How likely am I to pass the bar?

The odds of passing the bar vary significantly by state, but generally range from 60-80% for first-timers, with some states like California historically lower (around 50-60%) and others higher. Key factors include your law school performance (especially 1L grades), study dedication, LSAT scores, and the jurisdiction, with repeat takers often facing different odds but still having a strong chance if they adjust their approach.

How likely is it to pass the bar exam?

The National Conference of Bar Examiners last released overall bar exam pass rate data in 2022. In 2022, 62,951 students took the bar exam and 59% of bar exam takers passed the bar exam.

How common is failing the bar?

States with the Lowest Bar Exam Pass Rates

Palau: 33% Puerto Rico: 45% California: 47%

What percentage of law grads pass the bar?

First-time law exam takers in 2018 achieved a 74.82 percent pass rate, which compares to a 77.2 percent first-time pass rate for 2017. Result spreadsheets for the past two years are available on the section's webpage under Legal Education Statistics, which report outcomes on a school-by-school basis and in more detail.

Did Michelle Obama pass the bar?

Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the bar exam, but not on her first try; she failed the Illinois bar initially, felt discouraged, but eventually passed on her second attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School and went on to have a successful legal career before becoming First Lady.
 

My 10 Tips to Pass the Bar Exam!

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in her most recent attempt (July 2025), though she shared that she came very close and vowed to keep studying, sharing her disappointment and determination to pass in future attempts on her show and social media, as revealed in late 2025. She stated she's "not a lawyer yet" but is dedicated to her law journey, viewing the setback as motivation, per reports from November 2025.
 

How many times did JFK Jr. fail his bar exam?

John F. Kennedy Jr. failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third attempt in November 1990, a requirement to keep his job as an assistant district attorney. He failed the exams in November 1989 and February 1990, but passed the July 1990 exam, keeping his position.
 

What is the easiest bar to pass?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker!

How many lawyers never pass the bar?

There are probably on the order of 150,000 law school graduates in the United States who have taken but never passed a bar exam; this amounts to one in ten J.D.s and the risk falls disparately on black, Hispanic, and Asian law school graduates.

Is a 269 on the bar exam good?

270–279: Solid. You'll pass in most jurisdictions, and you're only a few points away from the highest bar states. 260–269: Passing in many states but may not be transferable to higher-scoring jurisdictions. Below 260: Unfortunately, this won't get you licensed anywhere.

Do smart people fail the bar exam?

The bar exam does not measure intelligence, success or your ability to practice law. There are multiple reasons that perfectly smart, capable and talented lawyers-to-be fail the bar.

What do the top 1% of lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers earn salaries well into the high six figures and often exceed $1 million annually, with top earners in specialized fields like corporate law, patent law, and personal injury making millions, especially partners at large firms or those handling high-stakes cases, while first-year associates at BigLaw firms already start around $200k-$225k. Key factors are location, firm size (BigLaw vs. small), and practice area, with top earners in areas like M&A, IP, or class actions reaching multi-million dollar incomes, far above the median lawyer salary. 

What happens if you fail the bar exam 5 times?

Each time a candidate takes the bar exam, the result becomes a part of the public record. Though failing the exam multiple times doesn't prohibit someone from practicing law once they pass, it might be something prospective employers consider during the hiring process.

Is law school harder than med school?

Most people find medical school harder due to its intense memorization, faster pace (drinking from a firehose), higher stakes with lives on the line, and longer overall training including residency, while law school focuses more on critical reading, writing, and analysis, though it's also highly demanding and competitive. Medical school involves mastering vast scientific facts and clinical skills, whereas law school emphasizes interpreting complex texts and applying legal reasoning, often with fewer but high-stakes exams. 

Is it normal to fail the bar the first-time?

Most states have higher than 50% pass rates. Remember those numbers when stress starts setting in. Just remember that it will all be over in mere weeks. With the right bar exam prep, you'll never have to go through it again.

How bad is a 155 lsat?

But let's take a moment to unpack what that number really means. Statistically speaking, scoring a 155 places you in about the 66th percentile among all test takers. This means you've performed better than approximately two-thirds of those who sat for this challenging exam.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in her most recent attempt (July 2025), though she shared that she came very close and vowed to keep studying, sharing her disappointment and determination to pass in future attempts on her show and social media, as revealed in late 2025. She stated she's "not a lawyer yet" but is dedicated to her law journey, viewing the setback as motivation, per reports from November 2025.
 

Can you be a lawyer if you fail the bar?

Some law firms allow you to continue working while you wait to retake the bar exam. Other law firms might need you to be licensed in order to keep you on the payroll. Understanding the expectations in advance can be invaluable. Additionally, you'll also have to consider how you would like to proceed.

How many times did Michelle Obama fail the bar?

Michelle Obama failed the Illinois bar exam once, on her first attempt, but passed on her second try, a common experience she's shared publicly to encourage others facing setbacks in their careers, demonstrating that failure isn't final and can be a stepping stone to success, leading to a distinguished legal and public service career.
 

Is passing the bar a big deal?

People who pass it within a few tries are proving they understand legal ethics and can handle pressure, advocate for consumers and communicate in writing.

Is the UK bar hard?

The Bar Course (formally the BPTC) is expensive and tough. It's a one-year course which you are required to undertake before starting pupillage. Around 1,000 individuals graduate from the BPC each year. The decision about whether to go to Bar School is a difficult one.

Is 295 a good bar score?

A 295 is a passing score in EVERY jurisdiction.

Did Joe Biden pass a bar exam?

Yes, Joe Biden passed the bar exam and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969, after earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968, though he graduated in the lower part of his class. 

How many times has Kim Kardashian failed the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian failed the "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) three times before passing it on her fourth attempt in December 2021, and she failed the main California Bar Exam once in July 2025, planning to retake it in February 2026.
 

What to say to someone who didn't pass the bar?

How To Support A Friend That Failed The Bar Exam

• It's OK to let them be upset! ...
• Let them know you know how tough the bar exam is. ...
• Remind them they are not starting from scratch. ...
• Try to assist them in moving forward.