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First, some facts. Of the Legal Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 348 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Legal Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 40% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Legal Studies graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 71% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Berkeley College with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLegal Administrator Aleron Aug 2021 - Jul 2022 Business Process Analyst Aleron Jun 2022 - Mar 2023 Compliance Specialist II  Delaware North May 2023 - May 2024 Compliance Analyst II Delaware North May 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGJuris MastersLiberty University 2022 - 2022 ABOUTAs a Compliance Analyst at Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food service, I apply my Juris Masters in Compliance and my business law and SOC 2 skills to ensure that the company adheres to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance. My passion for compliance and problem solving stems from my previous experiences as a Business Process Analyst and a Legal Administrator at Aleron, a workforce solutions company. There, I leveraged my analytical, legal research and writing, and process mapping skills to identify, document, and improve the business processes and workflows, and to support the legal department in various projects and tasks. I also have a strong background in retail, auto, and health care industries, where I developed my sales, customer service, and leadership skills. I am always eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges, and I am currently pursuing multiple certifications on LinkedIn to enhance my professional development. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the job trajectories of those who graduated with a degree in Legal Studies, it becomes clear that there is a wide variety of career paths that these individuals have taken. The most common types of jobs held by these graduates seem to include roles within the legal field, such as paralegals, legal assistants, and various intern positions in law firms, courts, and legal departments. These roles directly relate to the skills and knowledge they acquired throughout their education, providing a clear and evident link to their studies. Many graduates, especially those with internship experience, have ended up in positions that utilize their legal expertise on a daily basis, such as employment in public defender’s offices, law firms, and governmental legal departments. These roles not only require the application of legal theory but also demand a practical understanding of legal processes, demonstrating a strong correlation between their education and their career paths.
However, many alumni have also pursued careers outside the conventional legal landscape, landing in various industries that do not directly require specific legal studies skills or knowledge. For instance, jobs in customer service, retail management, and administrative roles represent a significant portion of the employment data. While these positions might utilize general organizational and interpersonal skills that can somewhat connect to a legal studies background, they do not leverage the core competencies taught during their degree programs. This variety in employment outcomes may stem from essential factors such as personal choice, the local job market, or opportunities that arose during or after graduation. Ultimately, while a solid portion of graduates successfully entered directly relevant legal careers, a notable number found themselves in jobs that are only partially connected to, or entirely separate from, the legal field. This highlights an important consideration: a degree in Legal Studies offers valuable skills and knowledge but does not guarantee a strictly legal career path.
In summary, the majority of Legal Studies graduates found jobs in environments where they could apply their knowledge effectively, particularly within the legal sector. However, a significant number also diversified into various industries, showcasing the versatility of their education. As a result, while there is a prominent pathway for those wanting to enter the legal field, the skills gained from a Legal Studies degree can be applied in numerous alternative roles, albeit with varied levels of relevance. This analysis underlines the importance of aligning one’s career trajectory with personal interests, market trends, and the applicability of their educational background.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Legal Studies graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Legal Studies shows a mixed bag of success across various paths. Starting with the first job after graduation, many individuals tend to land roles that are closely aligned with their field of study. For instance, a significant number of graduates secure positions as legal assistants or paralegals shortly after completing their degrees. This is particularly evident among those who interned during their studies or took roles that offered relevant experience in law firms, judicial offices, or legal departments. However, not everyone follows this trend. Some graduates appear to diverge into unrelated fields, taking positions in roles such as retail or administration, particularly in the initial years post-graduation.
Fast forward five or ten years after graduation, and the landscape looks quite diverse. Some individuals continue to progress within the legal field, moving from paralegal roles to becoming attorneys, judges, or even legal consultants. For instance, several graduates who started as paralegals have gone on to become lawyers and hold reputable positions in law firms or government legal departments. However, there are also graduates who find themselves still working in support roles, administrative positions, or even entirely unrelated sectors. This suggests that while a degree in Legal Studies provides a foundational background for many career paths in law, it does not guarantee a direct or successful transition into higher legal roles for all. Overall, the success of these graduates in building a fulfilling career greatly depends on additional factors such as networking, internships, and their willingness to seek out relevant opportunities.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It's not necessarily the hardest degree out there, but it definitely has its challenges, especially if you're not a fan of reading or writing a lot. You'll tackle some complex legal concepts and need to interpret cases and statutes, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it. If you have a knack for critical thinking and enjoy discussions, you might find it pretty engaging and manageable. But if you’re expecting it to be all about courtroom drama, you might be in for a surprise. Overall, it's about average in terms of difficulty, with some parts being easier and others that can really stretch your skills.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies.
Looking at the career trajectories of these recent legal studies graduates, it seems like some are doing pretty well, while others might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. For instance, graduates from prestigious schools like UC Berkeley and graduates who landed roles as attorneys are likely making a decent salary. Those who have moved from internships or entry-level positions, like paralegals or legal assistants, into more senior roles are probably seeing their pay increase as they gain experience. On the other hand, many entry-level positions or roles in non-legal fields might not be as lucrative, suggesting that some grads are still working their way up to more substantial salaries.
Overall, if you're looking at these paths for financial success, it's clear that the law can be a profitable field, especially as individuals gain experience and advance into attorney roles or specialized legal positions. However, many others are still in the earlier stages of their careers, and it might take some time before they start seeing significant financial benefits. So, while there are definitely opportunities for decent salaries, it also looks like patience and perseverance are key factors in the journey to financial stability in this field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Legal Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Central Florida
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70 | 34 |
 University of California, Berkeley
|
67 | 15 |
 Grand Valley State University
|
67 | 10 |
 Florida Gulf Coast University
|
67 | 10 |
 St. John's University
|
63 | 16 |
 Kaplan University
|
50 | 11 |
 University of California, Santa Cruz
|
49 | 10 |