Racial disparities in employment among newly qualified US law graduates widened in 2025, with white graduates securing jobs at higher rates than their Black, Hispanic and Asian counterparts, according to new industry data.
Figures released Wednesday by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) show that more than 94 percent of white law graduates secured employment within 10 months of graduation, compared with fewer than 91 percent of graduates of color, Reuters reports.
Black law graduates recorded the lowest employment rate among the major racial groups, at 87 percent, declining from nearly 90 percent in 2024.
The employment rate for Hispanic law graduates also fell, reaching slightly above 91 percent compared with more than 92 percent the previous year.
Meanwhile, employment among Asian law graduates remained relatively stable at approximately 92 percent.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander graduates, who represented a comparatively small group, recorded the highest employment rate at more than 96 percent.
NALP Executive Director Nikia Gray expressed concern over the findings, emphasizing that obtaining a law degree does not guarantee equal access to professional opportunities across racial groups.
The report comes amid significant changes in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies across the United States following President Donald Trump's return to the White House.
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