ABA LAW SCHOOL NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION in 2026

I graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, an ABA-accredited school, and after more than 30 years in practice I view the Florida Supreme Court’s decision with cautious interest. By opening the door to recognizing additional law school accreditors beyond the ABA—so long as they are approved by the Court and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education—the Court is clearly signaling a desire to expand access to the profession and reduce structural barriers to entry, while still preserving oversight. That said, as someone who benefited from the rigor, uniform standards, and credibility that ABA accreditation provided, I understand the concern voiced by many veterans of the bar that loosening this gate must not come at the expense of educational quality, public protection, or the long-term strength of the profession. Innovation is welcome, but it must be balanced with the hard-earned lessons of decades of legal practice.

Full story in the Florida Bar News is linked at:

https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/court-opens-door-to-new-law-school-accreditors-for-bar-admission/