UC Law bar results announced, students outpace Ohio’s first-time test takers

The results of the July 2024 Ohio Bar Exam released today show that the University of Cincinnati College of Law recorded a bar passage rate of 85% for first-time test takers, virtually tied with University of Dayton School of Law and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, who were second with an 86% pass rate. We also outpaced the state’s first-time takers with a passage rate of 83%.

Additionally, Cincinnati Law also posted an 81% passage rate for overall exam takers, placing us second in the state. The 81% passage rate was 6 points higher than the state average of 75%. Over 1075 aspiring attorneys from across the state and the country took the July exam, including 110 Cincinnati Law graduates.

For the class of 2024, about 10% elected to practice out of state. While it is a smaller number, our results show that these test takers are performing well. So far, we are at a 100% pass rate. This includes those who have taken and passed the bar in New York, Texas, North Carolina, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado and Kentucky.

“I am pleased by this year’s bar results, which demonstrate that the significant investments the College of Law has made in student success are starting to bear fruit,” said Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi, Nippert Professor of Law.  “My warmest congratulations to all of the students who have passed the bar, and my deepest gratitude to Academic Success Dean Dyann Margolis and Director Kate Selander, as well as the faculty and staff, for their efforts in preparing our students for this important milestone. We will continue to evaluate the college’s bar success program over the coming months and years in our never-ending quest to improve.  I anticipate that as our program grows deeper roots, our bar success rate will continue to climb."

Cincinnati Law’s continued commitment to student success is unmistakable by the investments that have been made to impact student learning and enhance bar success. Last year, for example, the college launched several initiatives designed to improve performance on the bar exam. These included expanding the number of seats in the early bar preparation course and providing on campus programming throughout the post-graduate bar study period. This year, the college increased access to its programming. The benefits of this step were seen in the increase in engagement for the class of 2024, including both higher enrollment in the early bar preparation course as well as on campus programming. And the results are evident by the positive bar exam results.

“I am so proud of the class of 2024!”  said Dyann Margolis, assistant dean of academic success and bar programs. “They worked incredibly hard throughout their time at Cincinnati Law and continued that strong work ethic throughout bar study. The results of the bar exam are a reflection of the hard work they have put in. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve in the years to come,”

Applicants who successfully passed the exam and satisfied all of the Supreme Court of Ohio’s requirements for admission will be invited to take the attorney oath of office on November 12, 2024, at the Palace Theatre in Columbus, OH. This program will also be recorded, available for viewing in the Supreme Court video archive.

The College of Law recognizes that some individuals did not pass the bar exam this year, and it is committed to providing ongoing support. “To those who faced challenges this year, please know that we are here for you,” said Dean Hamoudi. “Many exceptional individuals with successful careers, both in law and other fields, also encountered setbacks on their first attempt. We will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks to provide support and look forward to collaborating with you in the months and years ahead.”

Lead photo: istockphoto.com