In a year defined by unprecedented growth and collective achievement, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law has solidified its trajectory as an institution on the national rise. Dean Jerry Dickinson today released a recap of his first year in office, celebrating a historic 2025 that saw the Law School break fundraising records, climb national rankings, achieve a "clean sweep" of the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, welcome a head of state back to campus, launch a public interest-focused office, and much more.
“When I stepped into the Deanship nearly one year ago, I promised that we would not just stabilize, but elevate,” said Dean Jerry Dickinson. “This year’s extraordinary success is the result of a mobilized community—faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University leadership—committed to the Pitt Law mission. Pitt Law is on the rise because our community believes in what we’re pursuing.”
The year’s achievements signal a structural resurgence for the Pitt Law.
Global Reach
In September, the Law School celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Center for International Legal Education (CILE), a milestone highlighted by the historic return of alumna Her Excellency Dr. Vjosa Osmani (LLM ’05, SJD ’15), President of the Republic of Kosovo. President Osmani delivered the 33rd McLean Lecture on World Law to a packed audience at the University Club on September 29, underscoring Pitt Law’s reach on the global stage.
Bar Exam Clean Sweep
The Law School experienced an unprecedented feat by achieving a “clean sweep” in overall bar passage in Pennsylvania for both the February and July bar exams. In a display of statewide dominance, the July results outpaced all other law schools with a stunning 91.35% pass rate, which was the highest bar passage rate in Pitt Law history.
Climbing the Rankings
In March, the Law School rose 12 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, driven by improved metrics in employment outcomes, bar passage results, and strong admissions numbers based on LSAT and GPA scores. In October, the National Jurist magazine announced Pitt Law’s inclusion, for the first time in history, in its Top 20 Best Value Law Schools in the nation, a prestigious recognition of the school's ability to deliver high-quality, affordable legal education with exceptional return on investment.
Record Fundraising
The Law School raised a record-breaking $8 million in Fiscal Year 2025, fueling new scholarships, new endowed chairs and professorships, research support, and public interest initiatives. The school also announced that Kelly Sanzari, the new Director of Development, will lead Pitt Law’s renewed emphasis on fundraising.
A Renaissance in Scholarship and Teaching
2025 was also a banner year for intellectual leadership. Current faculty also received significant recognition for their contributions to legal theory and social justice:
- Professor Mike Madison was honored with the University’s prestigious Chancellor’s Research Award.
- Professor Jules Lobel received the Larry E. Davis Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship, recognizing his lifelong work in civil rights and constitutional litigation.
- Dean Jerry Dickinson was the recipient of the Larry E. Davis Excellence in Leadership Award for his transformative vision for the Law School.
Building the Team: Leadership and Staff Excellence
Central to this success was a modernized administrative structure designed to professionalize operations. This included establishing the inaugural Dean’s Leadership Team, comprising some of the most senior and experienced staff and faculty leaders to support and guide Dean Dickinson in leading the Law School. Furthermore, the Law School announced its inaugural Assistant Dean of Public Interest, Megan Lovett, Esq., and launched the new Office of Public Interest dedicated to service-minded students and public interest academic programming.
Recognizing that a world-class law school needs world-class operations, Dean Dickinson also announced key staff promotions that were vital to the year's smooth execution:
- Frances Newman was promoted to Director of Administrative Services.
- Amy Change was elevated to Programs and Events Coordinator.
- Nancy Alemany was named Building and Facilities Manager.
- Alexander Gray was named Community Engagement Liaison for the Clinics.
“We have fundamentally reshaped the way this law school operates,” said Dean Dickinson. “By investing in our staff and creating dedicated leadership roles, we are building an infrastructure that supports every member of this community, from our newest 1Ls to our most senior faculty.”