Firm Forward: Legal News for Attorneys (Autumn 2025)

We’re heading into fall with new developments in the legal industry. From pro bono work to new verification laws, here’s what’s on tap in our update.

Plus, learn how the supply of up-and-coming legal professionals is shaping up as a new class of law students gets started on the fall semester. 

Let’s look at the latest news in the legal profession.

Law School Sees a Surge in New Applications

If you’re thinking long-term about how to build your law practice, rest assured you might have your pick of new associates in a couple of years.

Law school applications saw a dramatic spike heading into the 2025-26 school year. The number of would-be law students rose 18%, with the overall number of applicants beating the previous spike that occurred in the pandemic year of 2021.

And other indicators signal a similar increase next year. The next three sittings of the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) have a double-digit increase in registrants. 

So what’s behind the renewed interest in law school? There are many potential factors according to experts. News of the current administration and increased interest in politics has brought the law to the forefront.

That’s happening as recent college graduates face an uncertain job market. New lawyers, in contrast, are enjoying strong employment figures, making law more enticing as a career. 

Plus, recent changes to the LSAT exam, such as the scrapping of the logic games section, might be behind the surge in new law school applicants.

How DC Attorneys Can Give Back

Attorneys in Washington, DC, have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by volunteering their legal expertise. There are numerous ways to support vulnerable communities.

Organizations like the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and Catholic Charities offer pro bono programs to help those in need. Additionally, attorneys can aid people experiencing homelessness through initiatives like the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless or serve as legal observers at protests through the National Lawyers Guild. These efforts not only provide critical legal support but also strengthen the community and uphold justice.

A.I. Owns a Law Firm in Arizona (with a Twist)

We’re not quite at the stage where AI is practicing law—yet. But the latest news out of Arizona reveals a startup AI company has opened a law practice in the state. It’s likely the first time that AI has taken such a large and public role in legal work. This law firm isn’t hiding its use of AI it’s using it as a way to attract clients.

Arizona recently relaxed its rules about law firm ownership, allowing non-attorneys to have an economic interest in firms. This opened the door for Eudia, a legal platform startup based in California, to launch Eudia Counsel. The company bills its services as “AI-augmented,” using the features and tools of Eudia’s technology.

Eudia Counsel has so far identified its core offerings as AI-augmented M&A and contracts. The technology will expedite document analysis, risk identification, and contract review. 

The company is just the latest non-legal entity to set up shop in Arizona. Recently, LegalZoom, KPMG, and Axiom got economic stakes in firms in the state, under the Alternative Business Structure (ABS) program.

Ohio’s New Age Verification Law Impacts Residents and Platforms

Ohio’s incoming age verification law for adult content is set to bring significant changes for residents and online platforms alike. Starting September 30, websites hosting a “significant” amount of content deemed harmful to juveniles will require users to verify their age by uploading government-issued IDs or other personal documents.

While lawmakers argue this measure will protect minors, critics, including the Free Speech Coalition, warn that the law’s “vague” language could extend its reach to platforms like social media and music streaming services. Additionally, concerns have been raised about privacy, with users potentially turning to VPNs or non-compliant global websites to bypass restrictions.

As Ohio joins other states with similar laws, the debate over balancing child protection and digital privacy continues.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of industry trends and developments is crucial for your firm’s success. Whether you’re looking to grow your practice, enhance your online presence, or connect with more clients, Martindale-Avvo’s suite of services can help you achieve your goals. Explore how their innovative solutions can support your firm in navigating the ever-changing legal world.