Overview

• The ABA’s Council on Legal Education advanced a standard requiring twelve experiential-learning credits for graduation after making minor revisions.
• A 45-day public comment period has opened following earlier, widespread opposition from law school deans to prior drafts.
• Critics, including Northwestern’s Daniel Rodriguez, argue the Council has not shown evidence that the mandate will improve educational outcomes.
• Commentators such as Brian Leiter are urging coordinated resistance by law schools and lobbying for recognition of alternative accreditors by the Education Department.
• The ABA’s role faces new pressure as the supreme courts of Florida, Texas, and Ohio reportedly review whether to require ABA accreditation and the Trump Administration scrutinizes the group’s DEI policies.