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First, some facts. Of the Pre-Law 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 96 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, Pre-Law Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) 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 Pre-Law Studies graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 82% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from University of Washington Bothell with a Bachelors Degree in Pre-Law Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSecurity Officer University of Washington Bothell Sep 2016 - Jun 2019 Police Officer  Edmonds Police Dept Jul 2019 - Present ABOUTExperienced Law Enforcement professional with a demonstrated history of working in dynamic high stress scenarios. Skilled in tactical response, research, investigations, writing & communication, time management, and de-escalation. Able to to work well both independently and as a team, and able to rapidly adjust depending on situational dependence. Strong safety services professional with a Bachelors Degree focused in legal studies from the University of Washington. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the various job paths pursued by individuals who graduated with a degree in Pre-Law Studies, a clear trend emerges regarding the relevance of their positions to their educational background. Many graduates engage in legal professions, while others find themselves in roles that are only tangentially related to the law or completely unrelated. A notable portion of these individuals have taken on positions as law clerks or paralegals, which directly apply the legal knowledge obtained during their studies and indicate a strong alignment between their degrees and their career paths.
However, it’s also evident that numerous graduates have ventured into fields such as sales, customer service, finance, and various non-legal administrative roles. For instance, positions like Office Manager, Sales Specialist, and other management or customer-focused jobs do not require substantial legal expertise. While these positions may benefit from skills such as critical thinking and communication—skills often developed in a Pre-Law curriculum—they lack the direct relevance that roles like attorney, paralegal, or legal intern would typically have. In summary, while many Pre-Law graduates succeed in finding jobs that utilize their academic qualifications, a significant number end up in positions that do not leverage their legal education. This divide raises important questions about the applicability and versatility of a Pre-Law Studies degree in today's job market, as well as the need for graduates to seek internships and experiences that align more closely with their career aspirations in the legal field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Pre-Law Studies graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a Pre-Law Studies degree, we see a mixed bag of outcomes. Many of these graduates initially find themselves moving towards legal roles right out of school, often stepping into positions like law clerk or paralegal, which is a promising start for those aiming to pursue law as a career. For example, a graduate from California State University, Northridge became a partner at a law firm just a few years after graduation, showing that it’s possible to climb the legal ladder pretty quickly if you stay engaged in the field. However, others have somewhat meandered through different jobs before settling into a relevant career, suggesting that the path can be less straightforward. This variance might reflect individual circumstances, such as job availability, personal interests, or economic factors.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the landscape looks even more diverse. While some find themselves in fulfilling legal careers, working as attorneys or within legal support roles, others have drifted into completely unrelated fields. For instance, many graduates end up in administrative roles or customer service, indicating that a Pre-Law degree doesn’t always guarantee a direct legal pathway. In fact, some profiles indicate frustration with the job market; graduates holding prestigious degrees sometimes find themselves in entry-level positions that have little to do with law, suggesting a potential mismatch between their education and job market demands. This reality can be disheartening for those who expect their degree to lead them directly into the legal field.
Overall, while there are notable success stories among Pre-Law Studies graduates, it's essential to acknowledge that this pathway can be unpredictable. Many start in legal roles, but as time passes, a significant number seem to shift into various sectors, sometimes leaving behind their original career aspirations. Thus, if you're considering a Pre-Law degree, it's good to be flexible and open to diverse career opportunities that may arise, while remaining hopeful that the right legal path will eventually materialize for those who seek it.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law Studies can be kind of a mix. It’s not the hardest degree out there, but it definitely requires some serious reading, writing, and critical thinking skills—all skills you’ll need later if you go into law. You’ll tackle a lot of different subjects like ethics, political science, and philosophy, which can be interesting but also challenging if you’re not used to that kind of coursework. So, while it might not be the most rigorous degree compared to things like engineering or the sciences, you’ll still have to put in the effort, especially if you want to stand out when applying for law school later on.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Pre-Law Studies.
Looking at these graduates, it's clear that some have landed jobs that may bring them decent income, especially those in higher-level law positions. For instance, the California State University, Northridge alum who worked their way up from law clerk to partner likely makes a substantial salary, as partners in law firms often earn much more than entry-level positions. On the other hand, graduates like the one from John Jay or those still interning or working in administrative roles might be earning more modest salaries. Overall, it seems like career progression varies widely, with some clearly on a solid path toward higher earnings while others may be stuck in lower-paying roles for now.
Newer grads are still finding their footing, as seen with those in internships or entry-level positions, which typically don’t pay well initially. For example, the Ball State University grad interning at the state Senate doesn't seem to be raking in the big bucks yet. In contrast, those who graduated a few years back and have significant experience are likely seeing their hard work pay off in better salaries. It really highlights how important it is to actively pursue advancement and opportunities after college to improve earning potential in the long run!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Pre-Law Studies. This may or may not be useful:
