How Much Does A Lawyer In Florida Make?
Lawyer salaries in Florida vary widely depending on the type of lawyer and the size and location of the law firm. As is true in most states, the largest salaries are found in major cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers in Florida was $94,750 in May 2019, which is slightly higher than the national median.
Lawyer salaries in Florida vary depending on the type of attorney. Litigation lawyers, who specialize in representing clients in court, tend to make the highest salaries. Corporate lawyers and corporate counsels, on the other hand, tend to make less than their litigation counterparts. Other types of lawyers in Florida, such as tax attorneys, real estate attorneys, and patent attorneys, tend to make salaries that are closer to the state median.
The size of the law firm also plays an important role in determining lawyer salaries in Florida. Large, international law firms tend to pay the highest salaries, while solo practitioners and small firms tend to pay lower salaries. In addition, lawyers in major cities tend to make more than their rural counterparts.
How to Increase Your Lawyer Salary in Florida
The best way to increase your lawyer salary in Florida is to specialize and focus on a particular type of law. Litigation lawyers, for example, tend to make the highest salaries, so specializing in litigation can help you earn a higher salary. Corporate lawyers, on the other hand, can increase their salaries by specializing in a particular area of corporate law, such as mergers and acquisitions or securities law.
In addition, lawyers in Florida can increase their salaries by working in larger law firms or in major cities. Lawyers who are willing to relocate to a major city can often find higher-paying jobs than those who stay in rural areas. Finally, lawyers can increase their salaries by taking on more responsibility within their firms. This may involve taking on more complex cases or managing other lawyers or staff.
Common Salaries for Lawyers in Florida
As previously mentioned, the median wage for lawyers in Florida was $94,750 in May 2019. However, the salaries for different types of lawyers in Florida vary widely. Litigation lawyers, for example, tend to make salaries that are much higher than the state median. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for litigation lawyers in Florida was $138,820 in May 2019.
Corporate lawyers tend to make salaries that are slightly lower than the state median. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for corporate lawyers in Florida was $86,170 in May 2019. Other types of lawyers in Florida, such as tax attorneys, real estate attorneys, and patent attorneys, tend to make salaries that are close to the state median.
How to Find a Job as a Lawyer in Florida
The best way to find a job as a lawyer in Florida is to network with other lawyers and legal professionals. Attending legal conferences and job fairs can be a great way to meet potential employers and make valuable connections. Joining professional organizations, such as the Florida Bar Association, can also be helpful. In addition, many law firms post job openings on their websites or on job-search websites such as Indeed.com.
Another option is to apply for jobs through a legal recruitment agency. These agencies specialize in placing lawyers in law firms, and they often have access to job openings that are not advertised elsewhere. Finally, many lawyers find jobs through word of mouth. Networking with other lawyers and legal professionals can often lead to job opportunities.
Conclusion
Lawyer salaries in Florida vary widely depending on the type of lawyer, the size of the law firm, and the location. Litigation lawyers tend to make the highest salaries, while corporate lawyers and other specialty lawyers tend to make salaries that are closer to the state median. Lawyers in major cities tend to make more than their rural counterparts, and lawyers can increase their salaries by specializing and taking on more responsibility. Networking with other lawyers and legal professionals can be a great way to find job opportunities.