There’s some good news at Florida A&M University.
For the first time since its College of law was re-established in 2000, the the first-time pass rate for Florida Bar exam test takers exceeded the state average. Twenty-three students took the test in February and 19 passed. At 82.6 percent, the FAMU College of Law beat the state average of 80.2 percent. It also came out ahead of five other law schools in the state.
“We are extremely pleased with the efforts of the administration, faculty and students of the FAMU College of Law,” said Larry Robinson, interim president of FAMU. “This news could not have come at a better time. The examination results clearly demonstrate that the right steps are being taken to ensure that our law students are prepared to enter their profession. Congratulations to the FAMU College of Law.”
The news comes as the University and its law school, work to address concerns over the quality of its programs. The state university oversight committee has come down hard on FAMU for low graduation rates and passage rates on certification exams. And this past fall, the American Bar Association also raised similar concerns with the law school.
FAMU Interim Provost Rodner Wright, who also serves as vice president for academic affairs, was also pleased with the nearly 20-point increase in the passage rate. “It is clear that the university is committed to continuous improvement,” Wright said. “That commitment is evident in the hard work of the administration, faculty and staff of the College of Law.”
The American Bar Association report released last fall said the school was "well positioned to thrive" but took issue with the high percentage of students who don’t graduate or pass The Florida Bar exam.
