 10:37 AM CST

‘Am I the Drama?’ What Cardi B can teach the legal profession

When rapper Cardi B released Am I the Drama? just weeks after winning a high-profile assault lawsuit, she turned legal adversity into cultural commentary. From narrative framing and courtroom conduct to trial publicity and client counseling, her experience offers practical lessons for lawyers and law students on managing reputation, evidence and ethics in the court of law and the court of public opinion.

Dec 17, 2025 9:01 AM CST

Law school diversity dips after Trump administration orders, new ABA study finds

In fall 2025, Black students accounted for 7.6% of incoming JD students, compared with 7.7% last year; while Hispanic students made up 13.9%, down from 14.2% in 2024, according to the annual report from the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.

Dec 15, 2025 3:31 PM CST

Why state bars are struggling to keep pace with AI in legal practice

Walk into any law firm today, and you’ll likely find attorneys using artificial intelligence tools for everything from contract analysis to brief writing. Yet if you walk into most state bar associations, you’ll find regulatory frameworks that haven’t caught up to this new reality.

Dec 15, 2025 12:31 PM CST