Thinking About Law School: Rising Interest, Loans, and AI

Interest in legal education has surged in a way that has surprised many admissions professionals, and the volume of applicants has climbed sharply: recent LSAC counts show the number of people applying is roughly 52.7% higher than two years ago, while applications submitted are over 62% higher. Test registrations and first‑time LSAT takers have also risen, and law schools are seeing broader geographic and racial diversity in the applicant pool. Because admissions offices receive more files, schools are changing how they review candidates and manage offers.

At the same time, federal student loan rules are being tightened, with new borrowing limits and changes that will affect graduate and professional students starting in 2026; these rules will reduce the amount some students can borrow and alter repayment options. Universities and prospective students therefore face a different financing landscape, which may push some applicants to seek more grants, work before study, or consider alternative careers. The financial calculus that once made a law degree a predictable investment is becoming more complex.

Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping legal work: major firms have cited AI and operational shifts when reducing business‑services roles, and surveys show growing individual use of generative tools for drafting and research, even as firm‑wide policies remain cautious. As routine tasks are automated and training models evolve, the shape of entry‑level legal work may change substantially, potentially altering the traditional path from junior associate to partner. If you are weighing law school now, consider how technology will affect the skills you need, the types of early work you will do, and how long it may take to recoup tuition.