Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) has reported a notable achievement in its bar passage rates, reaching a 92.45% two-year Ultimate Bar Passage rate for 2022. This is the highest rate recorded in recent history for the institution and shows a consistent improvement from previous years: 82.5% in 2019, 85.7% in 2020, and 85.9% in 2021.
The American Bar Association (ABA), which accredits law schools across the United States, uses bar passage rates as an important measure of a law school’s quality and the readiness of its graduates for legal practice. The two-year Ultimate Bar Passage rate specifically tracks the percentage of graduates who pass the bar exam within two years after graduation. According to ABA Standard 316, accredited law schools must maintain at least a 75% pass rate over this period to remain compliant.
The achievement by AJMLS not only exceeds the ABA's requirement but also highlights the institution's commitment to supporting student success through various academic support and bar preparation programs. The Office of Academic Achievement and Bar Success (AABS) has been instrumental in this accomplishment by offering tailored support and strategic programs designed to equip graduates with necessary skills and knowledge.
Scot Goins, Assistant Dean of Academic Achievement and Bar Success, remarked on this milestone: “This record-setting bar passage rate is a testament to our students’ dedication, our faculty’s commitment to excellence, and the effectiveness of our comprehensive bar support programming and data-analytic-driven initiatives.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to refine resources to ensure continued success for future graduates.
Dean Goins acknowledged Professors Smith, Holmes, and Phillips-Biondini for their significant contributions to student support. He also praised the collective efforts of everyone at AJMLS: “Every single member of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School community plays a vital role in our success... Although this number reflects an important achievement, we hope to see an even higher number in the future.”
The school remains focused on enhancing its academic and bar support systems to maintain high performance levels among future graduates. This accomplishment underscores not just numerical success but also represents the hard work and determination of AJMLS students as they advance into their legal careers.
For additional details about AJMLS's bar success programs or advice on excelling academically during law school, interested parties can explore resources available through AABS department pages or follow Dean Goins' blog "Law School Brief."