St. Thomas University Law School Celebrates Bar Exam Achievement
This year has been a remarkable one for St. Thomas University's Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, with 83% of first-time bar examinees successfully passing the exam. This outstanding result is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and faculty alike.
Unprecedented Performance
Over 80% of the law students who took the exam scored high enough to pass, surpassing Florida's statewide average of 76.6%. This extraordinary achievement is a significant milestone for the law school, highlighting its commitment to excellence in education.
Statewide Comparison
According to the results released this year by the Florida Board of Examiners, this passing rate shows a remarkable 6.4 percentage point increase compared to last year's averages. Such accomplishments position STU Law as a frontrunner among the 12 accredited law schools in Florida.
Plans for Growth
While celebrating this success, STU Law is also thrilled to announce potential plans for a significant expansion, aimed at up to $75 million. This initiative will facilitate the construction of a new, state-of-the-art law school building, enhancing the learning environment for students.
Future Enhancements
Possible locations for this expansion include land next to the existing university property on the southeast corner of the Miami Gardens campus. These developments will not only accommodate growing enrollment but will also create a more modern atmosphere that supports effective learning.
Rising Standards in Academia
STU Law has consistently seen an increase in LSAT scores and GPAs among its incoming students. These rising standards demonstrate the school’s dedication to bringing in a talented and diverse student body. The top third of the 2024 law school class achieved an outstanding LSAT score of 155, with an average GPA of 3.59, reflecting significant progress compared to prior years.
Record High Enrollment
This fall semester, the law school welcomed a record 395 first-year students, a remarkable 66% increase from the previous year. This surge signifies the growing interest in STU’s law program, especially among high-achieving students.
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
A core aspect of STU Law is its strong commitment to diversity; 85% of its student body identifies as non-white. The Benjamin L. Crump College of Law is well-regarded for its efforts in providing opportunities to historically underrepresented groups, featuring a considerable number of Hispanic and Black students.
Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders
President David A. Armstrong emphasizes, "The college's mission reflects a pledge to equality and accessibility within the legal field, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our graduates are equipped to write laws and advocate for justice in society."
Focus on Practical Training
At STU Law, the focus extends beyond merely achieving academic excellence; there's a strong emphasis on practical training. Recent accomplishments include consecutive victories at the Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competitions, underscoring the law school’s competitive spirit and dedication to excellence.
Connections with Legal Professionals
The college actively engages its students with seasoned attorneys and judges, creating mentorship opportunities that enhance their educational experience. In the upcoming academic year, 18 active judges will lend their expertise to enrich the curriculum.
Looking Ahead
STU Law is committed to maintaining high academic standards, with goals for 100% of students to complete bar prep courses. These efforts aim to better prepare students for their future careers in law while ensuring high success rates on the bar exam.
The law school will hold a special celebration to honor newly inducted attorneys into the Florida Bar, promoting a sense of community and joy among graduates and their loved ones.
About St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University (STU) is a private, non-profit Catholic institution dedicated to fostering academic and professional success. With a strong commitment to diversity and ethical leadership, STU offers a range of degree programs across various fields, enhancing the educational journey of its students.
Contact: Dan Axelrod | St. Thomas University | 305.474.2418
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing rate of STU Law's first-time bar takers?
83% of STU's first-time bar takers passed the exam this year.
How does STU Law's passing rate compare to the state average?
STU Law's rate is significantly higher than the statewide average of 76.6%.
What are the future expansion plans for STU Law?
An expansion project estimated at $75 million is underway to build a new law school building.
What percent of STU Law students are from diverse backgrounds?
85% of STU Law's student body identifies as non-white, highlighting the school's commitment to diversity.
What recent achievements has STU Law accomplished?
STU Law students won consecutive Chester Bedell Memorial Mock Trial Competitions, enhancing the school’s competitive reputation.
