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The Juris Doctor - Attorney Track Program

Graduate Survey Results

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Methodology: As part of the comprehensive assessment program which has been adopted by the University, in June 2002 a questionnaire was mailed to all graduates of the University's Juris Doctor Program. This included individuals who had graduated during the period 1987 to 2002. Many of the addresses of graduates in the University records were over a decade old. Internet resources were utilized to update certain files.

The University mailed a total of 215 questionnaires. All questionnaires included a postage paid return envelope. The questionnaires included the name and graduation date of each graduate. As of August 1, 2002, the University had received 102 responses representing 47.4% of the total mailing.

Set forth below are the results of the survey expressed as a percentage of the total responses. Certain questions allowed for multiple responses resulting in a total which may exceed 100%. As would be expected, not all respondents answered all questions. Percentages are based on total responses to a question. Preliminary observations of University administration are included in italic.

The questionnaires also allowed for subjective comments by respondents. All questionnaires will be available for review by members of the site visitation team. Other interested parties, including prospective students, may view the questionnaires in the offices of the University.

*Question 1.* Why did you enroll in the Juris Doctor Program?
a.	To earn a law degree and become an attorney.	89.2%
b.	To earn a law degree but not take the bar examination.	2.9%
c.	To become a more informed citizen.	11.7%
d.	To acquire legal knowledge beneficial to my job or career.	32.4%
e.	Other	2.9%
Observation: Since the University has never offered so called "non-bar" or "Executive JD" programs, the desire of graduates to become attorneys is not unexpected. The response to item d. indicates a strong secondary motivation.

*Question 2.* Have you passed the California Bar Examination?
	Yes	69.3%
	No	31.7%
Observation: Certain individuals indicated they had not sat for the California Bar Examination either because they never intended to take the examination or had recently graduated and had not had the opportunity to complete the examination.

*Question 3.* Do you presently practice law?
	Yes	54.1%
	No	45.9%
If "Yes," size of practice:
a.	Sole Practitioner	69.8%
b.	Law firm with 2 to 5 attorneys	15.1%
c.	Law firm with 6 to 10 attorneys	0.0%
d.	Law firm with 11 to 25 attorneys	7.6%
e.	Law firm with over 25 attorneys	1.9%
f.	Government Attorney	5.6%

*Question 4.* As a result of your legal education at Taft, do you consider yourself:
a.	A competent attorney?
	Yes	92.5%
	No	7.5%
b.	A more informed citizen?
	Yes	97.6%
	No	2.4%
c.	A better businessperson?
	Yes	91.2%
	No	8.8%
d.	Better able to provide for the financial needs of you and your family?
	Yes	97.4%
	No	2.6%
e.	Better able to clearly express your views in writing?
	Yes	91.8%
	No	8.2%
Observation: With respect to attorney competency, of the six respondents who answered "No", four had not passed the bar examination and the other two were attorneys but not currently practicing law. Consideration should be given to redrafting this question on future surveys.

*Question 5.* If distance education law study had not been available to you, would your personal circumstances have allowed you to earn a law degree in a classroom program?
	Yes	17.4%
	No	82.6%
Observation: These results are consistent with the mission of the University to serve students "who are mature adults, employed on a full-time basis or for whom place of residence, travel requirements, or finances are constraining factors."

*Question 6.* If you are not currently practicing law, have you found the knowledge you obtained in the Juris Doctor Program to be helpful in your job or career?
	Yes	100.0%
	No	0.0%
Observation: This confirms the belief of the University's administration and faculty that comprehensive knowledge of law and the legal system is beneficial in many jobs or careers.

(Rev. 7-03)