Grit and Legal Education

48 Pages Posted: 20 Aug 2015 Last revised: 30 Jan 2016

See all articles by Emily Zimmerman

Emily Zimmerman

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

Leah Brogan

Drexel University

Date Written: August 14, 2015

Abstract

Although research indicates that grit predicts successful performance in a variety of contexts, grit is underexplored in the context of legal education. We investigated the relationship between grit and law school grade point average (GPA) among recent law school graduates. Contrary to expectations, a statistically significant correlation did not emerge between grit and law school GPA. However, average grit scores of women and men did significantly differ, with women reporting higher overall grit scores than men. Female and male participants’ law school GPAs did not significantly differ. This article discusses our research project and the questions regarding legal education that our findings raise. We also identify areas for further research regarding grit, legal education, and law practice.

Keywords: grit, legal education, law students, law school, academic performance, sex differences, positive psychology

Suggested Citation

Zimmerman, Emily and Brogan, Leah, Grit and Legal Education (August 14, 2015). 36 Pace L. Rev. 112 (2015), Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law Research Paper No. 2015-A-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2646851

Emily Zimmerman (Contact Author)

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law ( email )

3320 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States

Leah Brogan

Drexel University ( email )

3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States

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