Honours Degree (Prädikatsexamen) and Career Opportunities in Law
Definition and Significance of the Prädikatsexamen
The Prädikatsexamen refers in Germany to an outstanding grade in the state law examinations. Traditionally, legal education is divided into the First State Law Examination (Assessor’s Examination or “state compulsory subject examination” and university specialization examination) and the Second State Law Examination, which is taken at the end of the legal clerkship. The designation “Prädikat” is awarded for examination performances graded at least “vollbefriedigend” (fully satisfactory). In most federal states, this corresponds to a score from 9.00 to 11.49 points (maximum 18). The grading scale is: “sufficient,” “satisfactory,” “fully satisfactory,” “good,” and “very good.”
The requirements for awarding the Prädikat can vary slightly between states and examination regulations, but the basic categorization remains comparable nationwide. The Prädikatsexamen is considered proof of particularly high legal skills, analytical competence, and problem-solving ability.
Legal Framework of the Prädikatsexamen
Examination Regulations and Grading Scale
The relevant legal basis for the Prädikatsexamen can be found in the respective state laws on legal education as well as in the regulations of the state judicial examination offices. The grading scale is standardized nationwide and ranges from “insufficient” (0 to 3.99 points) to “very good” (16 to 18 points). The thresholds for an honours degree (generally from 9.00 points for “fully satisfactory”) are also defined in the examination regulations. Both the First and Second State Examinations can be completed with honours.
Differences between the Federal States
Depending on the federal state, formal requirements and grading criteria may vary slightly. In all states, obtaining a Prädikatsexamen requires significant time and expertise. Failure rates are consistently high, and only a comparatively small percentage of exam candidates reach the honours threshold.
Career Opportunities With and Without a Prädikatsexamen
Significance for Career Paths
The Prädikatsexamen is of considerable importance for many career paths in the legal sector and opens access to positions that are often reserved for candidates with outstanding exam results. The career paths where an honours degree is frequently considered a prerequisite include in particular:
- Admission to higher judicial service, especially as judge or public prosecutor,
- Employment in federal or state ministries,
- Employment at large international or business-focused law firms,
- Work in renowned corporate legal departments,
- Employment opportunities at international organizations or institutions with a legal focus.
Selection Procedures and Hiring Criteria
Appointments to positions in the public sector, for example in judicial or prosecutorial service, are regularly based on the principle of selection of the best according to Article 33(2) of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz, GG). In practice, this often means that applicants with at least one Prädikatsexamen are shortlisted. For selection in the judiciary, the Second State Exam is given particular weight.
In the field of internationally active law firms, holding a Prädikatsexamen is also often decisive for being invited to an interview or receiving an offer. Companies value above-average exam results as an indicator of professional excellence and performance.
Alternative Career Paths Without an Honours Degree
Lacking a Prädikatsexamen does not generally exclude access to many legal professions. For numerous roles—such as in medium-sized law firms, associations, insurance companies, banks, consulting firms, in the public sector outside the higher service, or in academia—candidates with lower exam grades are also hired. In these cases, practical experience, individual qualifications, additional skills (e.g., in tax law or compliance), language skills, and personal competencies come more into focus during the selection process.
Statistical Distribution and Impact of the Prädikatsexamen
Distribution of Exam Grades
Empirical studies of annual examination cohorts show that only 15 to 20 percent of graduates of both state law examinations achieve a Prädikatsexamen. This low proportion leads in practice to a comparatively strong differentiation between graduates with and without honours when presenting themselves on the job market.
Impact on Salary and Career Development
The Prädikatsexamen is not just a door opener to sought-after positions, but it also affects starting salaries in the legal field. In internationally oriented law firms and large companies, candidates with honours may receive bonus payments or considerably higher salaries. Likewise, the honours degree offers better chances of advancement to leadership positions, as many promotion levels are tied to special performance records.
Current Developments and Legal Policy Discussions
Reform Efforts in Legal Education
In recent years, the challenges of exam assessment and the importance of the Prädikat have been widely discussed. Criticisms include the strong emphasis on written examinations and the high psychological pressure on students. Reform proposals range from changes in grading systems and additional, substantive qualification certificates to greater recognition for academic and practical achievements completed during studies.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
The focus on the Prädikatsexamen in hiring processes is often at odds with the goal of fostering a more diverse workforce and promoting equal opportunities. There is ongoing debate as to whether exam grades alone are a sufficient indicator for professional success, or whether other criteria should be more heavily considered.
Summary
The Prädikatsexamen represents a central benchmark for assessing and selecting graduates within the German legal profession. Above-average grades in both state examinations open access to many desirable professional fields, particularly in higher public service, at international organizations, and in large law firms and companies. However, without a Prädikatsexamen, there remain numerous career opportunities both in the private and public sectors. The legal framework and hiring practices are continuously evolving and subject to ongoing reform discussions, so the Prädikatsexamen will continue to play a significant—though not exclusive—role in legal career planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is the Prädikatsexamen for entry into large, international law firms?
The Prädikatsexamen is regarded as one of the most important requirements for entry into major international law firms (“Großkanzleien”). These firms often make holding an honours degree a mandatory qualification—at least for the first, and often also for the second, state examination. The reason for this is the high volume of client mandates, the complexity of cases, and the expectation of professional excellence. Employers expect the Prädikatsexamen to indicate exceptional legal aptitude, resilience, and particularly meticulous work habits. Applicants without an honours degree must usually demonstrate extensive practical experience, additional qualifications, or specializations in order to be considered. The Prädikat thus serves as an important selection criterion in the recruitment process.
What impact does the Prädikatsexamen have on opportunities for doctoral studies or further academic qualifications?
For an academic career, including doctoral studies and habilitation, the Prädikatsexamen is also often an essential entry requirement. Many university chairs expect PhD or research assistant applicants to have an honours degree, as handling academic questions and supervising students requires solid legal expertise. The Prädikat is regarded as proof of exceptional ability and commitment during studies; particularly for applying for doctoral scholarships, foundations and organizations regularly list above-average exam results as allocation criteria.
To what extent does an honours degree affect promotion prospects in the public sector, especially for judicial or prosecutorial offices?
In the public sector, especially when applying for higher judicial office or prosecutorial service, the Prädikatsexamen is of significant importance. The state examination office evaluates both state exams together. Entry to judicial preparatory service or a position as prosecutor is, in many federal states, explicitly tied to holding an honours degree in one or both exams. Without a Prädikatsexamen, there are generally only limited chances of being considered in the selection process, unless there are exceptional circumstances or additional qualifications.
Does the Prädikatsexamen influence the starting salary of aspiring lawyers?
The Prädikatsexamen has a direct impact on starting salaries, especially in the private sector at business law firms and companies. Large law firms offer graduates with one or two honours degrees significantly higher salaries as well as additional bonuses, as they expect above-average performance and commitment from these applicants. In some fields, such as M&A or tax law, there are “honours allowances.” In the public sector, civil servants with a Prädikatsexamen can in some cases benefit from faster promotion, which has a positive medium- and long-term effect on salary.
What alternatives exist if the Prädikatsexamen was not achieved?
If the Prädikatsexamen is lacking, there are still diverse career prospects. Advocacy groups, medium-sized law firms, businesses (especially legal departments) or insurance companies usually place less emphasis on honours. Here, practical experience, communication skills, and specific subject knowledge (e.g., in employment law, data protection, or compliance) are often key. Further education, additional qualifications like a specialist lawyer title, study abroad (LL.M.), or work experience abroad can compensate for the absence of honours and open up new career paths.
Is the Prädikatsexamen important for an international legal career as well?
For an international career, the Prädikatsexamen remains a major selection criterion, especially at international business law firms, international organizations (EU, UN, NGOs), or scholarship programs. It serves as proof of quality and signals the high level of achievement that is valued internationally as well. For applications abroad (e.g., for an LL.M. or a position in the USA or UK), the honours degree can be a major advantage, as universities and employers there are familiar with the relevance of German law exam grades and respect them accordingly.
Is an honours degree a requirement for management positions in the public sector?
For senior or leadership positions in the public sector, such as in ministries, regulatory authorities, or municipal management roles, the Prädikatsexamen is often a significant selection factor, even if not always a formal hiring requirement. It especially influences the further career path and speed of advancement. Applicants with honours degrees are given preference in promotions and appointments to management roles due to their demonstrated professional quality and personal profile.