JD-Next: Revolutionizing Law School Admissions with Diversity and Accessibility

The legal education landscape is evolving, and a recent acquisition highlights a significant shift in how students may gain entry to law schools. Aspen Publishing, a major player in legal education materials, has acquired JD-Next—an alternative law school admissions program—from the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law.

Developed as a non-traditional pathway to law school, JD-Next is reshaping the admissions process by offering a diverse and accessible approach to identifying potential legal talent. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative program, its goals, and its implications for legal education.

What is JD-Next? A New Approach to Law School Admissions

JD-Next, launched in 2019, is an admissions program designed to address the challenges and inequities posed by traditional standardized tests such as the LSAT. The program offers an 8-week online course that prepares participants for a final exam used by law schools to assess their aptitude for legal studies.

To date, more than 56 law schools—over a quarter of all American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited institutions—have received approval to use JD-Next scores as part of their admissions process. These schools now have the option to evaluate applicants based on performance in JD-Next rather than relying solely on standardized test scores.

Why JD-Next Matters: Diversity and Accessibility in Law School Admissions

One of the primary goals of JD-Next is to improve diversity within the legal profession by providing an alternative to the LSAT. Studies have shown significant racial disparities in LSAT scores, often reflecting systemic inequities in education and the inherent biases of standardized testing.

For example, a 2019 study revealed the average LSAT score for Black test-takers was 142 out of 180, compared to 153 for white and Asian test-takers. This disparity has historically limited access to law schools for underrepresented groups.

According to Marc Miller, dean of the University of Arizona's law school, JD-Next was designed to address these disparities by focusing on an applicant’s potential rather than their performance on traditional standardized tests.

The program has shown promising results:

• Nearly 70% of JD-Next participants identify as members of underrepresented racial groups.
• 89% of participants would be the first in their families to attend law school.
• Thousands of students have completed the program since its inception.

A New Era of Flexibility: ABA’s Recent Policy Changes

The acquisition of JD-Next coincides with recent changes by the ABA to law school admissions policies. This month, the ABA approved a new pathway that allows law schools to admit some or all of their students without requiring standardized test scores such as the LSAT or GRE.

This policy change gives law schools greater flexibility in shaping their admissions processes and aligns with the goals of JD-Next to create a more inclusive and equitable legal education system.

Aspen Publishing’s Role and Future Plans for JD-Next

While the University of Arizona initially licensed JD-Next to Aspen Publishing in September 2023, the company has now fully acquired the program for an undisclosed amount. Aspen, best known for producing legal textbooks and study aids, plans to expand JD-Next’s reach significantly.

Currently offered four times a year at a cost of $299, JD-Next is a relatively small player in the admissions landscape. However, Aspen sees potential for growth, aiming to increase the number of participants and law schools adopting the program.

In a statement, Aspen emphasized its commitment to supporting diversity and innovation in legal education, highlighting the program’s success over the past five years and its potential to reshape how law schools assess applicants.

Implications for Legal Education

The acquisition of JD-Next reflects broader trends in the legal field. Law schools are seeking to balance academic excellence with the need for a more diverse student body, particularly in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision limiting race-conscious admissions policies.

JD-Next offers a viable alternative for law schools to evaluate students in a way that minimizes racial disparities and prioritizes aptitude, effort, and determination over standardized test performance. As Aspen Publishing invests in expanding the program, its impact on the legal profession could grow significantly in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Transformative Step Forward

The acquisition of JD-Next by Aspen Publishing marks an important step in modernizing law school admissions. By prioritizing accessibility, diversity, and flexibility, JD-Next offers a pathway for aspiring legal professionals who may have been overlooked by traditional admissions criteria.

As the program continues to expand, it could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal education and ensuring that the next generation of lawyers better reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.