Law Student Success and Supports: Examining Bar Passage and Factors That Contribute to Student Performance

• In Event: Graduate Student Experiences

Abstract

In recent years, law schools have experienced a decline in enrollment which contributed to an increased need to compete for prospective students. This new trend also accounted for a decline in bar passage. Higher education has been challenged to understand this new phenomenon and conduct research that can inform law student success practices and policies. This paper presents findings from research conducted at a large, Midwestern law school that aimed to investigate which factors and student characteristics contribute to positive student outcomes related to law student success. We also sought to explore the effectiveness of various interventions designed to improve student outcomes, including bar preparation experiences, programs targeted at traditionally underrepresented students, and academic support programs.

Authors

• Amy Nichole Farley, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher M. Swoboda, University of Cincinnati

• Alicia Boards, University of Cincinnati

• Keanen McKinley, University of Cincinnati

• Joel Chanvisanuruk, University of Cincinnati