Monday, February 20, 2012

Capital Recognized for Its High Bar Passage Rate

The LSAT is a test that has the power to produce mixed emotions from a lot of people.  Some enjoy cracking the puzzles of the logic games, while others cringe.  We are told that the LSAT is primarily designed to reflect success in law school.  So does this mean that if a person receives a low LSAT score, he or she will have a hard time passing the bar exam?

The National Jurist, a legal magazine distributed nationally, recently conducted a study looking at the correlation of LSAT scores and bar passage rate.  Researchers wanted to find out if law schools with a lower median LSAT had a lower bar passage rate.  They discovered that most schools have bar passage rates that correlate to their incoming LSAT scores, but that Capital "buck(ed) the average".  The article goes on to showcase Capital's high bar passage rate.

To highlight some of Capital's effective preparatory programs, the article quotes Professor Yvonne Twiss, Director of Bar Services, and former Student Bar Association President Thomas Siwo, L'11.  Siwo talks about his experience with the Academic Success Protocol, a program which helps admitted students prepare for law school, during the summer, before classes begin.  He states, "We spent 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in mock classes...practicing reading and writing techniques with professors who taught classes.  It really gave me a heads up on how to think and perform in law school."  Siwo's hard work paid off.  He passed the bar last summer and now practices law at Bricker & Eckler, one of Ohio's largest firms.

Professor Twiss talks about the success of the Capital Advanced Bar Studies (ABS) course.  In 2005, the American Bar Association lifted a ban on for-credit, in-house bar prep at law schools.  Capital crafted a course to help students get ready for the process of studying for the bar exam.  Although it is not mandatory, around 95% of students choose to take this class.  The course has certainly proven its value.  Now, after the implementation of ABS, the average percentage of first-time test takers passing the bar at Capital in the past five July exams is 90.26 percent, compared to 88.26 for all other Ohio schools.

Click here to view the entire article.




Friday, February 10, 2012

Capital Students Lend A Helping Hand

Based on my experience thus far as a Capital Law student, I have come to realize that there is a strong sense of camaraderie among the student population.  Before starting law school, I had heard tales of cut-throat students hiding books in the library to gain a competitive edge over their peers.  I wondered if this was going to be an accurate prediction for the next three years of my life.  But, my reservations proved to be false.  At Capital, students are quick to lend a helping hand.  Recently, this positive perception of mine was affirmed when I read about how Capital Law students are currently helping another student in a time of need.


Adam Bessler finished classes at Capital Law in December 2011.  With hopes to take the February bar exam, Adam began studying.  But, on February 6, 2012, Adam found out that his young son, Jameson, was diagnosed with leukemia.  Adam has now put the bar exam on hold to spend time with his family.  Adam's wife, Megan, has been working as a teacher at Jane's Montessori Academy and is due to have another little girl, Olivia, very soon.  To help alleviate the cost of Jameson's medical bills, and assist Adam and Megan with their day-to-day living expenses, students have donated money to "Jameson's Get Better Fast" cause. 


Yesterday, Jameson received some very good test results that puts him in the best possible prognosis for his leukemia.  But, this will still be a long road for Jameson and his family.  He is currently going through chemotherapy, and is being cared for at Nationwide Children's Hospital.  To help keep his spirits high, supporters have also been sending cards to Jameson's room.  Nationwide Children's actually has a website that allows cards to be ordered and sent directly to his room, J5321.


To stay up-to-date with Jameson's progress, the Bessler family has set up a Facebook page. After spending some time reading about Jameson's strength and positive attitude, you will see how this little boy is a true inspiration to us all.  I wish Jameson and his family all the best.  Here's to Jameson getting better fast!