The legal education community faces a significant challenge. March 14, 2023, brought unsettling news. Five law schools accredited by the ABA reported first-time bar pass rates below 50%. This news has stirred a mixture of concern and determination among educators and institutions alike.
The Lowest Performers of the Year
At the bottom of the list, Cooley Law School, with campuses in Michigan and Florida, recorded the lowest first-time pass rate at 37.25%. Following closely were Florida A&M University College of Law and Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law. They posted pass rates of 40.20% and 45.45%, respectively. These figures highlight a pressing issue within these institutions. Cooley Law Dean James McGrath expressed disappointment in their performance.
Nationwide Trends Versus Individual Struggles
These institutions faced a downturn. Yet, the nationwide pass rate for first-time test takers rose slightly. In 2023, it hit 79.18%. This was an increase from 78% the previous year. ABA data shows this contrast. The rise stands in stark contrast. It is opposite to the struggles of the schools mentioned above.
The ultimate bar pass rate offers additional insight. This metric, indicating the percentage of law graduates passing the bar exam two years after graduating, dropped from 91% among 2020 law graduates to 90% for the class of 2021. This decline may seem slight but underscores deeper issues at play within legal education.
Meeting ABA Standards: A Struggle for Some
The ABA sets a threshold of 75% for ultimate bar pass rates as a condition for schools to remain accredited. An alarming number of seven law schools failed to meet this standard. Among them were the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Western State College of Law, and Southern University Law Center. Two Puerto Rican law schools and Golden Gate University School of Law also fell below the line. Golden Gate plans to shut down its Juris Doctor program this summer.
Factors Behind Low Pass Rates
Cooley's Dean McGrath highlighted the factors contributing to their low pass rate. He called it "a perfect storm of many different factors." Many of Cooley's first-time test takers last year were graduates before 2023. McGrath noted that delays in taking the exam often correlate with lower pass rates. He added that while the school encourages timely examination attempts, many students attend part-time, making up 70% of the body. Obligations to work or family often result in delays. Additionally, Cooley's Michigan campus transitioned to the Uniform Bar Exam in 2023, a move known to affect pass rates adversely during the transition.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the presence of students before the adjustment of admission standards were also contributing factors. For Florida A&M, interim law dean Cecil Howard emphasized the school's commitment to bar exam success. He mentioned a "comprehensive" plan to improve their pass rate, signaling a proactive response to the dilemma. Inter-American Law Dean Julio Fontanet Maldonado did not respond to requests for comment.
The Path Forward
The struggle with bar exam pass rates below 50% places these schools at a critical juncture. It calls for an introspective look at educational methodologies, support systems, and curriculum adjustments. Given the nationwide trend of increasing pass rates, the stark contrast presented by these schools emphasizes the need for strategic changes to align with broader success metrics.
