What Types of Lawyers Make the Most Money

Some lawyers rake it in, while others barely make ends meet. According to our research, corporate lawyers are among the highest paid, with median salaries ranging from $180,000 to over $250,000 per year.

Tax lawyers also do well, with a median salary of over $150,000. Their expertise in navigating complex tax laws and regulations is in high demand, especially by large corporations and wealthy individuals.

Intellectual property lawyers are another high-earning group, with median salaries ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000. Their work involves protecting and enforcing patents, trademarks, and copyrights, which can be a lucrative business.

Securities lawyers are also well-compensated, with median salaries of over $150,000. Their expertise in navigating the complex world of securities law is highly valued by investment banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Why Are Lawyers so Expensive?

According to various sources, corporate lawyers are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, with an average annual base salary of $172,329. This is because corporations need lawyers to manage their complex operations and stay in compliance with regulations.

Corporate lawyers often make over $200,000 and may even earn more than $335,000. In fact, patent attorneys and intellectual property attorneys also tend to make high salaries, with figures ranging from $180,000 to $162,000 respectively.

Some of the top five highest-paid types of lawyers, as of 2024, include:

These figures are influenced by factors such as specialization, geographic location, and the complexity of the legal field.

Big Law Firms are typically concentrated in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where there are more clients willing to pay high fees for top-notch legal representation.

These firms have the resources and quality assurance that smaller firms can't compete with, which allows them to attract the best talent with promises of high salaries.

In order to keep up with the demand, big law firms must match each other's offers, which can drive up salaries even higher.

As a result, lawyers who work for big law firms are some of the highest-paid lawyers, with average salaries ranging from $172,329 to $304,374 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the average salary range for corporate lawyers in big law firms:

Keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, and industry.

Experience is a key metric in determining your salary as a lawyer, with more experienced lawyers having a broader range of career options.

As you gain more years of experience, you're more likely to become a high-earning lawyer, regardless of whether you're in a big law firm or not. Many lawyers with more experience opt for career paths with greater work-life balance.

More experienced lawyers are also more knowledgeable in their field, having handled a larger variety of cases with increased depth and from multiple angles. This is especially true in branches of law that require very specific or niche information.

Lawyers with over 15 years of experience have a significant advantage in the job market, with our counselors ready to guide you on the path to becoming a top-earning lawyer.

Expand your knowledge: Commodity Broker Career

The state with the highest earnings for lawyers is a no-brainer: California. With a median salary of $162,700, it's clear why lawyers are flocking to the Golden State.

California isn't the only high-paying state, however. Other major cities like New York, with a median salary of $164,180, and Massachusetts, with a median salary of $153,570, are also hotspots for high-earning lawyers.

Areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco are particularly lucrative, with top lawyers commanding six-figure salaries. In fact, the highest-paid lawyers tend to work in urban environments, where the demand for their services is highest.

Here's a look at the top 5 states for lawyer earnings:

These figures are a testament to the fact that location plays a significant role in determining a lawyer's salary.

Employment lawyers typically make a little more than $95,000 a year. They work with companies to ensure they're following federal and state employment laws. Employment lawyers can also represent employees who have been victims of discriminatory employment practices.

Intellectual property attorneys are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, with an average salary of $167,000 a year, according to Salary.com. They play a crucial role in protecting rights related to artistic and inventive creations.

IP attorneys can work with a variety of clients, including celebrities, athletes, and technological organizations. Their responsibilities include negotiating deals, drafting licensing agreements, and representing clients in IP disputes.

In fact, IP attorneys are in high demand due to the constantly evolving digital and creative landscapes. This field requires a high level of expertise, making it a lucrative career choice for those who specialize in it.

IP attorneys play a vital role in protecting creative and inventive rights from misappropriation. They work with celebrities, athletes, entertainment companies, and technological organizations, negotiating deals and drafting licensing agreements.

Their responsibilities include representing clients in IP disputes, and their expertise is crucial for advising clients on the legal intricacies of launching and growing technology-driven businesses. Intellectual property attorneys can work with startups and innovative companies.

The field of IP law is constantly evolving, and IP attorneys are in high demand. To stay ahead, IP attorneys can benefit from programs like the Entrepreneurship Professional Certificate, which focuses on emerging technology and the law.

IP attorneys are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, averaging around $167,000 a year, according to Salary.com, or $199,306, according to ZipRecruiter for the year 2024.

Related reading: Why Do Investment Bankers Work so Much

Real estate attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that property transactions are smooth and secure. They handle a wide range of tasks, from negotiating contracts to dealing with property-related litigation.

One of the key responsibilities of real estate attorneys is to conduct title searches and examinations to determine if the property titles are marketable.

Real estate attorneys also assist clients in navigating zoning laws and land use regulations. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it's essential for ensuring that clients are protected.

The salary range for real estate attorneys is significant, with most earning between $80,000 and $150,000 per year. Experienced individuals or those with specialization in high-value transactions can earn even more, exceeding $200,000 per year.

High-paying opportunities in real estate law include commercial real estate, where attorneys handle transactions for businesses and commercial properties, and luxury real estate, where they work with high-net-worth clients in transactions involving luxury properties.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Commercial Account Executive

Here are some specific tasks that real estate attorneys perform:

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,888 to $285,530. This is due to their specialized knowledge and expertise in intellectual property law.

IP attorneys are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, averaging around $167,000 a year, according to Salary.com, or $199,306, according to ZipRecruiter for the year 2024. Their salary can vary depending on factors like state, firm size, education, and experience.

Patent attorneys' salaries can be significantly higher than other types of lawyers, with some earning up to $285,530 per year. In contrast, IP attorneys can expect to earn around $167,000 per year.

Tax attorneys are well-compensated for their specialized knowledge, with an average income of $108,000. Their salaries can vary between $86,000 and $117,000 per year, according to Salary.com.

Tax attorneys' salaries are generally lower than those of patent and IP attorneys, but still offer a high earning potential. This is likely due to the specialized nature of tax law and the demand for experts in this field.

Attending an elite school can significantly boost a lawyer's salary. Many of the highest-paid types of lawyers attend these schools and are top of their class.

The more education and experience a lawyer has, the more money they're likely to make. This is because clients are paying for expert advice, and the more expertise a lawyer has, the more valuable their services will be.

Geographical location can greatly impact a lawyer's salary. Lawyers in big cities, such as southern California and Seattle, tend to make more money than those in more rural areas, like Mississippi and Alabama.

The amount of experience a lawyer has is also a crucial factor in determining their salary. The more experience a lawyer has, the more money they're likely to make.

If you're looking to make a six-figure income as a lawyer, you're in luck because there are several high-paying options. Trial lawyers, for instance, can earn average salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 per year, with some making as much as $200,000 or more.

Tax attorneys are also well-compensated, with most making over $145,000 a year. This is likely due to the complexity of the American tax system and the importance of having a qualified professional on your side.

Intellectual property (IP) lawyers are among the best-paid lawyers, with an average annual income of $130,000 to $200,000 per year. Patent attorneys, in particular, have a strong chance of earning more than $250,000 per year.

There are many types of lawyers, each with their own unique specialties and areas of focus. Trial lawyers are among the highest-paid fields for lawyers in America, with an average salary of $121,000 a year.

Trial lawyers focus on representing clients in trials, which can be criminal trials, civil cases, or accident litigation. To succeed in this field, they must be well-versed in formal rules of procedure and evidence, and be able to argue effectively.

Some key skills and tasks for trial lawyers include carrying out research and preparations for cases, preparing legal instruments, interviewing clients and witnesses, delivering a case in court, and negotiating settlements. These skills are essential for trial lawyers to excel in their roles.

Here's a breakdown of the average salary range for trial lawyers: $94,000 to $138,000 annually.

Criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending people and organizations charged with criminal offenses. They work to ensure the accused receive a fair trial and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Criminal defense lawyers often have demanding workloads, involving long hours, hard preparation, and the stress of high-stakes litigation. This intensity and dedication can contribute to higher salaries, with experienced and reputable criminal defense lawyers sometimes earning over $200,000 per year.

Civil litigation lawyers handle a variety of small claims and civil dispute cases. They collect paperwork, file lawsuits, and manage pleadings for their clients inside and outside the courtroom. Most civil litigation attorneys make more than $110,000 a year.

Here's a comparison of the average salaries for different types of lawyers:

Tax attorneys specialize in tax law, guiding clients through complex tax laws and representing them in disputes. They provide invaluable advice on tax-related matters and offer strategies for tax efficiency.

Tax attorneys navigate policies related to income tax liability, business transactions, and intellectual and physical property acquisitions. They advise clients on trusts, wills, and wealth management.

To stay current on changing tax codes and laws, tax attorneys must continually update their knowledge. This allows them to best help their clients, whether they are corporate or business entities, nonprofits, or individuals.

Tax attorneys are well-compensated for their specialized knowledge, with an average income of $108,000. This makes tax attorney one of the highest-earning careers in the financial industry.

Tax attorneys can expect to see a normal salary falling between $86,000 and $117,000 a year. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location that can impact salary.

Consider reading: Business Expense Insurance

Intellectual property lawyers are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, with an average annual income of $130,000 to $200,000 per year.

Their role involves protecting clients' potentially lucrative ideas, including copyrights, patents, and trademarks. IP lawyers help clients defend these rights, which is crucial for companies in the technology, entertainment, and pharmaceutical sectors.

IP lawyers are in high demand, especially in the tech industry, where giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft rely on them to safeguard their inventions. In the entertainment industry, film studios, music labels, and media companies need IP lawyers to protect their copyrights and trademarks.

Some of the key responsibilities of IP lawyers include offering legal consultation to clients on IP rights and protection, filing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications, and carrying out IP audits and portfolio management.

Here are some of the subtopics that fall under intellectual property law:

IP lawyers can earn even more, up to $250,000 per year, especially those with technical backgrounds or experience as patent attorneys.

Immigration lawyers help their clients navigate the complex process of immigrating to a new country. They advise on visa applications and processes, representing clients in immigration court and assisting with asylum and refugee applications.

Most immigration lawyers earn an average annual wage of $60,000 to $90,000. However, those with corporate immigration specialization can earn upwards of $150,000 per year.

Geographic location plays a significant role in determining an immigration lawyer's salary, with higher salaries found in areas with large immigrant populations or high demand for immigration services.

Immigration lawyers' salaries are also influenced by their level of experience and reputation, with more experienced and well-known lawyers commanding higher fees.

Here are some key responsibilities of immigration lawyers:

Admiralty lawyers deal with legal issues related to naval matters and the private shipping industry, including transportation, water bodies, and sea products. They anticipate and negotiate maritime contracts and insurance, navigate cases of pollution at sea and environmental laws, and specialize in defending clients in cases related to the carriage of goods and transportation.

Admiralty lawyers' mean remuneration ranges between $75,000 and $120,000 every year. Some employees earn over $200,000 per annum, especially those in high-paying niches.

High-paying niches for admiralty lawyers include international shipping, maritime insurance, and offshore energy. International shipping involves sensitive and massive cases, such as those involving international shipping companies and matters of international intercourse. Maritime insurance consulting includes insurance claims and policies related to marine activities.

Here are some high-paying niches for admiralty lawyers:

Family lawyers handle some of the most emotional and challenging cases in the legal system. They mediate divorce negotiations, handle custody arrangements, advocate in alimony and child support setups, and more.

Family lawyers can make almost $130,000 a year from these cases. This is a significant amount of money, considering the emotional toll these cases can take on clients.

Family lawyers help families navigate the agonizing process of divorce. They manage everything from child custody agreements and alimony payments to property division.

The average family lawyer makes around $90,000 a year. This figure may vary depending on the location and specific circumstances of each case.

Bankruptcy lawyers are the experts who help people navigate the complex process of filing for bankruptcy. They can make a huge difference in getting your financial life back on track.

These lawyers are highly paid for their knowledge of financial law and the bankruptcy process, with most making around $110,000 a year in the United States.

Additional reading: Chartered Financial Accountant Salary

Personal injury lawyers help their clients recover compensation after they've been hurt in accidents of some kind. They specialize in cases like car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents.

Most personal injury lawyers make a little over $106,000 a year. Their fees are often taken from a percentage of the settlement they recover for their clients.

See what others are reading: Good Personal Injury Lawyer