In a remarkable achievement, Maryland’s law schools have once again surpassed the state’s overall bar exam pass rate for February 2025. This success story was reported by The Daily Record, highlighting the ongoing commitment of these institutions to excellence in legal education.
Both the University of Baltimore School of Law (UB Law) and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (Maryland Carey Law) have shown significant improvement compared to the previous year. UB Law’s pass rate increased from 37% to 44%, while Maryland Carey Law saw a rise from 42% to 48%. These figures are particularly impressive given Maryland’s overall pass rate of 38%.
The schools are not resting on their laurels. They are making strategic investments in bar preparation and writing programs. This includes hiring additional staff and forming partnerships with commercial entities like Barbri to bolster student success. This strategic focus positions them well for the upcoming NextGen bar exam in July 2026, which will emphasize legal analysis and writing.

Leadership and Future Directions

Renée Hutchins Laurent, Dean of Maryland Carey Law, expressed optimism about the progress but acknowledged the need for continued efforts. “We continue the longtime trend of our results tracking above the state averages by significant percentages,” Laurent stated, emphasizing that more work is needed to support both first-time and repeat exam takers.
UB Law’s Director of Bar Success, Neal Kempler, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of focused efforts on bar success programming. The school’s initiatives include offering required courses in tested subjects, providing bar-focused electives, and partnering with commercial bar review programs.

Preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam

As the schools prepare for the NextGen bar exam, they are embedding NextGen-like exercises into their curriculums. This proactive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the changes that emphasize lawyering tasks and integrated doctrine and skills assessment.
In conclusion, Maryland’s law schools are not only celebrating their recent achievements but are also looking ahead to ensure continued success. Their dedication to graduating effective and ethical practitioners remains unwavering.
February 2025 uniform bar exam pass rates

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

AI Sentiment Analysis Is Becoming Investors’ New Early‑Warning Signal

AI-powered sentiment analysis is giving real estate investors a major edge by scanning millions of online conversations to detect market shifts long before traditional data responds. From predicting neighborhood momentum to spotting declining tenant satisfaction, this technology captures real-time public emotion across office, retail, and multifamily sectors. As trends in sentiment become as important as demographics and NOI, professionals who understand these tools will stay ahead of the next market move.

Florida’s Property Tax Overhaul Nears Climax as Lawmakers Clash on Bold Reforms

Florida lawmakers are racing toward a high-stakes finish to the legislative session as a sweeping property tax overhaul triggers fierce debate. The House is pushing to eliminate most non-school property taxes on primary homes, while the Senate urges caution and Gov. Ron DeSantis floats even bigger changes. With Democrats warning of budget crises and only weeks left to strike a deal, the future of Florida’s tax structure—and its real estate market—hangs in the balance.

Florida Ends Insurance Assessment Early, Saving Homeowners Millions

Florida homeowners are getting rare financial relief as the emergency insurance assessment—added after multiple insurers collapsed post‑Hurricane Ian—has been paid off two years early. The early payoff wipes out the charge of about $30 per household per year and delivers more than $650 million in statewide savings. With the insurance market stabilizing faster than expected, real estate and insurance professionals can expect a slightly more favorable environment for buyers and policyholders alike.

Commercial Real Estate Investors Eye 2026 as the Year of True Market Recovery

After years of pandemic‑driven disruption, rising vacancies, and interest‑rate volatility, confidence is finally returning to commercial real estate. Major analysts report that leasing activity is accelerating, investor appetite is rising, and high‑quality properties are leading the rebound. With investment volumes expected to jump and vacancies beginning to fall, 2026 is shaping up to be the long‑awaited turning point for the industry.

Sioux Falls Powers Into 2026 With Surging Growth and Unshakable Market Strength

Sioux Falls enters 2026 with a commercial real estate market outperforming nearly every regional competitor. Fueled by strong fundamentals, major private investment, and confidence across all sectors, the city is positioned for what experts call “white‑hot economic activity.” From booming land sales and rising retail absorption to stabilizing office and industrial sectors, the metro’s momentum is undeniable—making it a prime environment for real estate professionals and investors looking for opportunity.

Florida House Passes HB 767, Aiming to Bring Clarity and Transparency to Property Insurance

Florida lawmakers have advanced HB 767, a major insurance transparency bill that would create a statewide online rate database, boost consumer education, and prevent insurers from using land value to inflate premiums. The proposal promises clearer insurance data and stronger accountability—bringing much‑needed relief and insight to homeowners, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and insurance producers across the state.