How much does a Attorney make?
Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, and their work often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, attorneys earn about $119,805 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of law practiced.
The salary range for attorneys can be quite broad. The lowest-paid 10% earn around $60,000 annually, while the top 10% can make over $250,000 each year. Many attorneys find themselves in the middle, earning between $94,545 and $163,636. This range reflects the diverse opportunities and challenges within the legal field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $165,927
San Francisco offers a dynamic environment with many tech companies. Attorneys here often work on intellectual property and corporate law. Prominent firms include Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $160,431
San Jose is a hub for tech and innovation. Attorneys here often deal with startups and tech companies. Firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Gunderson Dettmer are well-known.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $153,482
Los Angeles provides a diverse legal landscape with opportunities in entertainment and real estate law. Major firms include Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and O'Melveny & Myers.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $152,390
Washington, DC offers a strong focus on government and policy law. Attorneys here often work on regulatory issues and public policy. Firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld are prominent.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $143,026
Sacramento provides a mix of public and private sector opportunities. Attorneys here often work on state legislation and government contracts. Notable firms include Duane Morris and Littler Mendelson.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $141,961
San Diego offers a blend of defense and biotech law. Attorneys here often work with defense contractors and biotech firms. Firms like Holland & Hart and Fredrikson & Byron are well-regarded.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $140,934
Seattle is a tech and environmental law hub. Attorneys here often work with tech giants and environmental firms. Prominent firms include Perkins Coie and Lane Powell.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $140,500
Anchorage offers a unique legal environment with a focus on natural resources and indigenous rights. Attorneys here often work with oil companies and Native corporations. Firms like Atwood Oceanics and Arctic Slope Regional Corporation are notable.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $140,230
Minneapolis provides a mix of corporate and healthcare law. Attorneys here often work with major corporations and healthcare providers. Notable firms include Dorsey & Whitney and Robins Kaplan.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $138,681
Corpus Christi offers opportunities in energy and maritime law. Attorneys here often work with oil and gas companies and shipping firms. Firms like Fulbright & Jaworski and Jackson Walker are well-known.
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What are the best companies a Attorney can work for?

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Zinda Law Group
Average Salary: $262,641
Zinda Law Group is a well-known law firm that offers a wide range of legal services. They have offices in California and are known for their strong focus on client service. Attorneys here work on complex cases and enjoy a collaborative environment.
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County of Santa Clara
Average Salary: $232,698
The County of Santa Clara provides various legal services to the public. They have offices throughout Santa Clara County and offer opportunities for attorneys to work on diverse cases. The county values work-life balance and professional development.
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iLocatum
Average Salary: $215,384
iLocatum is a tech-focused law firm that offers innovative legal solutions. They have offices in California and are known for their dynamic work environment. Attorneys here work on cutting-edge cases and enjoy a supportive team.
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Trueline
Average Salary: $212,727
Trueline is a company that provides legal services for the tech industry. They have offices in California and are known for their forward-thinking approach. Attorneys here work on high-profile cases and benefit from a collaborative culture.
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Bank of America
Average Salary: $205,219
Bank of America offers a variety of legal positions for attorneys. They have offices across the country and provide opportunities for growth. Attorneys here work on a range of legal matters and enjoy a supportive work environment.
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Antonyan Miranda LLP
Average Salary: $197,500
Antonyan Miranda LLP is a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases. They have offices in California and are known for their dedication to client service. Attorneys here work on impactful cases and enjoy a collaborative team.
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DLA Piper
Average Salary: $195,451
DLA Piper is a global law firm that offers a wide range of legal services. They have offices in California and are known for their strong client focus. Attorneys here work on complex cases and benefit from a supportive work environment.
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Megeredchian Law
Average Salary: $190,909
Megeredchian Law is a boutique law firm that offers personalized legal services. They have offices in California and are known for their commitment to client service. Attorneys here work on a variety of cases and enjoy a collaborative team.
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Boutique Recruiting
Average Salary: $190,000
Boutique Recruiting is a firm that specializes in placing legal professionals in top companies. They have offices in California and are known for their strong network. Attorneys here benefit from personalized career support and a supportive team.
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Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
Average Salary: $188,636
The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani is a law firm that offers a range of legal services. They have offices in California and are known for their strong client service. Attorneys here work on impactful cases and enjoy a collaborative environment.
How to earn more as a Attorney?
Becoming a successful attorney involves more than just passing the bar exam. It requires a strategic approach to career development and financial growth. Attorneys can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. These factors can help attorneys advance their careers and achieve higher salaries.
First, specialization in a specific area of law can lead to higher earnings. Specialization allows attorneys to become experts in their field, which can command higher fees. Second, gaining experience and building a strong reputation can lead to more lucrative job opportunities. Experienced attorneys often have a larger client base and can negotiate better contracts. Third, networking and building relationships with other professionals can open doors to new and higher-paying opportunities. Fourth, continuing education and staying current with legal trends can enhance an attorney's skills and market value. Finally, taking on leadership roles within law firms or legal organizations can lead to higher salaries and bonuses.
Attorneys who focus on these factors can significantly increase their earning potential. Specialization, experience, networking, education, and leadership all play a role in achieving higher salaries. By prioritizing these areas, attorneys can build a successful and lucrative career.