Those who pursue a graduate degree first often do so for several reasons:
* To gain specialized knowledge: A graduate degree in a field like public policy, business, or a specific science can be highly beneficial for a law career in that field.
* To strengthen their law school application: A strong GPA and relevant experience from graduate studies can improve their chances of admission to a top law school.
* To explore career options: Some individuals use graduate school as a way to explore different career paths before committing to the significant investment of law school.
* To take a break: Some might choose to work and gain life experience before applying to law school.
In short, while many go directly from undergraduate studies to law school, a substantial portion of law students have already completed a graduate degree. It's a viable and often advantageous path for many.