Pepperdine’s official results from the February administration of the California Bar Exam are as follows:
FIRST-TIME TAKERS: 92.3% (12-13)
This is an excellent number. The overall first-time pass rate in California was 55% (69% for ABA schools). Of our December graduates from the Class of 2014, 11 of 12 passed (91.7%). The other first-time taker came from the Class of 2013.
REPEAT TAKERS: 77.4% (24-31)
This is a very strong number. The overall repeater pass rate in California was 41% (56% for ABA schools). From the Class of 2013, 20 of 24 passed (83.3%). The other repeaters graduated prior to 2013.
OUT OF STATE: CLASS OF 2014
In addition, three December graduates sat for bar exams in Illinois, Nevada, and New York. All three were successful.
AN INTERESTING STATISTIC REGARDING THE CLASS OF 2013:
If you recall, our July 2013 pass rate in California was lower than it had been for a few years. However, the numbers are impressive following two administrations. There were 213 members of the Class of 2013, and 6 did not sit for a bar exam. Of the 207 that did, 196 passed a bar (94.7%). To break it down, 140-171 passed California on the first attempt (81.9%), 36-37 passed out of state on the first attempt (97.3%), and 20-24 passed California on the second attempt (83.3%). So although it felt as if 2013 was a bit of a down year, 95% passed a bar exam one year out from graduation—and less than 2% of those who took a bar exam were unsuccessful in both July and February.
Yours,
Al Sturgeon
Dean of Students
Pepperdine Law Family & Friends 