USD Law Graduates Excel in First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rates
National Conference of Bar Examiners results were released in February and showed South Dakota exceeding its regional peers in the first-time pass rates. Regional results include the following.
- South Dakota: 82%
- North Dakota: 60%
- Montana: 55%
- Wyoming: 50%
- Nebraska: 60%
- Iowa: 44%
- Minnesota: 68%
Nationally, first-time bar exam pass rates often range between 60% and 70%, making USD's 80% rate particularly impressive. This strong performance reflects not only the preparedness of USD graduates but also the effectiveness of the law school’s legal education in equipping students for professional licensure.
“It is gratifying to see our graduates significantly outperforming the national average in the latest bar exam administration,” said Neil Fulton, J.D., dean of the Knudson School of Law. “A rigorous licensure examination process is important to ensure that those given the privilege of practicing law have the skills and knowledge to do so completely. The traditional bar exam continues to be the means to demonstrate that competence for most law school graduates, even as we develop innovative alternatives like the Public Service Pathway.”
USD’s consistent bar exam success speaks to the school’s mission of preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders in the legal profession. With strong academic support, dedicated faculty and evolving programs that reflect the needs of today’s legal landscape, the Knudson School of Law continues to prepare graduates for meaningful and impactful careers.
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