UC Law Grads Lead State in Bar Passage Rates

University of Cincinnati College of Law grads have once again returned to the top of the list as No. 1 in the state of Ohio in their performance on the Ohio Bar exam.

UC graduates passed the July test at an overall rate of 92 percent, including 93 percent in the key measure of first-time test-takers. UC’s overall performance was eight points higher than the next closest school.

UC grads also led the state in passage rate on the February Bar exam earlier this year.

This marks the first time that UC has returned to leading the state on the July exam since 2001, which was the last in a streak of nine straight years that the college’s grads led the state in performance on the July test.

"We’re all pleased that our students are excelling," said UC’s Louis D. Bilionis, now in his second year as dean of the College of Law. "But we are hardly surprised. When you put great students together with great professors, you get great results."

UC Law School’s success on the July test compares favorably to the statewide average pass rate of 78 percent. Last year, the law school’s overall passage rate was 83 percent, compared to the statewide average of 75 percent.

When comparing first-time test takers, UC law graduates also led the pack. Ninety-three percent of UC’s first-time test takers passed the exam, up from 88 percent in 2005 and tying with Toledo. Statewide, 85 percent of first-time test takers received passing scores, compared to just 81 percent last year.

The oath of office will be given to UC Law School’s successful graduates on November 6, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. during a special public session of the Ohio Supreme Court in Columbus.