SIU Law School Sees Dramatic Bar Exam passage Rate Increases
CARBONDALE, Ill. - southern Illinois University School of Law is reporting significant gains in bar exam passage rates for its recent graduates, driven by a comprehensive and individualized support system.
The july 2025 Illinois State Bar Exam saw 77% of SIU Law graduates pass on their first attempt, a nearly 15 percentage point increase compared to the 2024 graduating class. Similarly, 86% of SIU graduates taking the Missouri bar exam for the first time achieved a passing score, also representing a considerable rise of almost 15 percentage points.
Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson, appointed in July, expressed her enthusiasm for the results. “This success reflects a deliberate and refined approach to bar preparation implemented by our faculty, designed to support our students throughout law school, on the bar exam, and ultimately in their legal careers,” she stated. “I am incredibly proud of both our faculty’s dedication and our students’ hard work.”
the school’s commitment to bar preparation begins promptly upon enrollment. Tuition includes a fully funded BARBRI program, offering resources such as organizational tools, practice questions integrated throughout the curriculum, advanced preparation materials, a mid-law school simulated mini-bar exam, and a comprehensive post-graduation bar review course.
Beyond the BARBRI program, the law school’s curriculum actively integrates bar support and practical skills training into nearly every course. faculty provide personalized feedback and guide students through practice exams and simulations to foster confidence and mastery. Additional support is available through peer mentoring, individual faculty meetings, and specialized academic and bar preparation courses offered each year.
Kelly Collinsworth, Director of Bar Support, leads the coordinated efforts to ensure graduates are well-prepared and supported as they approach the bar exam, fostering a strong sense of community among students.
Dean brenner Johnson anticipates continued success. “These results represent a new standard, and we are committed to ongoing review and refinement of our approach to best serve our students’ needs.”
