Cincinnati Law’s commitment to student success reflected in strong bar exam results

The results of the July 2025 Ohio Bar Exam released today show that the University of Cincinnati College of Law recorded a bar passage rate of 83% for first-time test takers, above the state average of 80%, placing us third in the state behind the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and the University of Toledo College of Law, and tied with the University of Dayton School of Law. The first-time pass rate for the Class of 2025 in all jurisdictions where results have been released is 85.7%.

"These excellent results in our bar passage serve as a reflection of the steady progress we continue to make in supporting our students' professional success," said Haider Ala Hamoudi, Dean and Nippert Professor of Law. "Warmest congratulations to our graduates who passed the bar and are now entering the profession. We are deeply proud of your achievement. I am also very grateful to the dedicated faculty and staff whose work helped make it possible, and in particular Dean Margolis and Kate Selander, for their incredible stewardship of our academic success program. It is gratifying to see their leadership and efforts pay off in this matter."

Students in the Class of 2025 celebrate. | photo: Joseph Fuqua II

Additionally, Cincinnati Law also posted an 80% passage rate for overall exam takers, placing us second in the state. The 80% passage rate was eight points higher than the state average of 72%. A total of 967 aspiring attorneys from across the state and the country took the July exam, including 105 Cincinnati Law graduates.

Approximately 10% of the Class of 2025 chose to practice outside Ohio. While a smaller group, these test takers are performing exceptionally well, achieving a 95.2% pass rate to date. This includes candidates who have passed the bar in Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Dean Haider Hamoudi

Cincinnati Law's unwavering commitment to student success is evident through its continued investments in student learning and bar exam preparation. "We have maintained our approach of expanding access and ensuring that our programs are readily available to all students," said Dyann Margolis, Associate Dean for Academic Success and Bar Programs and Assistant Professor of Practice. "Last year, we again expanded the number of seats in the 3L bar preparation course. In addition, we offered a robust slate of summer programming-including three writing workshops and two opportunities to take a mock MBE-continuing a tradition from prior years. Our students demonstrated exceptional engagement throughout these initiatives."

Margolis continued, "The Class of 2025 worked incredibly hard over the summer. I am thrilled by their achievements and excited to see the impact they will make as they enter the legal profession."

Applicants who successfully passed the exam and met all of the Supreme Court of Ohio's requirements for admission will be invited to take the attorney oath of office on November 17, 2025, at the Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The ceremony will be recorded and available for viewing in the Supreme Court's video archive.

The College of Law also acknowledges that some individuals did not pass the bar exam this year and remains steadfast in its commitment to their success. "For those who did not pass, please know that we are here for you," said Dean Hamoudi. "Those of you who know me know the Muhammad Ali quote on my desk: you do not lose when you get knocked down. Everyone does, sooner or later. What matters most is your resilience and the support of a community that believes in you, as we do. We will continue to walk with you as you prepare for the next opportunity."

Students celebrating at graduation. | photo: Joseph Fuqua II

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