The primary benefit of getting an undergraduate law degree is that it serves as preparation toward advancing to law school and obtaining a Master of Laws degree. In addition, the learning process involved in earning an undergraduate law degree equips the prospective law school student with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to face the rigorous challenges of legal studies. Furthermore, pre-law advisors typically assist interested students in choosing the best undergraduate studies to help them achieve their goals of going onto law school. Ultimately, a college degree improves an individual’s career and earning potential, which is a definite benefit to consider.
Students who invest in pre-law undergraduate studies, regardless of the actual major concentration of their degree program, gain valuable skills that prepare them for law school. Among these skills are analytical and critical thinking; reading and research; communication of both oral and written varieties, paired with speaking and listening; task organization; and time management. Undergraduate students often also have the opportunity to engage in public service and situations in which they can promote fairness and justice. All of these are crucial skills for the aspiring law student to acquire while he or she is still an undergraduate law degree student.
An undergraduate law degree does not necessarily have to include legal studies to be beneficial. Even general studies can prepare a prospective law student to do well in law school. For instance, a thorough knowledge of history, social events and political thought provides crucial background preparation for legal studies. Likewise, a comprehension of human psychology, human behavior, social interaction and cultural diversity prepares the prospective lawyer for dealings with a wide sector of the population. Finally, basic math and financial skills, including the ability to conduct financial analysis, serve beneficial roles in preparing an undergraduate law degree student for an advanced law degree program.
Students in pre-law undergraduate studies who indicate an interest in advancing to law school often benefit from the assistance of a pre-law advisor. This professional can guide course selection to ensure that the prospective law student accumulates a wide range of knowledge and skills that will be most beneficial in law school. A pre-law advisor can also help students research and apply to law schools in which they are interested.
Other benefits for students who earn undergraduate law degrees is increased eligibility for new careers or career advancement, accompanied by higher wages. Numerous studies demonstrate that individuals who have earned college degrees increase their earning power. With each successive higher degree, potential earning power likewise increases. Although income varies depending on the actual field, the fact is that higher education in any area, including an undergraduate law degree, creates better career and higher income opportunities.