Bar passage and employment rate demonstrate the steady strength of Detroit’s public law school 

DETROIT – This year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings have placed Wayne Law at #71 among the nation’s law schools, the 5th consecutive year the school has ranked in the top 75 and the 6th consecutive year it has ranked second highest in the state.  Although yearly volatility interrupted the school’s seven-year streak of unprecedented rankings gains, Wayne Law continued to deliver on its mission of access to excellent legal education, top-flight value, career preparation, and tangible community impact. 

Wayne Law’s 86.05% bar passage rate for the July 2024 bar exam and its ABA employment rate of nearly 95% for full-time, long-term, bar passage-required or J.D. advantage positions for the class of 2024 demonstrate the strength of the law school and its success in preparing students for meaningful and rewarding legal careers. 

“This year’s ranking reflects episodic fluctuations in the U.S. News data but not a change in who we are at Wayne Law or the underlying strong fundamentals of the school,” said Dean Richard A. Bierschbach. “Our 2024 first-time bar passage rate was far above the state average, our graduates are securing hallmark positions, and our commitment to and success in fostering opportunity for our students is as solid as ever. We continue to deliver transformative outcomes for our students and the communities they serve.” 

Long recognized as a national leader for value, Wayne Law offers the lowest tuition rate in Michigan and one of the most affordable in the country. It is among the top law schools for debt-to-income ratio and has been named a “Best Value” law school for eleven consecutive years by National Jurist and preLaw Magazine. Its Detroit location offers students unmatched access to courts, government, nonprofits, and private firms. 

“In a time of shifting priorities, we’re doubling down on what makes Wayne Law so special: a student-centered education, a deeply connected alumni network, a focus on law in action, and an unparalleled sense of community and engagement with Detroit” Bierschbach said. “Our commitment to our mission and to our students’ success has never been stronger.” 

Learn more about Wayne Law by visiting law.wayne.edu.  

####  

Contact: Nikki Taylor-Vargo
Email: nikkitv@wayne.edu