The University of New Hampshire School of Law ranked No. 1 among the 14 law schools in New England for employment on the open market (excluding law-school-funded jobs) – and No. 5 in the entire United States – with 95 percent of the 2017 JD class employed within 10 months of graduation, the ABA’s deadline for reporting.
UNH Law was also No. 2 in New England in graduates employed in bar-passage-required jobs at 85.2 percent, while 91.8 percent obtained jobs that required either bar passage or a law degree. None of UNH Law’s positions were funded by the law school.
UNH Law’s strong employment outcomes were bolstered by an impressive bar passage rate in 2017, as graduates achieved a first-time bar-passage rate of 93.3 percent, which was No. 15 among law schools nationwide.
These results are a testament to the school’s long-standing commitment to practice-based legal education, which continues to earn recognition – preLaw Magazine recently ranked UNH Law No. 3 in the US for practical legal training.
In the first semester of their first year, students began learning about and using critical intangible skills such as good judgment, professionalism, networking and mentoring. In their second and third years, many students participate in practice-based clinics, the Daniel Webster Scholars program, legal residencies, and certificate programs. Intellectual Property students benefit from studying as part of an IP program that is ranked No. 6 in the country by US News & World Report, and has been in the Top 10 for 27 consecutive years. A broad range of alumni, practitioners, and employers throughout the US mentor the students as they practice those skills.
“Much of the school’s success in 2017 occurred because students took personal responsibility for engaging in the strong programming and opportunities available to them here,” Assistant Dean for Career Services, Eleanor MacLellan, said. “We wish the class every success.”
“We are extremely proud of our 2017 graduates and the dedicated faculty, adjuncts, and staff who worked closely with them to deliver these impressive results,” UNH Law Dean Megan Carpenter said. “Additionally, we are grateful to the many alumni and practitioners across the country who have mentored and hired our graduates.”
