How many people pass the CA bar exam first try?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: September 9, 2026
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The first-time pass rate for the California Bar Examination was approximately 62% to 70% for recent cohorts. Passage largely depends on the timing of the exam and whether the candidate graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school.

What percentage pass the California bar exam on first try?

For first-time takers in California, the passage rate varies by exam cycle, generally hovering between 44% and 70% depending on the cohort and whether it is a February or July test.

Did Michelle Obama pass the bar?

Michelle Obama, the current first lady, failed the IL bar exam on her first attempt. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States of America, failed the New York bar exam on his first attempt.

Has anyone passed the bar on the first try?

Teaka Frank Not only a mom, but single, made it through LSATs, law school, and passed the bar on the first try. There's folks living at home with parents and all types of support who FAIL the bar, let alone at life.

Who has failed the bar exam the most?

Paulina Bandy. Paulina Bandy has gained some notoriety in the legal world as being the person who perhaps has failed the bar exam more than anyone else. She failed the California bar exam 13 times before passing. She now runs a website dedicated to helping people pass the bar.

How I Passed the California Bar Exam First Try — February 2026

22 related questions found

How many times can you take the CA bar?

In California, there is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam. You are allowed to retake the exam in subsequent sessions as many times as necessary until you pass. The exam is administered twice a year, in February and July.

How many times did JFK Jr. fail the bar exam?

JFK Jr. failed the bar exam twice before passing on his third attempt. After graduating from NYU Law in 1989, he failed the New York bar in November 1989 and again in February 1990 before finally passing the July 1990 exam.

Is the California bar exam actually harder?

The “Cut” Score

The fact that California has traditionally had a high cut score has definitely factored into the overall consensus that the California Bar Exam is one of the most difficult in the country.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

While not all attorneys reach the $500K mark, many do by specializing in high-fee practice areas, raising their rates, expanding their law firms, and consistently generating leads.

Did Joe Biden pass the bar?

Yes, Joe Biden passed the bar exam. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968 and was officially admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969. After passing the bar, he briefly worked as a public defender and attorney before launching his political career.

Did Hillary Clinton ever pass the bar exam?

Hillary Clinton passed the Arkansas bar exam but failed the Washington, D.C. bar exam on her first attempt.

What was Obama's LSAT score?

During his time, the median LSAT scores for Harvard Law were generally between 170 and 175. This suggests that the Obama LSAT scores were within this range, placing him in the top percentiles of test-takers.

Why is the CA bar pass rate so low?

California historically reports low bar exam pass rates due to an unusually high passing score (cut score), a massive pool of test-takers from unaccredited or state-accredited schools with lower admission standards, and a famously difficult, multi-day format that heavily tests state-specific law alongside national topics.

Who is the youngest lawyer ever?

Stephen Baccus is widely recognized as the youngest person in modern American history to become a licensed lawyer. He earned his law degree at age 16 and, after petitioning the Florida Supreme Court to waive age requirements, was officially admitted to the Florida Bar at age 17 in 1986.

Is Kim Kardashian taking the bar in February?

As we previously reported, Kardashian is taking a break after last year's failed attempt at the California Bar Exam, having skipped this year's February exam and has no plans to try again in July.

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?

TL;DR: Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer is a common question, and the answer is no because she is not licensed in California. She is completing a 4-year California law apprenticeship and must pass the Baby Bar before she can represent people in criminal cases.

Who is Elon Musk's lawyer?

Elon Musk’s primary outside attorney and go-to lead trial counsel is Alex Spiro, a partner at the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan.

Who are the Magic 5 lawyers?

The term 'magic circle' was first coined by legal journalists in the late 1990s, and for the past 15 years it has consisted of a distinct group of five: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

“On November 7th, I found out I didn't pass the bar,” Kardashian said. “It was disappointing, but it wasn't the end. This dream means too much to me to walk away from, so I'm going to keep studying, keep learning, and keep showing up for myself until I get there.”

Is law school harder than med school?

Medical school is widely considered harder than law school due to the sheer volume of memorization, heavy reliance on science, and the high-stakes, hands-on clinical training. While law school is academically demanding with competitive grading curves, medical school requires a more exhausting and time-consuming daily schedule.

Did Michelle Obama pass her bar exam?

The Former First Lady Michelle Obama – (a graduate of Harvard Law School) failed the Illinois bar exam on her first try. Secretary of State and past Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton failed the DC bar exam the first time she took it. She passed the Arkansas bar after that. President Franklin D.

Did Marilyn Monroe call Jackie Kennedy?

Yes, according to several biographies and historians, Marilyn Monroe did call Jackie Kennedy.

Did Bobby Kennedy Jr. pass the bar exam?

Yes, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. passed the bar exam and was officially admitted to the New York State Bar in 1985.