Texas Supreme Court Cut Ties With ABA
State law school accreditation processes remain in transition following the court's January 2026 decision.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Administration
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The Texas Supreme Court ended its formal relationship with the American Bar Association in January 2026. This administrative shift now leaves the Board of Law Examiners awaiting further guidance regarding the accreditation of non-ABA law schools.
Why it matters
The change impacts the pathway to legal licensure in the state, as the Board of Law Examiners requires specific directives from the court to adjust which schools are eligible for state accreditation. Students and aspiring lawyers are currently in a holding pattern while the state establishes its own oversight protocols.
The split occurred eight months ago, creating an administrative gap for applicants. The Board of Law Examiners is currently unable to expand the state list to include non-accredited programs without new court guidance.
The players
Texas Supreme Court
The state's highest judicial body that holds final authority over bar admission standards and legal accreditation policies.
Board of Law Examiners
The state entity tasked with the administration of the bar exam and the oversight of law school accreditation criteria.
American Bar Association
The national voluntary association that historically provided law school accreditation standards used by many states.
The details
The Board of Law Examiners oversees the administration of the Texas bar exam and determines which institutions meet state standards for eligibility. Following the separation from the American Bar Association, the board must define new procedures to evaluate schools that do not hold that specific national accreditation. Officials met in September 2026 to discuss these policy adjustments, but they remain dependent on the court to finalize the legal framework for recognition.
Timeline
The Texas Supreme Court severed ties with the ABA in January 2026.
The Board of Law Examiners convened to discuss accreditation policies in September 2026.
Requests for non-accredited school status are not expected until 2027.
The Home Front
This move represents a significant departure from the long-standing reliance on national standards set by the American Bar Association for state legal practice. It shifts the regulatory burden onto local authorities as Texas moves toward a more independent system of academic oversight.
Aspiring legal professionals should monitor the Board of Law Examiners for updates on school eligibility before committing to non-accredited programs. Keep all academic records and transcripts organized, as these will be essential for verifying eligibility once the new accreditation guidelines are issued.
The takeaway
The transition to a state-led accreditation model creates a period of uncertainty for non-ABA law schools that will likely extend into 2027. Applicants should verify current accreditation status with the Board of Law Examiners directly before enrollment decisions.
Further reading
For more on how state boards navigate regulatory shifts, review the latest updates in Administration.
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Should states establish independent law school accreditation standards instead of relying on the American Bar Association?
