Starting Salary Of Lawyers: An Overview
A lawyer is a professional who specializes in the practice of law. They provide advice and legal services to clients on a variety of legal matters. Lawyers are highly trained and knowledgeable professionals who work in a variety of legal settings, such as private law firms, government agencies, and corporate departments. The starting salary of a lawyer depends on the type of law they practice, the geographical location, and their experience level.
Average Starting Salary of Lawyers
The average starting salary for lawyers varies depending on the type of law they practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers in May 2019 was $122,960. This figure includes all lawyers, regardless of the type of law they practice. However, the starting salary for lawyers can vary widely depending on the type of law they practice and the geographical area.
Types of Law and Starting Salaries
The type of law a lawyer practices has a significant impact on their starting salary. Lawyers who practice corporate or business law usually have the highest starting salaries. Corporate lawyers typically have salaries that range from $120,000 to $175,000 per year. Lawyers who practice criminal law, civil law, and family law typically have salaries that range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
Geographical Location and Starting Salaries
The geographical location of a lawyer's practice is another factor that can have a significant impact on their starting salary. Lawyers who practice in metropolitan areas usually have the highest starting salaries. Lawyers who practice in rural areas typically have lower starting salaries. Lawyers who practice in states such as New York and California typically have the highest starting salaries, while lawyers who practice in states such as Arkansas and Mississippi typically have lower starting salaries.
Experience and Starting Salaries
Experience is another major factor that affects the starting salary of a lawyer. Lawyers who have more experience typically have higher starting salaries. Lawyers who have been practicing for five years or more usually have starting salaries that range from $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Lawyers who have been practicing for two years or less typically have starting salaries that range from $50,000 to $75,000 per year.
Other Factors That Can Affect Starting Salaries
In addition to the type of law practiced, geographical location, and experience, there are other factors that can affect the starting salary of a lawyer. For example, the size of the law firm can have an impact on the starting salary of a lawyer. Lawyers who work for large law firms typically have higher starting salaries than lawyers who work for small law firms. The size of the client base is another factor that can have an impact on a lawyer's starting salary. Lawyers who have a large client base typically have higher starting salaries than lawyers who have a small client base.
How to Increase Your Starting Salary
There are several steps that lawyers can take to increase their starting salary. One of the most important steps is to choose the right type of law to practice. Corporate law typically has the highest starting salaries, so lawyers should consider focusing on this area of law. Another important step is to choose the right geographical location for their practice. Lawyers should consider practicing in metropolitan areas, as these areas typically have higher starting salaries. Finally, lawyers should try to gain as much experience as possible in their chosen area of law. This will help them to increase their starting salary and become more successful in their chosen field.
Conclusion
The starting salary of a lawyer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of law practiced, the geographical location, and the experience level. Corporate law typically has the highest starting salaries, and lawyers should consider focusing on this area of law. Lawyers should also consider practicing in metropolitan areas, as these areas typically have higher starting salaries. Finally, lawyers should try to gain as much experience as possible in their chosen area of law in order to increase their starting salary and become more successful in their chosen field.