Do law firms care about undergraduate?

Asked by: Irma Satterfield  |  Last update: March 16, 2026
Score: 5/5 (47 votes)

Yes, law firms care about your undergraduate record, but law school performance (grades, journal, moot court) and the prestige of your law school usually matter much more for big firms, with undergrad being a stepping stone to get you there, though a strong undergrad GPA is a positive signal, especially if you're aiming for elite firms without a top-tier law school. The specific major matters less than excelling in it and demonstrating critical thinking, with STEM or diverse backgrounds sometimes favored now.

Do law firms care about undergrad grades?

Firms really don't care about your undergrad GPA. The only thing they look at is your law school GPA. The only time undergrad GPA gives you (maybe) a every so slight nudge is if it's extremely high, and even then it's just a minor positive signal.

Do law firms hire undergraduates?

Third, small law firms sometimes hire undergraduates as interns, although these internships often go to undergraduates with an existing connection to the firm. But it is extremely rare for large law firms to hire undergraduates as interns. Don't expect to do much legal research if you do find a legal internship.

Does undergrad matter for lawyers?

Unlike medical school, which requires certain prerequisite courses, law school doesn't require that you major in anything specific or take certain classes before applying. Your LSAT score and your GPA are the key determining factors in law school admissions.

Do law schools care about your undergraduate major?

In one word, NO. Law schools care about many things: your GPA, your LSAT, the story you tell, the obstacles you've overcome. But if there is one thing law school admissions committees care least about, it may be your major.

NON TRADITIONAL LAW STUDENTS | considerations and advantages of going to law school later in life

38 related questions found

What disqualifies you from law school?

What disqualifies you from law school often involves dishonesty, serious criminal history (especially crimes of moral turpitude like fraud), significant financial irresponsibility, or academic misconduct, all falling under the "character and fitness" evaluation, though a single minor issue usually isn't a bar if disclosed honestly and explained well; failure to disclose, lying on the application, or misrepresenting facts is often a more significant reason for denial or later disbarment. 

What do most lawyers get their undergraduate degree in?

Common Undergraduate Majors for Pre-Law Students

  • Political Science. According to LSAC data, about 18% of law school applicants major in political science, making it the single most common major by over 10 percentage points. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • English. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • History. ...
  • Philosophy. ...
  • Strategies for Choosing a Major.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

Do top law schools care where you went to undergrad?

If you want to attend law school, the prestige of your undergraduate program matters very little as compared to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores. Similarly, if you want to attend medical school, the prestige of your undergraduate institution is relatively unimportant, while your GPA and MCAT scores are critical.

Is a JD closer to a Masters or PhD?

In the United States, the JD has the academic standing of a professional doctorate (in contrast to a research doctorate), and is described as a "doctor's degree – professional practice" by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
 

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate. 

What increases your chances of getting into law school?

Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score

There's really no way around it—your LSAT score, GPA, and the rigor of your undergraduate course work are basically the most important things law schools are looking for.

What was Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score. 

Is 60% good for first year uni?

In your first year at university, achieving a grade of 50% or more is a good thing. You can build on your work and improve as you work towards your final grade. Scores above 70% are classed as “First”, so you should be very excited to get a grade in that range.

Can I be a lawyer if I have bad grades?

Academic performance may be important during the first few years of your career, but as you gain experience as an attorney, employers care less and less about your grades and judge you on your work instead. It's unlikely you'll be asked much about your class rank or grades after about four years of law practice.

What is the most common undergrad for law?

Top 10 Most Popular Undergraduate Majors for Prospective Law Students

  1. Political Science. Percentage of Students Admitted: 74.0% ...
  2. Economics. Percentage of Students Admitted: 78.2% ...
  3. History. Percentage of Students Admitted: 79.1% ...
  4. Philosophy. Percentage of Students Admitted: 75.5% ...
  5. English. ...
  6. Finance. ...
  7. Arts & Humanities. ...
  8. Psychology.

Do most people go to law school right after undergrad?

In fact, only approximately one-third of law students nationwide go straight from college to law school. That means two-thirds, a decisive majority, take some amount of time between college and law school.

Do law schools only look at your last two years?

We consider all years of study. Strong cumulative averages (~3.7+) are preferred. If your cumulative average falls below a 3.7 we will give greater weight to your last 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) undergraduate study. How will my grades be converted to a GPA for law school applications?

How much do the top 1% lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers earn well into the high six figures to millions annually, with top "Big Law" associates hitting $400k+ quickly, and partners/specialists (like patent attorneys) exceeding $500k-$1M+, depending heavily on location, firm size (Big Law pays most), and specialization (corporate, IP, tax). Entry-level salaries at top firms can start around $215k+, while partners in successful firms can earn $500k to over $1M. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

How difficult is law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Does your undergrad matter for law school?

While the reputation of your undergraduate college can have some impact on law school admissions, it's far from being the most important factor that admissions committees will consider.

Is a pre-law major hard?

Even though a pre-law major can introduce you to the basic concepts that are taught in law school, the courses associated with it are not considered to be that difficult.

What is the best university to go to if you want to be a lawyer?

The best universities for lawyers consistently include Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Chicago, often leading top rankings, followed closely by schools like University of Pennsylvania, Duke, NYU, and UC Berkeley, offering strong employment prospects and prestigious legal education, though the "best" depends on your specific legal interests (e.g., business, criminal, IP).