Temple University’s Beasley School of Law had the highest pass rate in Pennsylvania for first-time exam takers on the Feb. 2010 administration of the state’s bar exam. Temple’s pass rate was 88.24 percent, 14 percentage points higher than the statewide rate of 74.23 percent.

The Pennsylvania Bar exam is administered twice annually — in February and July — and most first-time students take the July exam rather than the February administration.

Temple’s outstanding performance follows the school’s second place pass rate in July 2009, when more than 95 percent of first-time test takers passed the Pa. Bar. Beasley School of Law Dean JoAnne Epps says the scores reflect the school’s increasing status as a leader in legal education in Pennsylvania.

“This performance is a testament to the intelligence and incredible hard work of our students and the excellent education and strong support they receive from our dedicated faculty,” said Epps.

In addition to improvements to the curriculum designed to help students understand legal complexities and prepare for the practice of law, Temple Law has introduced additional initiatives to support student achievement on the Bar exam.

Temple Law’s Bar Exam Acceleration Training (BEAT) program provides students an opportunity to receive bar exam practice while still in school. Students, faculty and outside organizations meet on Saturdays and work though a rigorous set of practice and training materials designed to aid students in their efforts to pass on their first attempt. Students report that BEAT has been helpful in preparing to sit for the bar.

“The secret to passing the Pennsylvania Bar is working really hard, and that’s what our students do best,” said Mary Louise Esten, Beasley associate dean for students.