Law students pass bar at superb rate
Campus Times
December 12, 1997
by Rob Strauss
Editorial Assistant
The University of La Verne College of Law had a successful showing in
the General Bar Examination, as 85 percent of the graduates who took it
for the first time in July passed.
Of the 13 ULV College of Law graduates who took the test in July, 11
passed. Those include Raymon Bidari, Ana Garcia, Raymond Johnson, Thomas
Le Gro, Rajan Maline, Hershel Martin, Jennifer Mullins, Carl Sedlack, Brian
Swienton, Michelle Voigt and Darren Harris.
Kenneth Held, dean of the College of Law, said he was "delighted"
by the pass rate.
"It was higher than the average for the ABA [American Bar Association]
schools in the state," said Held.
Three students took it the second time and each of them passed. Harris
described it as "tough."
"It is something everyone in law school should look forward to,"
he said. "They will only get through it with hard work and determination."
A small swearing-in ceremony took place at the College of Law on Dec.
2 where five of the people who passed chose to be sworn in at La Verne.
It was performed by Judge Paul Egly, founder of the College of Law.
Voigt said the swearing-in was "amazing."
The large swearing-in ceremony took place on Dec. 9 at a location off-campus.
The ULV pass rate was much higher than California as a whole. Of the
7,716 applicants who took the test in California, 4,851, or 56 percent,
passed.
According to Held, it supports the reputation of the campus.
"Both campuses of the law school [ULV and Woodland Hills] have
excellent reputations," said Held. "This only enhances it."
Held said it could also have an effect on the enrollment.
"It ought to help," said Held.
To take the bar, students must be in school full time for three years,
or part time for four years.
Swienton, who attended ULV as an undergraduate, said that although ULV
prepared him, he looks forward to moving on.
"I am glad law school is over," said Swienton.
