In November 2025, Google introduced Scholar Labs , an experimental search tool that utilizes generative AI to analyze and answer complex research queries. Unlike the traditional Google Scholar platform, which relies heavily on citation counts and keyword matching, Scholar Labs focuses on semantic relevance by breaking queries into key topics and relationships across full-paper content. The interface provides AI-generated descriptions and bullet points for each result, explaining exactly how a specific article addresses the user’s question. For additional details and a comparison of the two platforms, please visit the RIPS Law Librarian Blog .

Judge Michelle Sheehan has been unanimously elected by her colleagues to serve as the administrative judge for Ohio’s 8th District Court of Appeals starting in January. In this leadership role, she will oversee operations for one of the state's busiest appellate courts, succeeding Judge Eileen A. Gallagher. Sheehan, who joined the bench in 2019, brings over 25 years of litigation experience and a strong background in legal mentorship and civic leadership to the position. Read more about this appointment at Cleveland.com .

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) criticized the American Bar Association's (ABA) law school accreditation as a "monopoly" that inflates the cost of a law degree and restricts the supply of new lawyers. The FTC endorsed a plan by the Texas Supreme Court to end the state's reliance on the ABA for oversight, viewing it as a vital step against the ABA's costly and restrictive requirements. The agency noted that other states like Florida and Ohio are also reviewing their requirements, while the ABA is already undertaking a sweeping review of its own accreditation standards.

On the most recent episode of Law Library Insights, we take a deep dive into the youth homelessness crisis in Ohio. We discuss the heartbreaking statistics and actions you can take to help those in need. Listen today !

The Ohio House passed House Bill 105 , which reforms third-party litigation funding- a practice where outside companies finance lawsuits for a share of the recovery. The bill creates a regulatory system under the Attorney General, requiring fee disclosure and banning foreign governments or investors from participating. Read more about the legislation at The Ohio House of Representatives .

The Ohio Supreme Court adopted new rules that permit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for translating non-substantive court information, such as website text or office hours, provided its use is disclosed. However, the rules strictly prohibit using AI to translate or interpret substantive legal writings like orders, forms, or any part of a legal proceeding, citing risks of error and jeopardizing constitutional rights. These new regulations, which went into effect on November 13th, are part of a broader effort to address the demand for qualified interpreters in Ohio courtrooms and also update requirements for interpreter certification. Read more about the rule changes on Bloomberg Law .