I cannot believe it is January already, and that the AALS annual meeting is in full-force. While I have been a critic of the AALS in the past, I am happy to see the progress Judith Areen has made with the organization, since she took over as executive director. The organization has finally embraced technology under her leadership, and she seems genuinely interested in listening to, and working with the member schools. Furthermore, the organization is actively trying to reduce the expenses of those attending the meeting this year. SEALS has always been aggressive in its negotiations with conference hotels, and this year is the first year I felt that AALS negotiated on behalf of its membership.
Some other observations:
- It is heartening to see that this year's conference has broadened participation by those new to legal education, and that the panels seem to be more inclusive than ever.
- The publishing companies and other vendors in the exhibition hall have definitely scaled back on their promotional items, and their receptions for authors have been scaled back, as well.
- The publishing companies are much more focused on electronic access, than on hard-copy publication. They have unveiled new products to help law schools with the formative assessment now required by the ABA.
- CALI continues to be the leader in providing free casebooks, with a goal of cutting student costs. CALI has been the voice in the wilderness for many years.
- UC Irvine was granted membership in the AALS on January 7. Congratulations to that school for its continued success during challenging times.