Bar Exam Performance

The performance of La Verne Law graduates on their first sitting of the California bar exam has been the subject of much discussion and disappointment.  It goes without much elaboration to acknowledge that inconsistency in the first time bar pass rate has been a contributing factor to the College of Law’s experience in seeking ABA full approval.  However, new commitment and resources have led to encouraging results.  In fall 2012, the College of Law launched the Center for Academic & Bar Readiness (CABR), and hired Jendayi Saada as the Assistant Dean for CABR.  La Verne Law also hired additional faculty to teach in CABR, provide academic support for students, and staff the post-graduate Bar Exam Strategic Training (BEST) program offered to all graduates.  Moreover, La Verne Law has infused academic and bar readiness into the curriculum, beginning at orientation and continuing through graduation and concluding in the BEST program.

As a result, there have been dramatic improvements in the performance of La Verne Law graduates taking the bar exam for the first time – first time bar pass rates are considered to be the premier measure of the success of a program of legal education.  The results from the February 2013 exam reflected a 31% first time pass rate compared to a 61% first time pass rate for graduates from all California ABA approved law schools; the results from the July 2013 bar exam indicated 68% for La Verne graduates and a 73% state average; and for February 2014 the results revealed 87.5% for La Verne graduates and a 69% state average.  These numbers represent a distinct progression from 30 points below the state average to 18 points above the state average, and an elevation from last place among the State of California’s 21 ABA approved law schools to 2nd place.  It is too early to declare victory over the bar pass issue, but it is not too early to recognize that the program at the College of Law is producing the kinds of results that can lead to sustained high performance by our graduates on the California bar exam.  Kudos goes to Dean Saada, the CABR and College of Law faculty and staff, and most importantly to the graduates who wanted and needed a plan for success and followed the plan to their success. More details about CABR, the BEST program and the comprehensive programmatic approach to bar success at La Verne Law can be found at CABR on the College of Law website.