Experts discuss ABA report on diversity, equity, and inclusion at law firms
ABA JOURNAL — While most lawyers are passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, they still struggle with actions and tangible outcomes in this space, Daniel Winterfeldt said during a Monday afternoon ABA Techshow panel called “Harnessing and Maximizing Technology and Data to Drive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession.”
Read More about Experts discuss ABA report on diversity, equity, and inclusion at law firmsExperts predict growth of legal incubator programs
ABA JOURNAL — Legal incubator programs providing space and support for newly admitted lawyers in exchange for representing underserved clients first gained great traction in the aftermath of the Great Recession, which left many recent law graduates seeking employment alternatives.
Read More about Experts predict growth of legal incubator programsNine jurisdictions plan remote bar exam for July 2021
ABA JOURNAL — California’s July 2021 bar exam will be remote, the California Supreme Court announced Friday. The first testing day, on July 27, will consist of five one-hour essay questions and a 90-minute performance test, according to the administrative order. A total 200 multiple-choice questions will be given July 28.
Read More about Nine jurisdictions plan remote bar exam for July 2021AccessLex launches database of law school scholarships and writing competition awards
ABA JOURNAL — A database of law school scholarships, with search filters for things like award amounts, essay requirements and locations, was announced today by AccessLex, a nonprofit that focuses on increasing access to legal education. The Law School Scholarship Databank lists almost 800 offerings, according to its website.
Read More about AccessLex launches database of law school scholarships and writing competition awardsFour additional law schools now back in compliance with ABA bar passage standard
ABA JOURNAL — In May, the ABA found 10 law schools did not meet an accreditation standard requiring a bar passage rate of at least 75% within two years of graduation; but as of February, six have now demonstrated compliance. The council posted notices stating that the following law schools are now in compliance with the standard.
Read More about Four additional law schools now back in compliance with ABA bar passage standardUniversity of Minnesota Law students ask school to acknowledge challenges of the pandemic on transcripts
ABA JOURNAL — The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on many student population groups, and law students at the University of Minnesota Law School are asking that it be mentioned in the transcript for the 2020-2021 academic year. Shantal Pai, a third-year law student, drafted a petition for the notation.
Read More about University of Minnesota Law students ask school to acknowledge challenges of the pandemic on transcriptsUsing sign language, University of Virginia Law student Jehanne McCullough contributes to federal appeals win
ABA JOURNAL — Jehanne McCullough, a University of Virginia School of Law student who is deaf, recently argued a federal excessive force appeal through the school’s appellate clinic, and three American Sign Language interpreters were also involved in the process. McCullough, a 3L, signed oral arguments with one interpreter.
Read More about Using sign language, University of Virginia Law student Jehanne McCullough contributes to federal appeals winStudent group files lawsuit challenging race-conscious admissions policy at Yale University
ABA JOURNAL — Students for Fair Admissions has filed a lawsuit challenging race-conscious admissions policies at Yale University less than a month after the U.S. Department of Justice dropped a bias suit that it filed against the school during the Trump administration.
Read More about Student group files lawsuit challenging race-conscious admissions policy at Yale UniversityABA rejects law school deans’ request to delay reporting of graduate employment data due to the pandemic
ABA JOURNAL — The council of the ABA’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar will not be granting a request to push the employment data deadline from March to June. Issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a Feb. 10 letter signed by law school deans in New York, New Jersey and California requesting the delay.
Read More about ABA rejects law school deans’ request to delay reporting of graduate employment data due to the pandemicABA urges government to expand loan assistance and forgiveness programs for law graduates
REUTERS — The American Bar Association passed a resolution Monday that throws the lawyer group’s weight behind political efforts to aid law school graduates drowning in debt, as the Biden administration grapples with how to best address that issue. The resolution urges Congress and the Biden administration to implement measures.
Read More about ABA urges government to expand loan assistance and forgiveness programs for law graduates