Law School steps up to the Bar

Staff Editorial

Recent law school news merits some congratulations and a little back patting. Students from the Pepperdine School of Law achieved the fifth highest bar exam passage rate among accredited California law schools. The results also afford an opportunity to ponder the advantages that this noteworthy accomplishment can bring the university as a whole.

But first, considering the schools that took the top four slots might help in terms of some perspective— Stanford, UCLA, University of Southern California and UC Berkeley (top notch, to say the least). With endowments in the billions (Pep has yet to hit $500 million), histories that precede Pepperdine’s by more than 50 years in most cases, and student bodies that squash Pepperdine’s in numbers, this university could be seen as the underdog, to say the least.

While there are many factors that put Pepperdine School of Law students at the top of the rankings, those that may seem to put the university at a disadvantage (small size and young in years) might actually be giving its students a leg up. Small classes, professor accessibility, as well as immense opportunities for enhancement and growth permitted by the relative youth of the Law School compared to other institutions could all contribute to student successes.

Some continue pointing to U.S. News rankings and place supremacy on those results over more objective rankings like the bar exam rates. But Pepperdine gets lost in that rankings craze (besides a shout out for “Most Beautiful Campus”— a given). It is a small university, fairly young and, well, not so easy on the wallet, which could all be stigmas that contribute to the apparent rankings snub.

It is, however, hard to pinpoint the rankings method since the considerations are so multifaceted. Current and prospective students should consider Pepperdine’s assets that are not necessarily measured by those who compile the list.

“The value of our degree and our reputation has increased dramatically over the past several years, and what we provide to students is very strong, very personal, high quality education in my opinion,” Paul Long, dean of admissions, told the Graphic last August.

The Pepperdine School of Law fills the 87th seat among accredited law schools nation-wide, while the university as a whole holds the 54th, according the U.S. News rankings. But who really needs to be told where to sit? Brush off U.S News’ failure, gold-star the university on the map and consider the accomplishments that rankings overlook.

Rick Cupp, associate dean for research at the School of Law emphasized problem with overly focusing on rankings.

“Applicants and employers would be better served by doing their homework and really learning about law schools’ strengths and weaknesses rather than relying on arbitrary and manipulable ranking,” he told the Graphic in April.

Prestige can benefit current students as well as alumni. It is gained through the accomplishments of any member of the Pepperdine community.

Although passing the bar exam is a success for the group of law students who took the test, it is also a success for anyone who can say they are a part of this university’s identity.

While the Law School does not generally receive the same share of coverage as Seaver, the recent accomplishments along with the hiring of a high-profile Dean, Kenneth Starr, Pepperdine’s School of Law might soon steal the spotlight.

As one university school progresses and excels, its accomplishments lead to a stronger university all around.

Submitted 02-01-2007

MALIBU, CA