NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2009

CONTACT: KATIE GALLAGHER
517/432-6848, galla145@law.msu.edu

MSU Law Claims Number One Spot in the State for Bar Exam Passage Rate for First-Time Takers, Surpasses State Average

Class of '09 First-Time Test-Takers Passed at a 95 Percent Rate

East Lansing, MI – Michigan State University College of Law recently announced the passage rate of Spring 2009 graduates who took the Michigan Bar examination for the first time in July. Reported results show 95 percent of MSU Law Spring '09 graduates passed the Michigan Bar examination (before appeals), which was the highest passage rate among law schools in Michigan, and well above the state's 88 percent average.

"The College is extremely pleased with this high bar passage rate," Dean Joan Howarth said. "These results affirm the credentials and work ethic of our students, the academic rigor of our program, and the dedication of our faculty. It also indicates that the Class of '09 will have an exciting future as they enter the legal profession."

Comprehensive results from other states across the country have not been released at this time. However, for the 31 first-time test takers in the state of Illinois, 100 percent of MSU Law graduates passed. In addition to Illinois, 100 percent of '09 graduates passed the following state bar examinations: Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. They will be practicing in many specialty areas such as intellectual property, corporate law, trial practice, alternative dispute resolution, international law, public interest law, and health law.

Michigan State University College of Law is a leading institution of legal education with a long history of creating practice-ready attorneys. As one of a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars. Law College curriculum is rigorous and challenging and the facility is equipped with the latest resources-all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st century lawyers.

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