What We Learned at AALS: Building Connections and Shaping the Future of Law School Operations

Nick at AALS

The AppointLink team recently returned from the 2025 American Association of Law Schools (AALS) Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where we had the opportunity to engage with law school leaders, academic administrators, and decision-makers shaping the future of legal education.

For us, AALS was about more than showcasing our solutions – it was about building meaningful connections. We focused on conversations to understand the challenges law schools face and how we can better support them.

Here’s a look at what we learned, the conversations we had, and what’s next for AppointLink.

Relationship-Building That Leads to Real Impact

At AALS, we met with Deans, Academic Affairs leaders and many other key players behind law school administration. While our booth and scheduled meetings played a role, some of the most valuable interactions happened in the hallways, over coffee, or at the dinner table.

One memorable exchange involved an administrator from a top-tier law school who oversees grading processes. While they already utilize some of our tools, they hadn’t explored our Exam Scheduling and accommodations solutions. A casual conversation turned into a scheduled follow-up to dive deeper into their needs.

As CEO Tony Forsythe put it: “Our goal at AALS wasn’t necessarily to sell more products – it was about having the right conversations with the right people. When the time comes for a school to streamline its operations, we want to be the first call they make.”

These moments reinforced what we’ve always believed: trust and familiarity lead to better solutions.

Hearing from Our Customers – and Future Customers

AALS also gave us the chance to hear directly from the people using our tools every day. The feedback? Overwhelmingly positive.

One Dean of Students shared how AppointLink’s tools have transformed their processes, making operations more efficient in ways they hadn’t even anticipated. Others were surprised by just how much automation could simplify administrative burdens, with one attendee saying: “Wait – you’re automating that? That’s exactly what we need!”

These discussions reinforced the critical value of our solutions:

  • Exam Scheduling – Simplifying complex coordination, ensuring fairness, and eliminating conflicts.
  • Grading Automation – Saving faculty time while improving accuracy and consistency.

But at its core, this isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about freeing up time for faculty and staff to focus on what really matters: educating the next generation of legal professionals.

Looking Ahead: AACRAO, NNLSO, and More

While AALS was a valuable experience, we’re already looking ahead to our next major event: the AACRAO Annual Meeting in Seattle (March 30 – April 2).

This conference brings together a broader network of higher education professionals, offering new opportunities to share insights and collaborate. It also coincides with the National Network of Law School Officers (NNLSO) Annual Conference, a key event for those managing law school operations.

We look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new people and institutions, and continuing conversations that started at AALS.

Why Law Schools Choose AppointLink

Reflecting on AALS, one thing is clear: our mission is about more than technology – it’s about impact.

Here’s what makes us different:

  • Time Savings – Automating scheduling and grading frees up valuable time for faculty and administrators.
  • Cost Efficiency – Streamlining operations reduces costs and optimizes resource allocation.
  • Scalability – Our solutions grow with your institution, adapting to evolving needs.
  • Partnership (Not Just Software) – We’re here for the long haul, from implementation to ongoing support.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Are you attending AACRAO in Seattle? We’d love to connect.

And if you’re not able to make it, let’s still set up a time to talk. Whether you’re a Dean, Registrar, or Academic Administrator, we’re here to help you explore how AppointLink can transform your institution’s operations.

Contact CEO Tony Forsythe directly to start the conversation. Let’s work together to make exam scheduling, grading, and other processes simpler, smarter, and more efficient.