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The Global Insight

Is it worth pursuing a law degree?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on April 03, 2026

According to a Gallup poll of over 4,000 adults who obtained a law degree between 2000 and 2015, only 23% said obtaining a law degree was worth the cost. 1 With the average law school debt coming in around $145,500, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Why are you pursuing a law degree?

Law students and lawyers are in a unique position to help people, groups, organizations, and companies with their legal issues as well as find solutions to many complex problems. Upholding the rule of law is a privilege, and as a lawyer you will be a champion for this vital public good.

What should I know before studying law?

I hope that these ten things will be useful to those considering a law degree and that current law students can relate to them.

  • Career prospects.
  • There’s so much reading.
  • Work hard, work smart, be organised.
  • Everyone will try to pawn free legal advice from you.
  • Life revolves around your next tutorial or seminar.

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?

Many lawyers join the legal profession because they want the chance to help make the world a better place. Lawyers have a chance to further the public good and have an impact on the way the world runs. Many people in the legal profession perform pro-bono work during their career.

What should I have known before becoming a law student?

Here’s what I’ve learnt A s a sixth form student choosing to do a law degree, I wish I’d have been better informed about what it’s really like to be a law student. I was young, naive and full of false expectations. I hope that these ten things will be useful to those considering a law degree and that current law students can relate to them. 1.

Is it better to go to law school or university?

Don’t make the decision over the choice of degree lightly. A law degree is a very expensive investment. In fact, some may be better off choosing a degree they enjoy at university in which they can gain better honours and then decide whether to commit to law and do the GDL. 9. The jump from A-Levels to law school

Is it better to go to law school or the GDL?

Don’t make the decision over the choice of degree lightly. A law degree is a very expensive investment. In fact, some may be better off choosing a degree they enjoy at university in which they can gain better honours and then decide whether to commit to law and do the GDL.

Can a law degree guarantee you a job?

Law firms and chambers have been reducing the number of training contracts and pupillages, with some firms cancelling their next trainee intake. Furthermore, a law degree does not guarantee riches. There is a stark contrast between the high earnings people think lawyers are paid and what they are actually paid.