What IQ do you need to be a lawyer?

Aug 19, 2022

Written By Yi Kang Choo

It has always been believed that a lawyer has to be extraordinarily smart, and so you need a very high IQ. But this might no longer be entirely true, especially when recent studies have highlighted that most lawyers have an average IQ. So what IQ do you actually need?

What is IQ?

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a number that is used to measure an individual's intelligence based on areas such as: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, memory and processing speed. Someone’s score has commonly been used to define how 'smart' or 'intelligent' they are.

Studies have shown that approximately half of the population possesses an IQ between 90 and 110, whereas geniuses like Albert Einstein have an estimated IQ score between 205-225. Anyone who scored above 100 is considered above average, while a score below 100 is considered below average.

The Average IQ of a Lawyer

So what is the current average IQ of a lawyer, and is there a specific IQ benchmark that aspiring lawyers should aspire to? Unsurprisingly, the answer is that 'it differs' and lawyers' IQ range across various figures.

A recent report shows that some lawyers have IQ’s of approximately 114 (in the 50th percentile), some 109 (in the 25th percentile), and some 124 (in the 75th percentile). Interestingly, there are also a fair number of lawyers who have IQs below 100 - which really shows that IQ is just one marker to determine someone's capabilities in their work.

However, research shows lawyers' IQ are still commonly ranked above most occupations - with an average of 130 - similar to doctors, surgeons, and engineers. Even though the accuracy of these findings remains in dispute (considering the different methodologies applied), this shows that being a lawyer is a career that demands a high level of academic intelligence.

A Gradual Shift towards Average Intelligence

Recent research suggests that lawyers' IQ have moved closer to average intelligence over the past few decades. An premature understanding of this research will often lead to a misconception that lawyers are getting more stupid by the day, and that the intellectual state of the legal profession is declining fast.

More importantly, this is a great opportunity to re-evaluate the relevance of IQ scores in measuring an individual's capability and talent as a lawyer. Carl Lygo, the founding Vice Chancellor of BPP University put it perfectly – "opportunities are widening, and there are all kinds of people out there who need all kinds of different lawyers."

This shows that the legal profession no longer only employs individuals with exemplary academic backgrounds, nor judges aspiring lawyers based on the universities they go to or the IQ Scores they have, but based on a wide variety of factors/characteristics that make someone an effective and high-performing lawyer.

Much More than being Incredibly Smart

To become a successful lawyer, there are so many more characteristics and skills that one should possess that aren't IQ related. For example, an individual who possesses great communication and writing skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a team, would be highly treasured, by both their team members and their clients.

You should not only be smart, but be passionate about arguing your case in court, as well as be capable of communicating key points efficiently, especially when dealing with multiple parties throughout a complex deal/case.

Besides, an individual who is able to think and analyse cases critically, and produce logical arguments would therefore ensure that any statements or decisions made would assist the clients they represent. A successful lawyer will need to think out of the box, and produce innovative solutions to resolve any potential problems/challenges that their clients are facing.

In the rapidly evolving world that we are all living in, it is nearly impossible for any good lawyers to not be able to react flexibly/promptly to changes before delivering meaningful legal advice and services, especially if you are aiming to remain competitive within the legal market.

Aim to be the Best, not just the Smartest

When it is increasingly common for lawyers to have differing IQ scores, ranging from the average 108 to a high 130 score, it shows that you do not actually need to 'attain' a certain level of IQ score to become a lawyer.

Being the smartest in your class or having the highest IQ might easily make you a genius. But, if you lack the necessary communication, research, teamwork and people skills to succeed within the legal profession, you’ll still be far from being the 'best lawyer' in town.

Becoming a Lawyer