New Attorneys

Justice Department OKs hiring prosecutors fresh out of law school

After mass departures at U.S. attorneys' offices, the U.S. Department of Justice is waiving a policy requiring newly hired federal prosecutors to have at least one year of experience practicing law.

Mar 17, 2026 9:53 AM CDT

As new licensure pathways crop up, how are they doing?

New pathways to licensure are having a moment. In the past two years, several jurisdictions have approved methods of licensure that put less emphasis on tests or memorization and more weight on practical skills learned on the job while earning a paycheck. A few others are formally considering similar moves. But for those up and running, how’s it going?

Mar 12, 2026 12:08 PM CDT

Berkeley Law 1Ls offered class to help handle early recruiting efforts

As the recruiting time for summer jobs moves ever earlier, the University of California at Berkeley School of Law has launched new course aimed at preparing first-year students for the application process and mapping out their careers.

Mar 11, 2026 10:13 AM CDT

ABA Legal Ed council will consider including alternative pathways to bar in accreditation standards

As alternative pathways to licensure emerge around the country, the standards committee of the council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is suggesting revisions to law school accreditation standards to recognize the growing popularity of methods beyond taking an exam to join the bar.

Feb 18, 2026 12:31 PM CST

New lawyers are expected to be AI savvy, new study shows

Being comfortable and competent using artificial intelligence now ranks among the expectations of new lawyers, according to an annual survey of more than 1,800 law students, faculty and practicing lawyers.

Feb 10, 2026 9:40 AM CST

Precision, persistence and finding your voice in the room

Early in my career, I thought confidence in lawyering came from having the right answer—and having it quickly. I watched seasoned litigators rattle off key holdings from memory, negotiate effortlessly with opposing counsel, and speak with authority that seemed innate. I assumed confidence was something you either had or didn’t, and that my job as a young lawyer was to quietly absorb as much as possible until one day I magically crossed some invisible threshold.

Jan 28, 2026 9:27 AM CST

Summer program recruiting starts early, moves faster, stems from employer, new NALP study shows

The work of getting a summer associate job starts earlier, moves faster and is more likely to be conducted by employer-sponsored programs instead of law school-sponsored methods, according to a new study from the National Association for Law Placement.

Jan 27, 2026 11:17 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

The case for business development coaching

In the third season of the Apple TV series Ted Lasso, star striker Jamie Tartt wants to reclaim his place as the best player on the pitch. He doesn’t know exactly what he needs, only that it’s something more than what even the best teamwide coaching—and the world’s most enthusiastic head coach—can deliver. Determined to push his development further, he asks assistant coach and former star Roy Kent to coach him individually.

Jan 20, 2026 9:33 AM CST

Law license portability rules tweaked in this state

The Rhode Island Supreme Court tweaked its rules of admission to the bar last week, easing regulations for licensed attorneys from other states.

Jan 12, 2026 9:26 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

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

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

How to address financial challenges in a law firm succession plan

Many law firms have to plan for the eventual departure of increasingly large numbers of aging partners. Having a strong financial plan for these departures will help smooth the transition of leadership roles and operational responsibilities.

Dec 8, 2025 10:18 AM CST

Quest for new ways to learn the law leads to Dungeons & Dragons courses

Know elaborate laws, precedents and procedures. Present cases to the keeper of the law, who determines the outcome. Tell stories well. Behave ethically—or face real consequences. All of the above reflect what happens in a courtroom. And in a game of Dungeons & Dragons.

Nov 24, 2025 9:10 AM CST