What is the best undergraduate degree for law school?

What should be my major if I want to be a lawyer?

You don't need a specific major to become a lawyer; any bachelor's degree works, but political science, history, English, philosophy, or economics are common choices because they build critical thinking, reading, and writing skills crucial for law school and legal practice. The American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes developing strong research, writing, and logic skills through challenging courses, regardless of your chosen field, as the primary preparation for law school. 

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

What disqualifies you from law school?

Disqualification from law school often stems from academic failure (low GPA/grades) or character & fitness issues like significant criminal records, academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism), financial irresponsibility, or, most commonly, failing to be truthful on your application or during the character and fitness review process, as honesty and candor are paramount. While issues like past arrests or financial struggles aren't automatic disqualifiers, they require full disclosure and evidence of rehabilitation to avoid denial or later disbarment. 

What are the best pre-law majors?

Here are some of the best pre-law majors that you should keep your eye on.

• English. English is more than grammar and reading a lot of classics. ...
• History. ...
• Political Science. ...
• Criminal Justice. ...
• Economics. ...
• The Social Sciences. ...
• Liberal Arts. ...
• Consider a Liberal Arts Degree from Dean College.

Can I go to law school with any undergraduate degree?

Do you need to study pre-law to go to law school? While some universities may offer pre-law majors and programs, there is no specific undergraduate degree required for law school. Students have been admitted to law school from nearly every academic discipline, according to the ABA.

What was Barack 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. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

That said, the question about what the “Kim Kardashian LSAT score” was, or if she even took the LSAT ends in a resounding no. This unconventional choice has sparked conversations about making legal education more accessible and exploring diverse paths in the legal profession.

How rare is a 172 on the LSAT?

A 172 LSAT score is extremely rare and impressive, placing you in roughly the top 2-3% of test-takers, meaning you outperform about 97-98% of others, making it a very strong score for even the most competitive T14 law schools. While scores in the 170s are common on Reddit, they represent a tiny fraction of all test-takers, with less than 2% scoring 173 or higher, so a 172 is well within the elite range for top law school admissions.
 

Which field of law is most in demand?

3. Specialized Legal Careers (High-Demand Fields)

• Cyber Law Expert.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Lawyer.
• Taxation Lawyer.
• Environmental Lawyer.
• International Business Law Expert.
• Arbitration & Mediation Specialist.

Is a pre-law degree worth it?

The American Bar Association “does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses to prepare for legal education.” And although the ABA falls short of saying that a pre-law bachelor's degree shouldn't be pursued, they also stress that the legal field values the diversity of viewpoints and opinions that ...

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 Socratic/case-based teaching methods, intense reading/writing demands, and high pressure to learn fundamental legal thinking, but some find 2L (second year) harder because of heavier course loads with more specialized, complex papers and less structure. 1L forces you to learn a new "language," while 2L often involves managing more complex, self-directed research and writing projects alongside doctrinal courses, creating a different kind of challenge. 

What should I get my bachelor's in if I want to go to law school?

You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, ...

What is the best college to go to if you want to become a lawyer?

15 top law schools

1. Yale University. ...
2. Stanford University. ...
3. Harvard University. ...
4. Columbia University. ...
5. University of Chicago. ...
6. New York University. ...
7. University of Pennsylvania. ...
8. University of Virginia.

Does a double major look good for law school?

Law schools don't have an official preference for a double major. The main advantage of a double major is the expanded knowledge and skills that come from this degree program. Law school admissions will generally consider the added commitment and hard work that comes with a double major.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

The lawyers who make the most money are typically in specialized fields like Patent Law, Corporate Law, and Intellectual Property (IP) Law, often working in large firms or for major corporations, with high potential earnings also in Medical Malpractice, Securities, and Antitrust law, especially where high stakes and complex financial interests justify large fees, with some top earners in private practice making millions.
 

What LSAT score will get you a full ride?

To get a full law school scholarship, aim for an LSAT score significantly above the school's median, generally in the mid-160s to 170+ range, especially for higher-ranked schools, as schools use high scores to award significant aid, but remember your GPA and other factors (leadership, experience) matter, with top schools often requiring scores above 170. 

What percent of people quit law school?

Law school dropout rates vary significantly, but recent data for ABA-approved schools shows low overall attrition (around 1.66%), with higher rates (over 6% for 1L) at less selective or unaccredited schools, especially for students of color, driven by academic pressure, mental health, and finances, with first-year attrition being most common. More selective schools with higher GPA entry requirements tend to retain students better.
 

What is the lowest paid lawyer?

There's no single minimum salary for lawyers, as pay varies wildly by location, firm size, and specialization, but entry-level salaries range from around $50k-$70k in public interest/small firms to over $200k at big corporate firms, with overall averages often near $100k-$120k. The lowest earnings are typically in public service, while high-paying areas include corporate law, IP, and big cities like NYC or D.C. 

Why do lawyers take 33%?

Lawyers often take around 33% (a third) in contingency fees, especially in personal injury cases, because it's a risk-sharing model where they only get paid if they win, covering upfront costs like experts and investigations, and the fee reflects the significant time, resources, and risk involved, with percentages sometimes increasing to 40% if the case goes to trial. This allows clients without upfront funds to access legal representation, as they pay nothing if they lose. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.