Table of Contents
- Average Income of Different Types of Lawyers
- Highest Paid Lawyers
- Lowest Paid Lawyers
- Lawyers in California
Average Income of Different Types of Lawyers
The average salary of a lawyer varies greatly depending on the type of law they practice. For example, corporate lawyers typically make more than personal injury lawyers, and criminal defense lawyers make less than family lawyers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all lawyers was $120,910 in 2019. Here is a list of the average salaries for different types of lawyers:
- Corporate Lawyers – $144,230
- Criminal Defense Lawyers – $112,252
- Family Lawyers – $127,766
- Immigration Lawyers – $118,820
- Personal Injury Lawyers – $115,930
Highest Paid Lawyers
The highest-paid lawyers are generally those who practice corporate law and specialize in mergers and acquisitions. These lawyers typically command high salaries, due to their expertise in the technical aspects of corporate law, as well as their ability to negotiate complex deals that involve large sums of money. According to the BLS, the median salary for corporate lawyers was $144,230 in 2019.
Lowest Paid Lawyers
The lowest-paid lawyers are typically those who practice criminal defense law. These lawyers often work with clients who can’t afford to pay for their legal services, or who are indigent. According to the BLS, the median salary for criminal defense lawyers was $112,252 in 2019.
Lawyers in California
Lawyers in California tend to make more than the national average, due to the state’s higher cost of living. According to the BLS, the median salary for lawyers in California was $136,570 in 2019. Additionally, lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law, tax law, and labor law tend to make more than the state average. It’s important to note that lawyers who practice in more rural areas tend to make less than those who practice in urban areas.
Overall, lawyers make good money in California. According to the BLS, the average salary for lawyers in the state is above the national average, and the salaries for certain specialty areas such as intellectual property law, tax law, and labor law are even higher. Therefore, lawyers in California can expect to make a good living.