Chapman University Fowler School of Law Exceeds California State Bar Exam Average for the 6th Time

Once again, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law exceeded the average bar examination pass rate for California American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools in both the first-time takers and repeaters categories.

The February 2014 first-time pass rate was 75 percent. This exceeds the California ABA average of 69 percent by 6 percent, the out-of-state ABA average of 44 percent by 31 percent, and the overall state pass rate of 55 percent by 20 percent. The pass rate for first-time taker participants in the Supplemental Bar Prep Program was 100 percent.

“In my six years teaching the bar prep classes at Chapman’s Fowler School of Law, we have been blessed to see our bar pass rate continue to surpass the California ABA-accredited law school state average,” said Mario W. Mainero, director of Bar Services and professor of Academic Achievement at the Fowler School of Law. “The hard work of the admissions department staff, administration, faculty and students involved are helping to shape Fowler School of Law into a leading institution,” Mainero continued.

The Fowler School of Law February 2014 repeater pass rate was 67.4 percent. This number does not include four additional students who passed, all of whom participated in the Supplemental Bar Prep Program: two LL.M. students, one visiting student, and one 2009 Fowler graduate who passed the Nevada Bar exam four years ago.

The Fowler repeater rate exceeded the California ABA approved law school pass rate of 56 percent by 11.4 percent, the out-of-state ABA pass rate of 40 percent by 27.4 percent, and the overall state pass rate of 41 percent by 26.4 percent. The pass rate for repeaters taking the Supplemental Program was 91 percent. Furthermore, 22 of the repeaters were students who were unsuccessful on the July 2013 bar exam but passed in February 2014, bringing the Fowler Law School cumulative pass rate for the 2013 graduating class to 91.08 percent.

Fowler School of Law has exceeded the bar pass rate of California ABA approved law schools in July of 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013; and February of 2011 and 2014.

The law school had ­­­­12 law students take the bar exam for this first time in February—of those 9 passed.

The State Bar of California Committee of Bar Examiners reported that 45.3 percent of the applicants passed the February 2014 General Bar Examination (GBX).The three-day General Bar Examination is given twice a year, in February and July. The exam consists of three sections: a multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), six essay questions and two performance tests that are designed to assess an applicant’s ability to apply general legal knowledge to practical tasks.

Having earned a Top Schools ranking in U.S. News and World Report, the Fowler School of Law emphasizes personalized traditional legal instruction, real-world skills training, and professionalism. The law school is located in Orange County, California, and is known for its excellent faculty, collegial atmosphere and personalized education.

Consistently ranked among the top universities in the West, Chapman University provides a uniquely personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience to highly qualified students. Our programs encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration, and focus on developing global citizen-leaders who are distinctively prepared to improve their community and their world. For more information visit www.chapman.edu.

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