There is no universal answer as it largely depends on individual circumstances. However, certain types of law tend to be associated with higher salaries, such as corporate law, international law, and intellectual property law. In general, lawyers who work in major metropolitan areas and have years of experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in smaller cities or towns and have less experience.
Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000
Tax attorneys are the highest earners in the legal profession, making an average of $122,000 per year. This is because they specialize in a highly technical and specialized area of law. Tax law is incredibly complex, and tax attorneys must have a thorough understanding of both federal and state tax laws. They use this knowledge to help their clients minimize their tax liability and maximize their refunds.
Tax attorneys typically work for large law firms or accounting firms. They may also work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax agencies. Many tax attorneys are certified public accountants (CPAs), which gives them an additional layer of expertise in this field.
The vast majority of tax attorneys hold Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from accredited law schools. Some may also have Master of Laws (LLM) degrees in taxation from specialized programs at top law schools. Admission to these programs is extremely competitive, and students must maintain high grades to be accepted.
After completing their education, tax attorneys must pass a rigorous bar examination before they can practice law in their state.
Corporate lawyer: $115,000
A corporate lawyer is a type of business lawyer who helps companies comply with state and federal laws. They also help businesses resolve legal disputes with other companies. Corporate lawyers typically work for law firms, but some work for corporations.
The median annual salary for corporate lawyers was $115,000 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Corporate lawyers earned a median salary of $140,880 per year in 2018, according to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). The top 10% of earners made more than $187,199 per year, while the bottom 10% earned less than $68,819 per year.
Corporate lawyers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business or another relevant field. Many also have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After completing their education, corporate lawyers must pass the bar exam in order to practice law in their state. Corporate lawyers need strong research and writing skills to be successful in their field. They should also be able to think critically and solve problems quickly.
Employment lawyer: $87,000
Employment lawyers are responsible for representing employees in disputes with their employers. They may also represent employers in employment-related lawsuits. Employment lawyers typically have a law degree and experience in labor law.
The average salary for an employment lawyer is $87,000. Employment lawyers can earn more or less depending on their experience, the size of the firm they work for, and the location of their practice.
Divorce attorney: $84,000
The average salary for a divorce attorney is $84,000. This means that the attorney will likely earn a salary that is lower than the average for all other attorneys. However, this does not take into account the many hours that the attorney may work and the amount of money that he or she may be paid by clients.
Immigration attorney: $84,000
An immigration attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals who are seeking visas or green cards to enter the United States. Immigration attorneys also represent individuals who have been deported or detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The average salary for an immigration attorney is $84,000. However, salaries can vary depending on the size of the law firm, the location, and the amount of experience an attorney has.
Estate attorney: $83,000
When about earnings, estate lawyers are in a league of their own. In fact, they make more money than any other type of lawyer out there. On average, they earn an annual salary of $83,000.
But what exactly do estate lawyers do? And how do they make so much money? Let’s take a closer look.
Estate lawyers help their clients manage their assets and property. This includes everything from real estate to bank accounts and stocks. They also help with the distribution of assets after someone dies. In short, they handle all the legal aspects of a person’s property and possessions.
Because of the nature of their work, estate lawyers need to have a thorough understanding of state and federal laws surrounding property rights and inheritance taxes. They also need to be very well-versed in tax law since many estates are subject to hefty taxes upon the death of the owner.
Public Defender: $63,000
As a public defender, you will be responsible for representing indigent criminal defendants who have been charged with a crime. You will investigate the case, interview witnesses, and prepare for trial. You will also negotiate plea bargains with prosecutors and represent your clients in court.
The average salary for a public defender is $63,000. The top 10% of public defenders earn more than $92,000. The bottom 10% earn less than $42,000.
