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As of 2024, the average annual salary for lawyers in the U.S. is approximately $163,770, with many corporate lawyers earning over $200,000.
In this article, you'll find out which lawyers earn the most. You'll also learn smart ways to boost your legal career.
We'll break down the top-paying areas in law. We'll also show you how to succeed financially in them. This applies whether you're considering corporate, IP, or medical malpractice law.
Which Type of Law Has the Highest Paid Lawyers?
Attorneys who practice in specialized procedural law can earn more than those in other areas of law.
However, a specific area of law does not guarantee that an attorney will earn more than lawyers working in areas that are in high demand. Below are descriptions of some areas of the highest-paid law and how much an attorney might earn if they choose to practice in that area of law.
1. Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers handle business legal matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with regulations. Their expertise is crucial in navigating complex corporate structures.
- Average Salary: Corporate lawyers earn an average of $174,000. Top graduates from prestigious law schools, like Columbia, start at about $215,000.
- How to Become a Corporate Lawyer: Get a JD from an accredited law school. Complete internships in corporate law. Then, pass your state's bar exam.
- Pros: High earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and work in dynamic corporate environments.
- Cons: Long hours, high-pressure work environments, and potential for burnout.
2. Criminal Law
Criminal lawyers represent clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. They play a vital role in the justice system by defending the rights of individuals.
- Average Salary:
- Public Prosecutor: $57,000 (entry-level) to $131,000 (20+ years).
- Public Defender: $52,000 (entry-level) to $94,000 (20+ years).
- Private Criminal Defense Attorney: $80,000 (entry-level) to $112,000 (10+ years).
- How to Become a Criminal Lawyer: Earn a JD degree, gain experience through internships or clerkships in criminal law, and pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Opportunity to significantly impact clients' lives and varied daily tasks.
- Cons: Emotional toll from dealing with severe cases and potentially lower salaries in public service roles.
3. Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy lawyers help individuals and businesses file for bankruptcy. They navigate financial distress. They help clients understand their options and rights under bankruptcy laws.
- Average Salary: Bankruptcy lawyers earn between $68,292 (median) and up to $377,698 for top earners.
- How to Become a Bankruptcy Lawyer: Earn a JD degree in bankruptcy law. Get relevant experience through internships. Then, pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Growing demand due to economic fluctuations and the ability to help clients navigate financial crises.
- Cons: It can be emotionally challenging to deal with clients facing financial distress.
4. Family Law
Family lawyers handle legal issues related to family matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. They provide essential support during some of life’s most challenging times.
- Average Salary: Family law attorneys earn around $85,716, with salaries typically ranging from $73,078 to $99,149.
- How to Become a Family Lawyer: Obtain a JD degree with coursework in family law, complete internships focused on family issues, and pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Rewarding work helping families through difficult times and diverse case types.
- Cons: High emotional stakes can lead to stress; often requires mediation skills.
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5. Immigration Law
Immigration lawyers assist clients in navigating the complex immigration process. They help individuals secure visas, green cards, and citizenship while advocating for their rights.
- Average Salary: Immigration lawyers earn about $62,000, varying based on location and experience.
- To become an immigration lawyer, earn a JD degree, focusing on immigration law. Then, intern at related jobs, and pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Opportunity to help individuals achieve their legal residency or citizenship dreams.
- Cons: High caseloads can lead to burnout; navigating complex regulations can be challenging.
6. Civil Rights Lawyer
Civil rights lawyers advocate for individuals whose rights have been violated. They work on cases involving discrimination, free speech issues, and other civil liberties.
- Average Salary: Civil rights lawyers earn about $69,000, depending on experience and location.
- How to Become a Civil Rights Lawyer:
- Get a JD degree focused on civil rights.
- Gain experience by interning with advocacy groups or non-profits.
- Pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Opportunity to advocate for social justice and make meaningful societal changes.
- Cons: It often means working for non-profits or government agencies with lower pay. The cases can be emotionally taxing.
7. Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers represent clients injured due to someone else's negligence. They help clients seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering.
- Average Salary: The American Bar Association says personal injury lawyers earn $59,670 to $208,000, with an average of $122,960.
- How to Become a Personal Injury Lawyer: Earn a JD. Take courses or internships in personal injury law. Then, pass the bar exam.
- Pros:
- High earnings possible with contingency fees.
- Rewarding to help injured clients find justice.
- Cons: In a competitive field, income can be inconsistent based on case outcomes.
Salaries for Other Types of Lawyers
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Tax Attorneys / Tax Lawyers - The average salary for Tax Lawyers with extensive tax law knowledge is $88,863 a year.
- IP Lawyers, IP Attorneys - In 2024, the average salary for US IP lawyers is about $199,306 per year, or $95.82 per hour. This figure shows a growing demand for legal expertise. It is due to the rise of technology and creative industries that need to protect intellectual property rights.
- Medical Lawyers - Salaries as high as $155,331 and as low as $20,154, the majority of Medical Lawyer salaries currently range between $31,950 (25th percentile) to $83,563 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $119,938 annually.
- Real Estate Lawyers - In 2024, real estate lawyers in the United States earn different salaries. This depends on The average salary for real estate lawyers, which is approximately $140,845 per year or about $67.71 per hour as of September 2024.
- Family Lawyers - Entry-level Family Lawyers with under 1 year of child custody experience can expect a total pay of $58,959, on average. This includes tips, bonuses, and overtime. An early career Family Lawyer salary with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $71,305.
Do not become the fifth-year litigator who realizes that he/she hates research, writing, and confrontation and instead wants to work with contracts. These are things you can and should know about yourself in law school, so take the time to appreciate how your strengths, weaknesses, talents, and interests fit into your overall practice area decision."- Justine Donahue, Legal Recruiter (Washington, D.C.)
Emerging High-Paying Legal Specialties
As the legal landscape evolves, new areas of law offer lucrative opportunities for lawyers. Here are some of the most promising high-paying specialties in 2024:
1. Digital Security Law
With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, digital security law is becoming increasingly important. Lawyers in this field help organizations with data protection laws and cyber incidents.
- Average Salary: Approximately $130,000.
- To become a digital security lawyer:
- Get a JD degree that focuses on technology law or cybersecurity.
- Gain experience with internships at tech firms or cybersecurity companies.
- Pass the bar exam.
- Pros: High demand due to increasing cyber threats; opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Cons: Rapidly changing regulations can be challenging to keep up with and require continuous education.
2. Environmental Law
As environmental issues gain global attention, environmental lawyers advocate for sustainability. They also represent clients in regulatory matters about natural resources and pollution.
- Average Salary: Around $138,158.
- How to Become an Environmental Lawyer: Earn a JD in environmental law. Do relevant internships or clinics. Then, pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Opportunity to positively impact society; growing field due to increased regulatory scrutiny.
- Cons: Can involve contentious legal battles; may require extensive knowledge of scientific principles.
3. Health Care Law
Healthcare lawyers navigate the complex regulations governing healthcare providers and organizations. They advise on compliance, patient rights, and medical malpractice issues.
- Average Salary: Approximately $120,000.
- To become a health care lawyer: 1. Complete a JD with health law courses. 2. Intern in health care settings. 3. Pass the bar exam.
- Pros: High demand as health care regulations evolve; opportunity to work in a vital industry.
- Cons: Complex regulations can be challenging; they take an emotional toll when dealing with sensitive health issues.
4. Elder Law
Elder law covers issues affecting older adults. It includes estate planning, guardianship, and long-term care planning. This specialty is growing as the population ages.
- Average Salary: Around $90,000.
- How to Become an Elder Law Attorney: Earn a JD with a focus on elder law or estate planning. Then, do relevant internships and pass the bar exam.
- Pros: Rewarding work helping seniors with legal issues; high demand as the population ages.
- Cons: It can be emotionally challenging and often involves sensitive family dynamics.
5. Sports and Entertainment Law
This specialty represents athletes, entertainers, and organizations. It covers contracts, negotiations, and intellectual property issues. The industry is booming as media rights and endorsements grow.
- Average Salary: Approximately $120,000, but can vary widely based on client base.
- How to Become a Sports/Entertainment Lawyer: Earn a JD. Take courses in entertainment law or sports management. Intern at agencies or teams for experience. Then, pass the bar exam.
- Pros: It's an exciting field with high-profile clients. You can earn a lot from endorsements and contracts.
- Cons: Highly competitive; long hours may be required during negotiations or events.
These new specialties reflect societal trends. They offer exciting chances for new lawyers. They can maximize earnings and make a difference in their fields.
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FAQs
What are the most lucrative specialties within the law, and what do they entail?
The most lucrative law specialties are corporate, IP, medical malpractice, and trial law. They work with companies on deals. They protect IP, like patents and trademarks. They also handle medical negligence cases. Additionally, they advocate for clients in court for personal injury or criminal issues.
What is the average starting salary for a first-year lawyer in the United States?
The average starting salary for a first-year attorney in the U.S. is about $81,186. Total compensation, including bonuses, is about $89,644.
Why do intellectual property lawyers command high salaries?
Intellectual property lawyers are highly paid. They protect valuable assets like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. They must navigate complex laws. Their services are vital for those seeking to protect their innovations.
How do trial lawyers achieve high earnings?
Trial lawyers, especially those with high-profile cases, can earn a lot. They get high settlements, verdicts, or contingency fees for their work. Success in court often leads to substantial financial rewards.
What makes tax attorneys among the highest-paid lawyers?
Tax lawyers are among the highest-paid. Their work is complex. They navigate tax laws, advise clients on tax planning, and represent them in disputes with tax authorities. Their ability to save clients significant amounts of money increases their value.
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If you’re considering pursuing a high-earning career in law, it’s essential to understand which practice areas offer the best financial opportunities. Speak with our career advisors to help map out your path toward maximizing your earning potential in the legal field.