2025 News UMass Law: UMass Law Dean's Advisory Board funds bar exam stipends

$50k in stipends support graduates while they prepare to launch their legal careers

UMass Law graduates preparing for upcoming bar exams will receive critical financial support thanks to generous funding from the UMass Law Dean's Advisory Board.

In the board's second-ever meeting, the distinguished group of business, legal, and public service leaders from throughout the Commonwealth decided to provide almost $50,000 in funding that assists graduates in the two-month period between graduation and the exam so they can focus on their studies without the added pressure of work and financial burdens.

"As a proud public law school dedicated to access and opportunity, this support is essential to fulfilling our mission to Pursue Justice," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "I am profoundly grateful to our incredible board for their commitment to our students' success."

By easing the strain of bar preparation costs, these stipends allow graduates to dedicate their full attention to the rigorous study required to pass the exam and launch their legal careers, helping support UMass Law's commitment to expand access to high-quality legal education.

"As a first-generation law student, I had no idea what to expect when it came to monetary preparations for the bar exam," said 2023 grad Shelby Jimcosky. "Thankfully, through the support of the community, I was able to rest assured knowing I would be able to maintain my housing while studying. I don't know if I would have achieved a passing score without the monetary and academic support I received from UMass Law."

"The rule of law and justice is the foundation of our democracy. As our new generation of UMass Law students prepare to take the bar exam, we wanted to help them manage the challenges of balancing work, family life, community commitments, and focused preparation. I think of it as an investment in our collective future."

The UMass Law Dean's Advisory Board plays a vital role in advancing the law school’s mission and supporting student success. UMass Law remains committed to offering an accessible and affordable legal education, with the lowest tuition of any ABA-accredited law school in Massachusetts and a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students manage the cost of their legal education.

"The rule of law and justice is the foundation of our democracy," said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Emerita and Board Chair, Jean MacCormack. "As our new generation of UMass Law students prepare to take the bar exam, we wanted to help them manage the challenges of balancing work, family life, community commitments, and focused preparation. I think of it as an investment in our collective future."

To learn more about the fundraising initiative to support bar pass stipends and to make your own gift, visit corsaircrowdfunding.umassd.edu/campaigns/umass-law-bar-pass-stipends.