Criminal law in America stands at the heart of the justice system, offering law students a front-row seat to the tension between accountability and fairness. Whether aspiring to become prosecutors seeking justice for victims or defense attorneys safeguarding the rights of the accused, students drawn to this field quickly learn that every case tests the balance between power and principle. Some law schools are leading the way, equipping future lawyers with real-world experience and a strong sense of purpose.
As the old saying goes, nothing in life is certain except death and taxes - and perhaps that's why tax lawyers are able to enjoy such fulfilling careers. Tax law is typically considered one of the most sophisticated and prestigious practice areas, and law schools are always honored to make the list when rankings for this area of law are released.
* Law school applications up 33 percent. Or " nearly half" as some lawyers would say. [ Reuters] * Supreme Court's voting rights argument reveals justices more than willing to roll back the law to 1950s. [ Bloomberg Law News] * Michigan State Title IX investigators may have collaborated with university lawyers. [ State News] * The lawyer-to-blacksmith pipeline is alive and well. [ CBS News] * Trump DOJ wastes tons of taxpayer money on frivolous cases, but the costs to the accused matter almost as much winning. [ NPR]
Business law today sits at the intersection of shifting political and regulatory forces, as governments worldwide respond to evolving issues like antitrust scrutiny, ESG compliance, and global trade tensions. These changes are reshaping how companies operate - and in turn, how lawyers advise them. For law students, understanding this dynamic landscape isn't optional; it's essential preparation for a profession where business, policy, and law are increasingly intertwined.
[Our] goal is to give [students] a sense of how important it is to use the power that they will wield as a lawyer to bring about good in the communities that they live in and work in, he said. And so we want to empower them and we want to make communities strong and do service. To this end, he's pursued mission-driven goals.
The University of Toronto's law school is introducing a new program focused on animal law. "It does, a bit, feel like a long time coming," said Angela Fernandez, a law school professor and director of the new program. "We've kind of gotten to a point now with the resources and the projects ... we've tipped over now into something that really just deserves a full sort of name as a program,"
Law school enrollment continues to be significantly down since reporting began. Total matriculant change from 2011 to 2018: -17.9%. Downward trends are notable, with 155 law schools decreasing in matriculants during this period.
"We strongly support continued reliance on ABA accreditation for Texas law schools and licensure eligibility. ABA accreditation provides a nationally recognized framework for quality assurance and transparency; portability of licensure through recognition of ABA accreditation by all 50 states, which is critical for graduates’ career flexibility; consumer protections and public accountability through disclosure standards."
For many, bar prep courses like BARBRI represent a crucial transition phase, creating lasting memories of complex legal principles, yet often result in a sense of moving on afterward.
In a surprising philanthropic gesture, an anonymous donor has contributed $10 million to Vermont Law School, prompting some to suggest the school humorously rename itself as the "Anonymous School of Law." This significant donation not only boosts the law school's endowment but also highlights the ongoing conversation about anonymity in charitable giving and the impact such contributions can have on legal education.
It's hard to follow the rules when they're in conflict, especially for law schools balancing accreditation with new political pressures against affirmative action.
