Duquesne Again Posts First-Time Pass Rate Above 90 Percent on Pennsylvania Bar Exam

School of Law graduates achieved a 90.74 percent first-time taker pass rate on the July 2017 Pennsylvania Bar Examination. The rate exceeded the Pennsylvania first-time average pass rate by almost 10 points (81.21 percent) and marked the 11th time in the last 12 years that Duquesne surged ahead of the statewide average.

Only three of 10 Pennsylvania-area law schools had first-time pass results above 90 percent. Duquesne finished behind University of Pennsylvania in an essential tie with Pennsylvania State University (Duquesne 90.74 percent, Penn State 90.77 percent).

“So many people deserve credit for our excellent bar-pass rates,” said Law Dean Maureen Lally-Green. “The students worked incredibly hard to achieve their personal best. Our faculty dedicated countless hours to their success, our alumni gave of themselves as mentors and the University stood behind us every step of the way. The performance reflects so well the strength of the community we have here at Duquesne.”

Ninety-eight graduates of the Class of 2017 passed the Pennsylvania exam on their first attempt. Other graduates took bar exams in other jurisdictions, including Illinois and Ohio, and passed.

Duquesne offers law students academic excellence opportunities beginning with their first semester of studies. As they move toward their third year of full-time studies or fourth year of part-time evening studies, law students can take advantage of a range of bar services.

“I am thrilled with these impressive results,” said Duquesne President Ken Gormley. “We are proud of our students and faculty who worked tirelessly to prepare for excellence on the bar exam and in the practice of law. Their efforts speak for themselves and shine a positive light on Duquesne Law School, which has a 106-year history of providing highly talented, ethical lawyers, public servants and leaders in the profession.”