The Supreme Court of Ohio is taking a hard look at the way it handles legal training. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy has called together a group of heavy hitters to form a new advisory committee that will shake the trees of the state’s law school accreditation process. This move comes as part of the Court's consistent push to keep pace with the evolving nature of legal education.
Charged to fully explore the current standards and identify areas ripe for innovation, the committee is led by Robert W. Horner, III, the Supreme Court of Ohio's Administrative Director. According to a release on Court News Ohio, Horner stated, "The Supreme Court of Ohio is responsible for the oversight of every stage of an Ohio attorney’s professional development and engagement - from their education and admission to the Bar, to their continuing legal education and professional conduct." He added, "The Court’s responsibility to uphold the integrity and efficacy of the profession means constant reflection, research, and openness to innovation."
Rolling up their sleeves alongside Horner are notable figures like Mary Amos Augsburger, CEO of the Ohio State Bar Association; Kent Barnett, Dean of Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University; and Amanda Gould, Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, among others. Each member brings a wealth of experience to the table, ensuring a comprehensive review from multiple perspectives within the legal and educational spheres.
The committee's formation isn't the first step the Supreme Court has taken to enhance the accessibility and quality of legal training in the state. Earlier this year, they shook things up by hosting the July 2025 Ohio Bar Examination across three different universities, significantly reducing travel time for examinees and increasing access. This change is a clear signal that the Supreme Court is looking to not only maintain high standards but also knock down barriers for upcoming legal professionals.
This advisory committee review is just the latest chapter in the Supreme Court's overarching mission to support the professional lifecycle of Ohio’s attorneys, signaling that the wheels of progress in Ohio's legal education are not just turning – they're picking up speed.
