Duquesne Law School Ranks Third in Pennsylvania Bar Exam Results

Duquesne School of Law graduates finished third in the state on the July 2018 Pennsylvania bar examination.

Graduates taking the bar exam for the first time achieved an 86.7 percent pass rate, exceeding the statewide average of 79 percent by more than seven percentage points. This marks the 13th time in the last 14 years that the pass rate for Duquesne’s first-time takers has exceeded the state average.

Duquesne’s overall pass rate, which includes graduates who had taken the Pennsylvania bar exam previously, was 80.9 percent. This also exceeds the statewide average for all takers of the July 2018 Pennsylvania bar exam, which was 71 percent.

“These results reflect the exceptional dedication of our students and faculty, and the high standard set by Duquesne,” said Law Dean Maureen Lally-Green, a 1974 graduate of the law school and a former judge in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. “We are grateful for the wonderful commitment of our alumni and friends to the success of our students. The graduates’ performance was a team effort and reflects the foundation of community spirit and excellence we have here at Duquesne.”

Duquesne finished among the top three with the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Penn State Law School. These results contrast with the national trend: scores on the Multistate Bar Examination dropped to a 34-year low with law schools across the country reporting an overall decrease in bar pass rates.

“We’re proud of our students and faculty for their tireless work to prepare for excellence on the bar exam and in the practice of law,” University President Ken Gormley said. “Their effort speaks volumes and shines a positive light on Duquesne law school, which has a 106-year history of educating highly talented, ethical lawyers, leaders and public servants.”