A Deep Dive into the Law School Application Surges

If you’ve been watching the headlines—or just listening to the anxious buzz around the legal industry—it’s no surprise: law school applications are skyrocketing, jumping nearly 23% year-over-year. But this surge reflects more than just a stat spike. It’s a powerful signal that something deeper is stirring in our culture, economy, and the future of law school education and hiring.

As someone who’s spent over two decades coaching legal leaders, I can tell you this: every surge has a story. And this one is brimming with lessons for firm owners, law school hopefuls, and legal professionals at every level.

When the World Gets Loud, People Turn to Law School 

We’re living in a moment where politics, the economy, and social issues are colliding in real-time. The 2024 election cycle, rising economic uncertainty, and high-stakes social movements (think: reproductive rights, gun laws, civil liberties) are creating urgency. Law school is no longer just a career path—it’s a calling.

A Kaplan survey showed that over 53% of pre-law students said the political climate influenced their decision to apply to law school. Many are stepping up not just to understand the law but to help shape it. And if you’re a law firm leader, pay attention—these are your future hires fresh out of law school and ready to make an impact.

Law School as a Safe Harbor During Economic Uncertainty

During economic downturns, graduate school numbers climb—and law school tops the list. The legal profession offers structure, authority, and the potential for long-term career growth.

Add to that the fact that first-year salaries at Big Law firms are soaring to $225K, and it’s clear why high-achieving professionals are applying in droves. Law school is perceived as a stable and strategic investment, especially when other industries feel shaky.

But here’s where firm owners need to zoom in: salary might get them in the door, but your culture and clarity will keep them. 

LSAT Changes: Leveling the Playing Field

For years, the LSAT’s infamous logic games section kept brilliant, otherwise-qualified candidates from applying. But in 2024, that section was eliminated—and the results speak volumes. 

This kind of shift levels the playing field and makes law school an option for talented candidates who might’ve once been deterred. And as law firm leaders, that means you’re going to see a more diverse, more driven pool of candidates stepping into the legal pipeline.

The Changing Face of Law School Applicants

Here’s a stat I want every managing partner and hiring manager to write down: Applications from Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander students surged by over 30% across the board.

This is the start of a long-overdue shift. Diversity isn’t a trend—it’s the future of law school and the legal profession. If your firm doesn’t have a plan in place to support, mentor, and retain this new wave of talent, you’re missing out on one of the greatest opportunities to build a future-forward firm.

Law School Surge = Competitive Job Market

With application numbers hitting record highs, top-tier law schools are becoming more selective. Georgetown Law alone received over 14,000 applications for just 650 seats.

Applicants are more strategic than ever. They’re crafting sharper narratives, leaning into real-world experience, and entering law school with clear goals. That means when they graduate, they’ll be looking for firms that offer purpose, performance-based growth, and a healthy team culture.

This isn’t just about hiring team members. It’s about aligning with future legal leaders who care deeply about making a difference.

What This Means for Law Firm Leaders

If you’re running a firm, this law school surge is more than a trend—it’s your opportunity to prepare. The next generation of law graduates will arrive mission-driven, tech-savvy, and culture-conscious.

Ask yourself:

• Is your onboarding and mentoring structure up to date?
• Do your job descriptions tie to actual KPIs and growth tracks?
• Are you developing non-attorney team members to help carry the load?
• Can your systems handle the momentum this new generation is bringing?

At Hiring & Empowering Solutions, we help law firms bridge the gap between people and performance so you can harness the power of what’s coming out of law school—not just react to it.

Now is the time to invest in tools like a structured onboarding program or a proven training system like The Law Firm Admin Bootcamp + Academy™ to support your non-attorney team members and free up your attorneys for strategy and growth.

Law School Applications Growth Is a Wake-Up Call

It’s not just more people applying—it’s a shift in purpose. We’re seeing a new wave of legal professionals who are stepping into law school because they want to create impact, not just income.

The future of law is knocking—it’s more socially aware, more diverse, and more motivated than ever. The question is: Will your firm be ready when they arrive?