Northern Illinois College of Law is proud to announce that the passage rate for first-time takers on the Illinois July 2017 bar was 84%, four points above the state average. NIU also placed fourth among the nine Illinois law schools with only the University of Chicago, Illinois, and Northwestern having higher passage rates as noted by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. This was the second year in a row in which NIU has been four points above the state average for first-time takers, reflecting the school’s strong commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for successful careers.
“We are delighted to receive the report of these impressive results,” said Jeanna Hunter, director of NIU Law’s Academic Success Program, which coordinates the school’s bar passage initiatives. “Bar passage and practice readiness are critical goals for our law students and we take this preparation seriously.”
Hunter also noted that from the moment students walk in the door, these skills are incorporated into their courses and we continue to emphasize them throughout law school, culminating in the bar passage courses in students’ final year.
“These extremely positive results demonstrate NIU’s focus on a strong curriculum and teaching, and providing students the individual attention necessary for success,” added Interim Dean Mark Cordes. “Strong bar exam results also lead into our excellent employment outcomes, where NIU has consistently been among the top schools in the state in job placement after law school.”
