Pursuing an undergraduate degree in criminal justice is the most obvious one for someone who wants to be a criminal lawyer. The degree prepares students by teaching them both theory and practice to give them a solid understanding of the criminal justice system. It teaches students not only about the nature of crime and criminal behavior, but also about the entities involved in preventing and investigating crime, including law enforcement, courts, corrections and security.
An undergraduate degree in political science affords students the opportunity to pursue a law degree because they learn, in part, about American politics as well as international governments and how they work. Having an understanding of the political climate both in the United States and in other countries is excellent preparation for a career as a criminal lawyer. Furthermore, the analytical skills students acquire prove to be extremely valuable later on.
An undergraduate degree in English might not seem like a major that allows students to make a smooth transition to law school so they can become criminal lawyers. However, a degree in English is ideal for students to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills -- and these skills that are very valuable to a lawyer.
Like an undergraduate degree in English, a degree in history is not one that immediately comes to mind for students preparing to apply to law school. However, a degree in history affords students not only with knowledge of the world around them, but also prepares them to develop excellent research skills and absorb large amounts of information, including dates, names and events.