The racial employment gap among new US lawyers grew for the class of 2025, according to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). Most graduates found jobs. However, their success rates varied by race and ethnicity.

White graduates had a 94.4% employment rate. Graduates of color had a rate of 90.8%. Black graduates had the lowest rate at 87%.

The gap was wider for jobs requiring or expecting bar admission. These roles offer a direct path to legal practice. Therefore, the findings raise concerns about job access and law firm hiring.

NALP released the findings on October 14, 2026. Its annual Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates report tracks new graduates’ career outcomes. It measures employment about 10 months after graduation.

Key Takeaways

• White graduates: 94.4% found jobs, compared with 90.8% of graduates of color.
• Black graduates: Their employment rate was the lowest at 87%.
• Attorney jobs: 87.1% of white graduates secured jobs requiring or expecting bar admission. The rate for graduates of color was 81.6%.
• First-generation graduates: Their overall employment rate was 92.3%.
• Career paths: Graduates entered private practice, government, and public interest work at different rates.
• Report findings: The data shows employment gaps but does not explain their causes.

Racial Gaps Persist for Law Graduates

NALP tracks jobs held by recent law school graduates. Its latest report shows that a strong job market does not mean equal results...

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