Texas has become the first state in the United States to end the American Bar Association's (ABA) oversight of law schools. This change comes after over 40 years of reliance on the ABA for law school accreditation.
• The Texas Supreme Court issued an order ending the ABA's role in accrediting law schools, stating it would provide a new approval process based on simple and objective criteria.
• Graduates from Texas law schools no longer need to attend ABA-accredited institutions to take the bar exam, which is crucial for becoming a licensed lawyer in the state.
• The Texas Supreme Court will now oversee law school approvals, ensuring that both Texas and out-of-state degrees remain valid for practice in Texas.
• The move to sever ties with the ABA was first indicated by the court in April, followed by public comments and a final decision announced in January 2026.
• The ABA has traditionally set standards for law schools, including faculty qualifications, curriculum, diversity efforts, and bar passage rates.
• The motivation behind this decision by the Texas Supreme Court is not explicitly stated but follows national discussions involving the ABA, legal diversity, and remarks from political figures.
• Critics, including law school deans, have expressed concerns that this change could hinder lawyer mobility and increase costs for law schools and students.
• Other states, like Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, are also contemplating similar actions regarding ABA oversight.
Texas has taken a significant step by eliminating ABA oversight for law schools, which allows the state's highest court to manage accreditation independently. This decision may have broader implications for the legal education landscape in Texas and could influence other states to follow suit.
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