Grantee Research
An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Student-Faculty Demographics on Law School Graduate Attrition, Attrition Rates, J.D.s Awarded, and Bar Passage
Document Type
Law Review Article
Publication Date
4-2025
Keywords
diverse campus environment, faculty diversity, student attrition, bar passage correlates, student engagement
Abstract
This paper seeks to delve into one of legal education's most critical yet scarcely explored questions: How does the interplay between student and faculty demographics impact law students' sense of belonging and, in turn, their rates of attrition, the earning of Juris Doctor degrees, and their success on the bar exam The necessity for this exploration is highlighted by enduring disparities in bar passage rates and the continual underrepresentation of women and minorities within the legal profession.
Despite a growing emphasis on the alienation experienced by women and minority students in law schools and its effects on their graduation rates, a significant understanding gap remains regarding the potential for faculty-student demographic congruence—or its absence—to either mitigate or exacerbate these challenges.
Through a detailed empirical examination, this research aims to make a vital contribution to the conversation on enhancing inclusivity and equity in legal education. It seeks to enrich the ongoing dialogue around legal education reform and to underscore the critical role that faculty diversity plays in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all law students.
