What percentage of students get a first in law?

Asked by: Eva Bruen DVM  |  Last update: May 24, 2026
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Around 13-23% of UK law students typically achieve a first-class degree, making it one of the tougher subjects for top honors, though this varies slightly by year and institution, with recent figures placing it around 22.6% nationally, higher at top universities like UCL. Law graduates are more likely to get a strong 2:1 (upper second) than a first, with about 58% earning a 2:1, resulting in roughly 72% getting a first or 2:1.

What percent of law students get an A?

Class rank and GPA not reported

Columbia Law School – 25-30% of 1L class grades are A−'s or higher; 55-65% B+ or higher; 35-45% B or below.

What percentage of students get a 1st?

First-class honours, referred to as a "first", is the highest honours classification and indicates high academic achievement. Historically, first-class honours were uncommon, but since 2019 a first has been awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates of British universities.

How rare is a first class honour?

The main keyword first class degree UK percentage shows that around 32% of students attain first-class honours today, compared to just 7% in 1997. This increase highlights changes in academic standards and grading policies in the UK.

What percentage of law school students become lawyers?

The latest ultimate bar pass data also reveals that 97 percent of all law school graduates sat for a bar exam within two years of graduation and that some 200 ABA-accredited law schools were able to track 98.5 percent of all graduates.

HOW TO GET A FIRST-CLASS DEGREE IN LAW

17 related questions found

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. 

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.
 

Is a first class honour impressive?

First-degree graduates who achieved First Class Honours were more likely than others to be in full-time UK employment 15 months after graduation. In fact, they consistently achieved better outcomes across all measures.

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.

Is a 2.1 degree a first?

Degree classifications

First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2.

Is 69.5 a first?

your final overall mark is less than or equal to 0.5% below the higher classification (for example, a final overall mark between 69.5% – 69.9% would become a First).

What is the most common degree grade?

University grading: degree classifications explained

  • First-Class Honours (1st) (70% and above): Exceptional academic performance.
  • Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%): Strong performance, most common degree class.
  • Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%): Satisfactory performance, widely accepted by employers.

How difficult is it to get a first class degree?

A first-class honours degree – often simply called a “first” – is the highest classification in UK undergraduate degrees. It usually means scoring an overall weighted average of 70% or higher in your coursework and exams.

What do the top 1% of lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers in the U.S. earn significantly more, often reaching into the high six figures and even millions annually, with top earners in "Big Law" (large firms) making starting salaries well over $200k, and senior partners potentially earning millions, especially in high-demand areas like corporate, IP, or patent law in major cities like New York, D.C., or California, far surpassing the median lawyer salary of around $135k-$140k.
 

Did Michelle Obama pass the bar?

Yes, Michelle Obama failed the Illinois bar exam on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School, but she retook it, passed, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989, going on to have a successful legal career. She is one of several prominent figures, including Hillary Clinton and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who initially failed the bar exam before achieving great success.
 

Is law school harder than med school?

Most sources suggest medical school is generally harder than law school due to its intense memorization, broader foundational science, longer overall training (including residency), and higher-stakes clinical environment, though law school's unique focus on critical reading, analysis, and competitive grading can make it feel equally or even more challenging depending on individual strengths. Med school involves massive factual recall (anatomy, drugs, diseases) and practical skills, while law school emphasizes complex case analysis and argumentation, often with fewer, high-stakes exams. 

Is getting a first worth it?

This means that having a first would potentially place you in the top 20% of students in your year, making you a great catch for employers. For this reason alone, it's well worth putting in the time to get a first.

Is 67% a high 2:1?

A 'First' is the highest grade achievable for a UK undergraduate degree. This typically represents a score of 70% or more. An 'Upper second' (2:1) is the next highest band, typically representing a score of 60%-69%. A 'strong upper second' would typically be taken to mean 65% or more.

How hard is a 2.1 degree?

A 2.1 degree is an upper second-class honours degree, usually awarded to students who finish their studies with an average of 60–69%. This sits just below a first-class honours and above a 2.2 degree (lower second-class honours). The UK degree classification system uses these four main bands: First-class honours (70%+)

What are the top 3 hardest degrees?

The most difficult majors require extensive study time, more STEM courses, and a solid foundation in math. Chemistry, engineering, and physics are generally considered some of the hardest college majors available to undergraduates.

What are the top 3 graduates called?

The top three graduates are typically called the Valedictorian (highest GPA/rank), Salutatorian (second highest), and a Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honor student, representing highest distinction ("Summa"), great distinction ("Magna"), or praise ("Cum Laude") based on GPA and sometimes other achievements, though specific titles and criteria vary by institution. 

How does a first-class degree affect salary?

We estimate that receiving a First Class degree instead of an Upper Second increases the probability of working in a high-wage industry by fourteen percentage points, leads to three percent higher wages, and yields two percent higher annual salaries.

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. 

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. 

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.