Diversity

Supreme Court appears skeptical of arguments against bans of trans athletes

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared skeptical of arguments Tuesday against state bans on transgender athletes playing on women’s sports teams and whether such laws violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.

Jan 13, 2026 2:10 PM CST

DOJ’s top civil rights prosecutors depart as office is cut out of key probes

At least five senior prosecutors in the criminal section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced their resignations this week, believing that the Trump administration has undermined the work and mission of the section, according to four people familiar with the personnel moves.

Jan 13, 2026 12:30 PM CST

Decision to remove Black judge reversed by state supreme court, cites racism could have been involved

The Washington Supreme Court overturned a recommendation to censure and remove a municipal court judge last month, saying the disciplinary action was inappropriate for the accusations that she was "rude, condescending or harsh toward staff and litigants,” and racism in the justice system could have been at play.

Jan 7, 2026 3:02 PM 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

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

Breaking the Stigma: Gavin Alexander shares mental health struggles to improve the profession

Gavin Alexander often tells other lawyers that success and seeking help aren’t mutually exclusive. Alexander, the Boston-based well-being director at Jackson Lewis, speaks from experience.

Jan 1, 2026 12:25 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

Our 11 favorite Instagram posts from 2025

It's been another riveting year in the legal industry and for our coverage at the ABA Journal. And just like that, 2026 will be here before we know it.

Dec 22, 2025 10:39 AM CST

Yale Law promotes deputy dean, will be second woman in dean role

Yale Law School has named its new dean, effective Feb. 1, 2026, the university announced Friday.

Dec 22, 2025 10:19 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

Federal budgets would further hit access to disability lawyers, advocates say

People with disabilities might find it more difficult to access lawyers to defend their rights if proposed federal budget cuts are approved, according to a story by USA Today.

Dec 15, 2025 11:11 AM CST

While working as Georgia prosecutor, lawyer filed more than 600 disability lawsuits

A lawyer who filed more than 600 Americans With Disabilities Act lawsuits in federal court against hotels and was found to have repeatedly inflated his attorney fees has been suspended from practicing in Maryland.

Dec 9, 2025 1:44 PM CST

Number of US lawyers increases for first time since 2020, is up 5.6% over 10-year period, ABA report says

The number of active lawyers in the United States has hit a 10-year high and has increased this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dec 9, 2025 10:11 AM CST

Interested in watching Kim Kardashian’s new legal series? This lawyer suggests that you don’t

In addition to starting on the path to be a lawyer, Kim Kardashian plays one on TV, in Hulu’s All’s Fair. Lawyer and columnist Adam Banner watched two episodes, so you don’t have to watch any.

Dec 8, 2025 12:58 PM CST

FTC supports end to ABA council’s ‘monopoly’ as law school accreditor

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission endorsed ending the “monopoly” of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar as the country’s sole law school accreditor, citing “overly burdensome law school accreditation requirements” that raise prices and stifle attempts to offer “a differentiated, more affordable product.”

Dec 4, 2025 11:27 AM CST