The Trump administration is expected to make a decision by late December regarding the federal recognition of the American Bar Association's (ABA) law school accrediting arm. This could lead to states exploring alternative paths for legal education, potentially changing how law schools function and who can practice law. Critics of the ABA argue that its influence has hindered innovation and increased costs in legal education. Some states, including Texas and Florida, have already started to move away from exclusive reliance on ABA accreditation.
Key facts
- The Trump administration will decide on ABA's federal recognition by late December.
- Losing federal recognition may accelerate alternative legal education pathways.
- Texas was the first state to end exclusive reliance on ABA accreditation.
- The ABA has been found out of compliance with over 26 federal criteria.
- Most law schools are part of larger universities with their own accreditation.
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