Study: Catholic law grads outpace secular peers in practice, purpose, and civic life

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 15, 2025 / 16:41 pm

A new study found that 2025 graduates of Catholic law schools are not only more focused on ethics, service, and community, but they are also more likely to be practicing law than graduates of secular institutions.

The study, commissioned by the St. Mary’s University School of Law and conducted by YouGov, asked a national sample of 1,076 law school graduates across Catholic and secular institutions (844 secular and 232 Catholic) questions about motivation, career trajectory, values alignment, civic participation, and ethical formation.

The report revealed graduates of Catholic institutions highly prioritize their career outcomes and professional commitments. It found that 14% more Catholic law school students who graduated this year are currently practicing law than graduates of secular institutions. Also, 13% more Catholic law graduates said their career aligns with their personal values.

The survey revealed that those who attended Catholic law schools are more likely to prioritize community roles and civic engagement.

Surveyed Catholic law school graduates were four times more likely to have held an elected community role and twice as likely to have tutored youth or community members, coach youth sports, or have served on bar committees. Catholic school graduates were also found to have a 26% higher participation rate in local elections.

More Catholic law school graduates said they were motivated to enter the profession to uphold the rule of law (10%) than secular graduates. Catholic graduates were also more likely to cite “helping others” and “seeking justice” among their top motivations.

The report noted that 7% more Catholic school graduates said they feel confident applying ethical reasoning in complex legal situations and 8% more said education provided a framework for resolving moral or professional conflicts.

The study also found that graduates of Catholic schools tended to have more positive experiences while in law school. Of the participants, 15% more Catholic graduates than secular graduates reported they felt a sense of community at law school, 12% more said law school helped them find life’s purpose, and 10% more said law school clarified their broader purpose in the profession.

Overall, the study revealed that aside from providing legal expertise, Catholic law schools are also encouraging a moral framework and strong commitment to community. 

St. Mary’s reported the study is the first national one of its kind focused on law school graduates. It builds on a 2024 report by St. Mary’s that surveyed undergraduate and general alumni and found Catholic university graduates are more likely to report higher fulfillment and more emphasis on morality in their decision-making. A second version of the broader study is scheduled for later this year.