The number of first timers taking the bar exam at UH and passing is at its highest rate in five years.

The pass rate for the William S. Richardson School of Law was 81 percent which is up from 76 percent at the same time last year.

It is the highest pass rate for first-time UH bar exam takers since 2013.

Overall bar passage rates declined nationally at law schools that have so far publicly reported their graduates’ scores for the July bar exam.

Hawaii results, released October 5, show the pass rate for all July bar exam takers was 71 percent, down one percentage point from the previous July.

The UH overall pass rate was 70 percent compared to 75 percent the year before.

“We have excellent, highly motivated students and faculty members who have focused increasing attention on preparations for this challenging exam,” said Dean Avi Soifer.

Soifer praised Liam Skilling, director of academic success and director of the evening part time program.

“Liam has incredible energy and an abiding commitment to the success of all our students during law school and as they take the bar exam after they graduate,” Soifer added.

Said Skilling, “It’s great to see so many of our first-time takers passing this year. The whole law school is deeply invested in seeing all our graduates succeed. Professors Linda Krieger and Troy Andrade undertook an important study of factors impacting bar success and, for the past two years, faculty members who teach subjects tested on the bar have held review sessions for our graduates studying for the bar exam.”

The law school also has a tradition of encouraging graduates taking the two-day bar exam in February or July.

Skilling and Associate Dean Ronette Kawakami bring the test-takers candy, beverages and snacks, including sandwiches and musubi.

