Law school applications have surged by more than 40% over the past two years even as student-loan limits tighten and artificial intelligence reshapes legal work. Enrollment interest rose despite growing questions about the profession’s future payoffs and the uncertain impact of AI on legal jobs. Admissions officers report the spike across multiple programs, and prospective students cite a mix of traditional motives and new opportunities created by tech-driven legal services. Law faculties and career offices are already adjusting curricula and experiential offerings to address students’ concerns about AI’s effect on the payoff from a law degree.