NYAPLAP’s ninth annual conference will take place on Friday, February 12 at Fordham Law School, 150 West 62nd St. in Manhattan. As usual, there will be a presentation by Katja Valasek from the Law School Admissions Council about the 2026-27 application year, the status of in-person testing, and how LSAC is trying to improve the admissions process. Here are this year’s panel discussions:
Panel 1: The Role of AI in the Application Process
Artificial intelligence is now a routine part of the law school application process. Applicants increasingly use AI tools to brainstorm, draft, and refine personal statements and supplemental essays. Recommendation writers—faculty, employers, and mentors—are also turning to AI to help structure or polish their letters. This panel explores how AI is reshaping the admissions landscape and what applicants need to know to use these tools responsibly and effectively. Prelaw advisors will discuss best practices for guiding students who rely on AI during the application process, including how to preserve authenticity, avoid ethical pitfalls, and maintain the applicant’s own voice. Law school admissions officials will share how they evaluate writing that appears to be AI‑generated, how AI use may influence admissions decisions, and what strategies applicants can adopt to ensure their materials remain compelling, credible, and genuinely reflective of who they are.
Panel 2: The Role of AI in Law School and the Legal Profession
AI is rapidly transforming legal education and legal practice. Law schools vary widely in their policies on student use of AI for coursework, but all recognize that AI literacy is becoming a core professional competency. This panel examines how undergraduates can best prepare for an AI‑integrated future—both in law school and in the profession. Experts will discuss the skills students should develop before entering law school, including prompt design, critical evaluation of AI‑generated content, and understanding the ethical boundaries of AI use. The panel will also explore how law firms are adopting AI tools for research, drafting, client services, and workflow management—and what level of AI proficiency new attorneys may be expected to demonstrate by 2030. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of how AI is reshaping the profession and how to position themselves for success in an AI‑enhanced legal world.
Panel 3: Maintaining Good Mental Health on the Road to Law School
The journey to law school is long, demanding, and often stressful. Students may spend five or more years preparing—balancing academics, LSAT preparation, extracurricular commitments, work responsibilities, and the emotional weight of a competitive admissions process. This panel focuses on how students can maintain mental well‑being throughout that journey and how advisors can support them effectively.
Prelaw advisors will discuss common challenges faced by undergraduates, including burnout, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Law school counselors will share the mental health issues they most frequently see among law students, offering insights into how undergraduates can build resilience early and develop healthy habits that will serve them well once they enter law school. Together, these professionals will provide practical guidance on coping strategies, campus resources, and the importance of seeking help when needed—ensuring students can pursue their goals without sacrificing their well‑being.
We hope this will be the best NYAPLAP conference ever–and the price of $30 remains what it was for NYAPLAP 1. Breakfast and lunch are included thanks to the generosity of Fordham Law School.
Registration is now open–but only for prelaw advisors, faculty members, and law school admissions officials. The conference is not open to prospective law students. Click the button at the top right. Hope to see you February 12, 2027. If you have questions or comments, contact thomas.rozinski@touro.edu. And yes, Copilot generated the image you see.