September 11, 2024

Antonia Miceli joins ASU Law to drive a new era of bar exam success

Antonia "Toni" Miceli is on a mission to guide future lawyers through one of the most challenging milestones in their legal careers—the bar exam.

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is thrilled to announce Miceli's appointment as the inaugural director of the bar exam success program. Miceli brings over 13 years of expertise in academic and bar exam success to ASU Law where she will play a pivotal role in shaping law graduates’ futures.

ASU Law has always prioritized student success, and with the introduction of this new role, the college takes a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting students as they prepare for the bar exam. Arizona’s cut score for the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is 270, the highest in the nation, making comprehensive bar exam preparation essential for students aiming to practice law in the state.

“I originally came to this work over 13 years ago based upon my love of teaching and my own experience of taking and passing three different bar exams,” Miceli said. “I was drawn to this new role at ASU Law because of the school’s commitment to student success, particularly bar exam success, as part of its new strategic plan. As someone working in the bar exam and legal licensure space, which is evolving at an unprecedented pace in the history of bar admissions, I am excited to be at a law school that is dedicated to innovation and progress, and I look forward to leading ASU Law in developing a bar exam success program that stays at the forefront of those changes.”

Miceli’s journey to ASU Law began in Northern California, where she grew up and attended law school. She first tackled the rigorous three-day California bar exam, followed by the Missouri bar exam and the Illinois bar exam after moving to St. Louis for a federal clerkship. Her experiences with these exams ignited her passion for helping students navigate the complexities of bar preparation. 

“Bar exam preparation should start well before the final semester of law school,” Miceli emphasized. “I plan to integrate bar exam awareness and skill-building beginning in the 1L year, helping students develop a strong foundation early on.”

Miceli plans to adopt an integrative approach, understanding that students will perform their best when they feel their best. Combining academic preparation, data-driven support, personalized coaching, a supportive community and a focus on wellbeing, Miceli will guide students through seamlessly passing the bar exam. 

“My approach to helping students pass the bar is holistic and student-centered,” she said. “I recognize that each student comes with their own strengths, challenges and learning styles, so I strive to tailor my support to meet their individual needs. I explain to students that we are going to focus on three key areas for their bar exam success: planning, preparation and performance.”

Miceli also plans to bring innovative approaches to bar exam preparation, particularly as the legal landscape evolves with the introduction of the NextGen Bar Exam. Set to be administered in Arizona starting in July 2027, the NextGen Bar Exam will require new strategies and tools to ensure students are adequately prepared. Miceli’s involvement in the AccessLex Institute’s Building Bar Skills Initiative, where she has designed NextGen Bar-styled modules, positions her at the forefront of these changes. 

“I am excited to bring my modules and those of the other module-building teams to the ASU Law community as we work together to prepare our students for the NextGen Bar Exam,” she said.

For ASU Law, the success of its graduates on the bar exam is a critical measure of the quality of education and support provided. Miceli’s appointment reflects the college’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that its students not only pass the bar exam but also excel in their legal careers. Miceli’s appointment marks a new chapter in ASU Law’s ongoing efforts to provide students with the tools, resources and support they need to succeed in their legal careers.

“What excites me most about joining ASU Law is the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community that is deeply committed to student success,” she said. “ASU Law’s reputation for innovation, academic excellence and a strong focus on practical training aligns perfectly with my own passion for empowering students to achieve their full potential.”

 

Written by Kourtney Kelley