Texas will become the first state to no longer use American Bar Association (ABA ) for oversight of its law schools .

The Texas Supreme Court will take over that responsibility, according to an order its justices issued on Friday, Sept. 26. The ABA has set standards for law schools nationwide for decades.

Karen Sloan , who covers the legal business for Reuters, spoke to Texas Standard about the decision. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity:

Texas Standard: Well, first, briefly explain why this accreditation process is so critical for law schools and their graduates.

Karen Sloan: So law school accreditation is important because it kind of paves the way for graduates to go on and practice as lawyers.

See Full Page