by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The game is two months away, but any victory in any arena over their rival is celebrated by universities in North and Central Florida.
Florida State University claimed the highest passing rate at the latest bar examination in July among persons sitting for both parts A and B of the general examination for the first time. A total of 2,003 passed the latest general bar examination.
Results released Sept. 21 reveal that 160 of the 175 Seminole law students that took the general bar examination in July passed, which gave the school a 91.4 percent passing rate.
“I’m pleased to know the professors and staff of Florida State University College of Law continue to provide a
quality education that produces such a high level of students passing the bar exam,” said Reginald Luster, past president of The Jacksonville Bar Association and graduate of the Florida State University College of Law. “I truly expect that the superior education of FSU football players will result in a victory on Florida’s home turf, that puddle they call ‘The Swamp.’ I also expect to see Mr. Camerlengo wearing his favorite garnet and gold tie when he goes to work on the following Monday.”
University of Florida Levin College of Law students represented 328 of the 2,503 law students that took the two-day exam. Recently, 283 Gator law students found out that they had passed the general bar exam and UF earned an 86.3 percent passing rate.
“Some of the second and third tier law schools are focusing on passing the bar rather than being the best lawyer you can be,” said Camerlengo, immediate past president of the Jacksonville Bar Association and graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law. “We’ll see who has the better passing efficiency on Nov. 28.”
Rounding out the list of the top six schools with at least 150 students taking the exam were: Nova Southeastern University, 86.1 percent; the University of Miami, 83.9; Florida Coastal School of Law, 83.0; and Stetson 81.8.
A local ceremony to swear in new lawyers was held Friday at the Duval County Courthouse Annex, and formal ceremonies will be held at the Florida Supreme Court and Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth District Courts of Appeal Oct. 5.
July 2009 General Bar Examination
(Schools with at least 150 taking the exam)
356-2466