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McGeorge School of Law graduates achieve highest bar pass rate in the state
Mondis Vakili '24 is presented with her diploma at the McGeorge School of Law commencement in May.
Graduates from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law excelled on the February 2024 bar exam, earning the highest bar pass rate in the state among ABA-accredited law schools.
Nearly 65% of test takers from McGeorge passed the two-day exam on their first try and 46% of repeat takers passed the exam.
By comparison, statewide, only 55% of first-time test-takers from accredited California schools and 34% of all test-takers passed the exam.
“This data confirms the McGeorge community's unwavering commitment and dedication to our graduates,” said Lindsay Harrington, director of bar support and assistant professor of law. “They continuously inspire us with their focus, determination and positive attitudes during their bar preparations.”
McGeorge graduates also maintained the law school’s perfect, 100% bar exam pass rate for first-time test takers from the school’s Accelerated Honors Program, the only honors accelerated JD program in the country. Students in the program obtain their law licenses six months early and begin practicing law as attorneys ahead of their counterparts in traditional three-year, full-time programs.
"The program's rigor consistently translates into success for our students." - Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz
Graduates taking the bar for the first time can participate in McGeorge’s Bar Exam Advantage Training, a supplemental bar review program offered after graduation that provides simulated practice, written feedback and individual counseling.
"The outcomes clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of our program. We take pride in the fact that the program's rigor consistently translates into success for our students,” said Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of McGeorge School of Law.
Two international students enrolled in the LLM program in Transnational Business Practice passed the February bar exam prior to completing their degrees. Dariia Zhestovskaia ’24 and Yakup Altun ’24 both participated in the bar review program. Zhestovskaia is from St. Petersburg, Russia and Altun is from Istanbul, Turkey.
International students Dariia Zhestovskaia ‘24 and Yakup Altun ‘24 passed the bar exam three months before graduating.
“The bar-tested classes that I took during my studies—like evidence and civil procedure—were very helpful. These classes instilled a strong sense of confidence,” Zhestovskaia said. “Additionally, I made full use of other resources available at McGeorge School of Law, including the BEAT (bar review) program and the invaluable moral support provided by my professors. Professor Harrington, in particular, played a significant role in supporting me throughout my studies.”
McGeorge School of Law graduates have historically done well in the bar exams. The law school also earned the highest bar exam pass rate in the state for first-time test takers on the February 2023 bar exam.
In February, the American Bar Association released data about the ultimate bar exam passage rate for 2020 law graduates. McGeorge was ranked No. 9 among accredited California law schools.
Other recent accolades include:
- The University of Houston Law Center ranked the moot court program No. 10 in the nation for its success during the fall 2023 semester.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked McGeorge No. 20 in the nation for trial advocacy and No. 21 for dispute resolution.
- The Winter 2024 edition of preLaw magazine ranked McGeorge one of the top 5 law schools in the country for Asian and Latinx students.
