WASHINGTON — A recent report from AccessLex Institute exposes stubborn racial and ethnic disparities in law school admissions and outcomes, despite some gains in diversity and financial aid. The Legal Education Data Deck update illustrates ongoing challenges in the affordability, accessibility, and perceived value of Juris Doctor programs across the United States.
Tiffane Cochran, vice president of research at AccessLex Institute, acknowledged the mixed outcomes. “While we see improvements in diversity and increased financial aid, significant impediments remain in making legal education accessible and valuable to all,” she said.
The report highlights a persistent gap in law school admissions, noting that 79% of white applicants received at least one admission offer, compared to only 47% of Black applicants. This disparity points to deeper systemic issues within the admissions processes that may disadvantage certain racial groups.
Moreover, the academic experience seems to diverge after admission. In the 2022-23 academic year, students of color made up 35% of first-year enrollments but accounted for 46% of withdrawals post-first year—an 11% increase from the previous year. Despite these challenges, the proportion of law degrees awarded to students of color in 2023 reached an all-time high of 31%.
Bar exam results further underscore the challenges faced by graduates of color. While white examinees generally show higher first-time bar passage rates, students of color often close the gap in subsequent attempts. Cochran attributes this to the unequal distribution of resources, which can particularly affect those who are working, caring for family, or facing other life challenges during their study period.
“Our collaboration with the New York Board of Law Examiners reveals that all candidates, regardless of their background, often wrestle with conflicting priorities while preparing for the bar,” Cochran explained. “However, not everyone has the same level of resources to navigate these challenges effectively.”
Statistically, more than 70% of all 2021 law school graduates passed the bar exam within two years, with only a 15-percentage point gap in ultimate bar passage rates between White and Black graduates, compared to a 24-point gap in their first-time passage rates.
The financial landscape in law education shows some positive trends. The proportion of law schools awarding conditional scholarships decreased significantly from 61% to 37%. Nevertheless, the fraction of incoming students receiving these conditional scholarships has remained stable.
Furthermore, debt remains a significant burden for law students, with nearly half of all law school enrollees carrying undergraduate debt averaging more than $28,000. Such financial burdens could potentially affect both academic performance and bar exam preparation.
AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving access to legal education, continues to collaborate with its nearly 200-member law schools to uplift future legal professionals. Since its inception in 1983, the organization has been pivotal in guiding aspirants from hopeful law students to accomplished professionals, constantly striving to enhance the landscape of legal education.
Through detailed research and advocacy, AccessLex aims to empower the next generation of lawyers, ensuring that the legal profession reflects the diversity and dynamism of society itself. Their ongoing efforts to provide updated resources and data, such as the Legal Education Data Deck, highlight their commitment to these goals.