How difficult is a first in law?

Asked by: Imani Howell  |  Last update: February 22, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (44 votes)

Getting a first-class degree in law is widely considered very difficult, often cited as one of the hardest subjects to achieve a top mark in, due to rigorous analysis, massive reading, and complex concepts, with far fewer law students earning a First (around 17%) compared to the overall university average (around 28%). Success hinges on discipline, exceptional time management, critical thinking, meticulous detail, and often, specific techniques to master essay writing, rather than just intelligence.

What is the hardest subject in a law degree?

The hardest law school subjects vary, but Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Property are consistently cited as top contenders, especially in the first year, due to abstract concepts, complex rules, and interconnected details. Advanced courses like Federal Courts, Tax Law, and Evidence are also known for their difficulty, involving dense statutory interpretation, complex codes, and intricate rules.
 

What is the hardest degree to get a first in?

What are the hardest degree subjects?

  • Aerospace Engineering. Aerospace Engineers study the design, manufacturing and testing of aircrafts. ...
  • Law. Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in4, so we all know it's hard going. ...
  • Chartered Accountancy. ...
  • Architecture. ...
  • Chemistry. ...
  • Medicine. ...
  • Pharmacy. ...
  • Psychology.

Is it hard to get a first class degree?

It can be very hard depending on the subject, your natural aptitude and study habits. Most universities use a weighted average, so the majority of the mark 50--70% comes from the final year, a small amount will come from second year, and possibly 0--15% comes from first year.

What percent of people fail law school?

How race and ethnicity play a role in law school attrition. The 2023 law school attrition rate was 3.8 percent, varying across demographics and institutions.

12 Things You NEED To Know Before Law School

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What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

What is the toughest year of law school?

Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new teaching methods (Socratic/Case Method), intense reading/writing, and high-pressure environment designed to build foundational skills, though 2L brings different stressors like career planning and internships. 1L is a "bootcamp" for thinking like a lawyer with unfamiliar concepts and high stakes for grades, making the transition from undergraduate studies particularly challenging. 

What are the top 3 hardest degrees?

CollegeVine's Top 10 Hardest Majors

  • Electrical Engineering. Average GPA: 3.3.
  • Physics. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
  • Architecture. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
  • Nursing. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Accounting. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Philosophy. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
  • Fine Arts. Average GPA: 3.2. Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.1. ...

Is a first class honour impressive?

Students who graduate with a first-class degree are recognised for their outstanding performance throughout their undergraduate degree course, often achieving grades above 70%.

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on individual strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Communications consistently rank among the easiest due to lower math requirements, focus on humanities/people skills, and higher average GPAs, though "easy" is subjective and depends on your interests, with some finding STEM subjects easier if they have aptitude for them.
 

Which degree leads to burnout?

Architecture. Architecture is known as one of the degrees that leads to the highest mental burnout due to its intense studio culture, long working hours, and demanding design expectations. Students often spend nights completing models, drawings, and critiques, which can lead to stress and exhaustion.

What is the no. 1 toughest degree in the world?

The top 10 hardest degrees in the world commonly include: (1) Medicine, (2) Engineering (various branches), (3) Chartered Accountancy, (4) Architecture, (5) Physics, (6) Aerospace Engineering, (7) Chemical Engineering, (8) Law, (9) Pharmacy, and (10) Mathematics.

Is getting a law degree hard?

One of the biggest challenges law school presents is the pressure to always have the correct answer. It's not as easy as it may seem, and this pressure can often lead to anxiety and stress. As a law student, you may prepare for hours and still not know the answer to a question.

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.
 

What's the easiest law degree to get?

The easiest law degree programs, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), are typically less demanding than traditional law degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD). MLS programs are designed for professionals who want a foundational understanding of law without the need to become licensed attorneys.

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

How rare is a first class degree?

Historically, first-class honours were uncommon, but since 2019 a first has been awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates of British universities. The increase is said by some commentators to be due to student-demanded grade inflation rather than students' academic ability.

Is a 2.1 better than a first?

First-Class Honours (70% and above): a first class degree, usually referred to as a 'first' or 1st, is the highest honours degree you can achieve. Upper Second-Class Honours (60-70%): there are two levels of second class degree. An upper second class, known as a 2:1 or two-one, is the higher of the two levels.

What are the top 3 graduates called?

The top graduates are typically called Valedictorian (highest rank) and Salutatorian (second highest), but universities also use Latin honors: Summa Cum Laude (highest praise/top tier), Magna Cum Laude (great praise/middle tier), and Cum Laude (with praise/third tier), all based on high GPAs or achievements.
 

What is the rarest major?

The rarest college majors are often highly specialized fields like Puppet Arts, Egyptology, Astrobiology, Bagpiping, or niche areas like Bakery Science & Management (only offered at Kansas State), focusing on unique skills or ancient studies with limited career paths but dedicated programs. While some uncommon majors (like Theology or Library Science) are rare due to low demand, others, such as certain Engineering or Arts degrees, are rare because they're exceptionally specific or offered at only one or two universities. 

What degree has the highest dropout rate?

While figures vary, STEM fields, particularly Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics, often show the highest dropout rates due to demanding coursework, with some sources citing Computer Science and even Teaching/Education degrees also experiencing high attrition, often linked to difficult prerequisites or misalignment with student expectations.
 

Which degree is no. 1 in the world?

1. Computer Science. Not only will you learn more about computers—hardware and software—but you'll also learn about the applications of such knowledge, such as how technology fits into a business scenario.

What kind of person excels in law school?

The personal qualities that law schools value include maturity or life experience, emotional intelligence, an ability to get along with different kinds of people and communication skills, she says.

Is law school no longer worth it?

A legal career can be highly lucrative, especially for graduates of top law schools, but the financial trade-offs are significant. Elite private schools come with higher tuition costs and can lead to more student debt, while public law schools typically offer lower tuition and debt levels.

What kind of lawyer makes the most money?

The highest-paid lawyers are often in specialized fields like Patent Law, requiring science/engineering backgrounds, and Corporate Law, especially those advising major firms, plus Securities & Antitrust Lawyers, Medical Malpractice, and Intellectual Property (IP) Law, where high stakes and complex regulations drive huge incomes, particularly in BigLaw or in-house roles with bonuses.