How much does a Counsel make?
Counsel professionals enjoy a rewarding career with competitive salaries. On average, Counsel makes about $159,350 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry they work in. Those at the lower end of the spectrum earn around $49,792, while the top earners can make up to $300,000 annually.
The percentile distribution shows how salaries are spread across different levels of experience. Here's a breakdown:
- 10th percentile: $49,792
- 25th percentile: $72,538
- 50th percentile: $95,284
- 75th percentile: $140,777
- 90th percentile: $231,761
- 95th percentile: $277,254
What are the highest paying cities for a Counsel?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $221,315
San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. The city is home to numerous tech giants like Google and Salesforce, which require strong legal teams. Working here means tackling unique challenges in a fast-paced setting.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $218,175
San Jose has a thriving tech industry, making it an ideal place for legal professionals. Companies such as Intel and eBay provide ample opportunities. The city's vibrant atmosphere ensures constant engagement and learning.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $217,881
Los Angeles offers a diverse market for legal experts. The city's entertainment industry needs skilled attorneys. Working here provides a blend of entertainment and serious legal work.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $208,355
Stamford serves as a hub for finance and insurance. Companies like The Hartford and United Technologies require robust legal support. The city provides a stable and professional environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $198,838
San Diego offers a blend of industry and technology sectors. Companies such as Qualcomm and biotech firms need strong legal teams. The city's coastal lifestyle adds to its appeal.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $197,838
Washington, DC, is the political center of the nation. Government agencies and law firms need experienced legal professionals. The city offers a unique mix of public service and private sector opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $196,565
Seattle's tech scene, led by companies like Amazon and Microsoft, creates a demand for legal expertise. The city's progressive environment fosters innovation and growth in the legal field.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $191,046
Minneapolis is known for its finance and health care industries. Companies such as Target and UnitedHealth Group need legal professionals. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $189,564
Austin is a growing tech hub with companies like Dell and Apple. The city's fast-paced growth requires dynamic legal talent. Working here means being at the forefront of innovation.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $187,328
Atlanta offers a mix of corporate and legal opportunities. Companies such as Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines need strong legal teams. The city's growing tech sector adds to its appeal.
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What are the best companies a Counsel can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $456,346
Netflix offers exciting Counsel roles. They operate in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. As a Counsel at Netflix, you will work on complex legal issues, providing expert advice and support to the company's operations and projects.
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Whatnot
Average Salary: $312,353
Whatnot is a fast-growing company in the digital space. They are based in the United States, with offices in major cities like New York and San Francisco. Counsels here will manage intellectual property, contracts, and compliance. They ensure that the company adheres to all legal standards and regulations.
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OpenAI
Average Salary: $304,977
OpenAI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research. With locations in the United States, particularly in California, Counsels play a crucial role in navigating the legal landscape of AI. They work on policy, ethics, and compliance issues, ensuring the company operates within legal boundaries.
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Delancey Street Restaurant
Average Salary: $300,000
Delancey Street Restaurant offers Counsel positions with a focus on legal matters related to hospitality. Located in the United States, this company values its Counsels for their ability to handle labor laws, food safety regulations, and tenant-landlord issues. They ensure smooth operations within the company’s restaurants.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $275,500
Waymo is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. Based in the United States, Counsels here manage legal challenges in the tech industry. They focus on patent law, product liability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the company stays ahead in a competitive market.
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Apple
Average Salary: $268,642
Apple offers Counsel positions in many of its locations across the United States and internationally. Counsels work on a variety of legal issues, from patent law to international trade. They ensure that Apple's innovations and products comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
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Jackson Lewis P.C.
Average Salary: $263,617
Jackson Lewis P.C. provides Counsel positions with a focus on employment law. With offices across the United States, Counsels here handle labor disputes, compliance issues, and workplace regulations. They help clients navigate the complex legal landscape of employment law.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $258,714
Tesla offers Counsel roles in locations across the United States. Counsels work on legal issues related to automotive technology, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. They ensure that Tesla's cutting-edge products meet all necessary legal standards.
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Google
Average Salary: $255,628
Google offers Counsel positions in many of its offices worldwide. Counsels here manage a wide range of legal issues, including data privacy, intellectual property, and antitrust law. They ensure that Google's operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
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Roblox
Average Salary: $255,255
Roblox offers Counsel roles focused on legal issues related to digital content and online safety. Based in the United States, Counsels here ensure that the platform complies with child protection laws and other relevant regulations. They help create a safe environment for users.
How to earn more as a Counsel?
Becoming a successful counsel requires more than just legal knowledge. It demands a strategic approach to earning potential. Counsel who master their field can significantly increase their income. Here are some effective ways to achieve that goal.
First, gaining specialized skills can greatly enhance earning potential. Counsel who focus on areas such as intellectual property, corporate law, or tax law often command higher salaries. Specialization can lead to more lucrative opportunities. Second, experience plays a crucial role. The more cases a counsel handles, the more knowledgeable they become. Experience leads to higher earning potential.
Professional networking is another key factor. Building strong relationships within the industry can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can lead to new opportunities. Fourth, negotiating skills are vital. Counsel who can effectively negotiate their salaries and benefits often earn more. This skill is crucial for career advancement. Finally, continuing education is essential. Keeping up with the latest laws and legal trends ensures counsel remain competitive. This commitment to learning can lead to higher earning potential over time.
By focusing on these areas, counsel can improve their earning potential. Specialization, experience, networking, negotiation, and education all contribute to a successful career.
- Specialized Skills: Focus on specific areas of law to command higher salaries.
- Experience: Handling more cases leads to increased knowledge and higher earning potential.
- Networking: Building relationships within the industry can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
- Negotiation: Effective negotiation of salaries and benefits can lead to higher earnings.
- Continuing Education: Staying updated with the latest laws and trends ensures competitiveness.



