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!

Housing Market Momentum Builds Early in 2026

The 2026 housing market is off to a powerful start, with rising buyer activity, expanding inventory, and steady pricing creating one of the most balanced environments in years. Pending home sales and mortgage applications are climbing, inventory has reached 2.6 months of supply, and new listings continue to grow—all signaling renewed confidence and fresh opportunity for real estate professionals nationwide.

Investors Prepare for a High-Confidence 2026 as Commercial Real Estate Stabilizes

A wave of optimism is returning to U.S. commercial real estate heading into 2026, with 95% of investors planning to buy the same or more property than last year. Capital allocations are rising, Sun Belt cities continue to shine, and multifamily remains the top asset class. As pricing stabilizes and debt pressures ease, professionals across real estate and finance are entering a year defined by strategic growth and renewed opportunity.

Florida Homeowners Face Rising Insurance Costs Despite Promised Relief

Floridians were told insurance relief was on the way, but many homeowners are seeing the opposite as premiums continue to rise. Despite state leaders insisting the market is improving and insurers filing rate decreases, homeowners like Lisa Riggi say the real‑world impact tells a different story. Higher property valuations, inflation, and updated replacement‑cost calculations are driving premiums upward, leaving some families questioning whether they can afford to remain in Florida.

Where Did Our Parents’ Florida Go? How Paradise Became Pricier, Glossier, and Almost Unrecognizable

Florida once promised retirees sunshine, low costs, and a $20,000 condo by the pool. But in 2026, soaring insurance rates, rising taxes, shrinking affordable housing, and an influx of wealthier newcomers have transformed the state into a far more expensive version of the paradise our parents knew. From corporate buyouts of mobile home parks to multimillion‑dollar estates redefining the market, today’s Florida is a place of widening gaps, disappearing middle‑range homes, and a future that demands deeper pockets—and smarter market insight.

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady in the Low 6% Range as Buyers Gain Breathing Room

Mortgage rates continue easing into the low 6% range, giving buyers and real estate professionals a welcome boost in early February 2026. Softer labor market data and slipping Treasury yields are helping keep rates stable, with 30‑year fixed loans averaging around 6.26% and refinance rates also trending lower. While affordability remains tight, today’s calmer rate environment is opening doors for more buyers—and offers agents a clearer outlook as they guide clients through a still‑shifting market.

Commercial Real Estate Investors Gear Up for a Major Buying Surge in 2026

A new CBRE survey reveals that U.S. commercial real estate investors are preparing to ramp up acquisitions in 2026, signaling renewed confidence across the sector. Dallas leads the nation for the fifth straight year as the top investment market, followed by Atlanta and San Francisco. Florida markets like Miami and Tampa continue to rise, while cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, Seattle, and New York also attract strong investor attention. With activity heating up nationwide, 2026 is shaping into a powerful year for commercial real estate professionals.