Campbell Law ranks second on most recent N.C. bar exam

RALEIGH — Campbell Law School ranked second among the seven North Carolina law schools for first-time bar passage on the July 2013 North Carolina Bar Exam, according to the state Board of Law Examiners.

Of the 121 Campbell Law graduates that sat for the exam for the first time, 99 (81.82 percent) passed. Campbell Law is the only law school in the state of North Carolina to place in the top two for first-time test takers on the July bar exam in each of the past three years. Only Duke University led Campbell Law on the July 2013 bar exam, with 25 of 26 (96.15 percent) first-time test takers passing.

“This is a tremendous achievement and the beginning of meaningful and successful careers for 99 of our most recent graduates,” said Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard.  “I have no doubt that my new colleagues within the bar will do a fine job of upholding the outstanding reputation that previous Campbell Law graduates have created through years of exemplary practice.”

In all, 71.54 percent of total first-time test takers from North Carolina law schools passed the examination, an 8.46-percent statewide decrease from July 2012 and a 14.73-percent statewide decrease from July 2011. Of all applicants that sat for the bar exam, including out of state and repeat candidates, 63.32 percent (794 of 1254) passed.

“Our consistent success on the state bar exam is in large part due to our institutional culture and curriculum, in addition to the commitment demonstrated by our students, faculty, and staff,” said Campbell Law Director of Academic Support & Bar Success Sha Hinds-Glick.

Three Year Snapshot: Campbell Law first-time test takers on the July N.C. Bar Exam

2013: Second overall, 99/121 (81.82 percent)

2012: First overall, 121/128 (94.53 percent)

2011: Second overall, 114/124 (91.94 percent)

Photo by Karl DeBaker