Two alumni from California State University, Stanislaus, have passed the California Bar Exam on their first attempt after graduating in 2022. Lindy Muñoz and Priyanka Sen completed law school and took the bar exam during the July 2025 session, an achievement noted as unique by Associate Professor Blake Wilson, director of the university’s pre-law program.
Wilson said this was a first in his ten years at Stan State: “In my 10 years at Stan State, this is the first time we’ve had two students complete their undergraduate schooling in four years, take the three years of law school and pass the bar exam on the first try. What they have done is definitely something to be proud of.”
Muñoz works as an attorney with Silva Injury Law in Turlock. She described her experience: “I certainly have never heard of this happening with any of my other classmates or colleagues at my job now. I’m so happy for Priyanka, too, because I know how much work this takes.” Muñoz also said that preparing for and taking the bar exam was “the hardest thing I have ever done, not just academically, but in general. It just tests you so much.”
Sen is now a litigation associate at Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney in San Francisco. She commented: “I imagine there are several people who have done that, but it was never something I’ve thought about. Not many people realize how expansive the legal field is and how many law schools there are, so I think it’s a coincidence that Lindy and I ended up in Northern California and were able to do this.” Sen added about her focus during law school: “During law school, I focused on intellectual property, particularly in the patent area, where my biology degree from Stan State was valuable.”
The State Bar of California reported that 4,032 individuals passed the July 2025 General Bar Examination out of all those who sat for it—representing a pass rate of 54.8 percent.
Both Muñoz and Sen decided to pursue careers in law while still in high school. At Stanislaus State University (Stan State), they participated actively in programs such as Moot Court and Court Observer through Wilson’s Pre-Law Resource Center.
Muñoz credited Wilson’s guidance as essential to her success: “Stan State’s criminal justice program, as a whole, was amazing. Dr. Wilson ended up being so important to my success because I didn’t come from a family of lawyers, and I was completely lost. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I could have gotten to this point. I found what I needed here.”
Sen majored in English and biology before focusing on intellectual property during law school at UC College of Law San Francisco; she served two years as president of Stan State’s Pre-Law Society student organization.
Wilson attributed their achievements to their dedication: “Priyanka and Lindy both came to me independently as undergraduates and said confidently ‘I want to go to law school…What can you do for me?’ Working with students as freshmen…is important because you really need to start preparing for law school from the get-go…. They were just really committed and dedicated…. Seeing their success makes me really proud.”
