How much does a Counsel make?
Counsels play a key role in various industries, helping businesses navigate legal matters. This role comes with a competitive salary. On average, Counsels earn around $159,421 a year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the company. For those new to the field, salaries start at around $38,201. As Counsels gain more experience, their earnings can rise significantly, reaching up to $303,000 annually.
Understanding the salary range can help job seekers set realistic goals. Here is a breakdown of how salaries grow with experience:
- Early career Counsels earn about $38,201 to $62,274.
- Mid-career Counsels earn between $86,346 and $110,419.
- Experienced Counsels earn from $134,491 to $182,637.
- Senior-level Counsels can make $206,709 to $303,000.
What are the highest paying cities for a Counsel?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $212,564
In Los Angeles, legal professionals often work with top law firms and entertainment companies. The city offers diverse opportunities in intellectual property and corporate law. The vibrant business environment provides a dynamic setting for legal careers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $205,880
San Francisco has a thriving legal scene with major tech firms like Google and Salesforce. Counsels here often handle complex cases in tech law and intellectual property. The city’s innovative spirit makes it an exciting place for legal work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $189,933
San Jose is known for its Silicon Valley tech companies. Legal experts here work on cutting-edge tech law issues. The city offers a high-tech environment that provides numerous opportunities in intellectual property and tech litigation.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $184,782
In Washington, DC, Counsels often engage with government and political law. Working here means dealing with federal regulations and significant cases. The city’s political influence offers a unique and impactful legal practice.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $177,869
San Diego offers a mix of tech and defense law opportunities. The city is home to major defense contractors and tech startups. Legal professionals here enjoy a balanced work environment with diverse industry options.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $171,948
Chicago’s legal market is rich with corporate law opportunities. Counsels work with major financial firms and corporations. The city’s historic legal heritage provides a robust and dynamic career setting.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $167,886
Seattle is known for its tech industry and strong legal presence. Counsels here often work with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. The city’s vibrant culture makes it an attractive place for legal professionals.
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Columbia, MO
Average Salary: $164,140
Columbia offers a smaller but growing legal market. Counsels here often engage in corporate and civil litigation. The city’s academic environment provides a unique setting for legal practice.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $162,355
Sacramento’s legal market focuses on government and public policy. Counsels often work on legislative issues and regulatory compliance. The city’s political environment offers a distinct legal practice experience.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $158,286
Pittsburgh provides a mix of industrial and legal opportunities. Counsels often work with manufacturing and healthcare firms. The city’s industrial base offers a unique legal practice environment.
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What are the best companies a Counsel can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $400,909
Netflix offers exciting Counsel roles, focusing on media law and intellectual property. They have offices in many places, including Los Gatos, California, and around the globe.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $303,000
KPMG provides Counsel positions that deal with tax, regulatory, and compliance matters. They operate in many cities across the United States and around the world.
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OpenAI
Average Salary: $288,929
At OpenAI, Counsel roles focus on privacy, ethical AI, and intellectual property. They have offices in San Francisco and other key tech hubs.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $274,313
Waymo offers Counsel roles that deal with autonomous vehicle laws and tech ethics. They operate in Mountain View, California, and other locations.
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Jackson Lewis
Average Salary: $261,491
Jackson Lewis offers Counsel roles in labor and employment law. They have offices in many cities across the United States.
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Norton Rose Fulbright
Average Salary: $252,467
Norton Rose Fulbright provides Counsel roles focusing on corporate law and litigation. They operate in many locations worldwide.
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ByteDance
Average Salary: $250,375
ByteDance offers Counsel roles that focus on tech and media law. They have offices in Beijing and other key global cities.
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TikTok
Average Salary: $245,762
TikTok offers Counsel roles dealing with data privacy and intellectual property. They have offices in Los Angeles, California, and other global locations.
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TEEMA
Average Salary: $245,735
TEEMA offers Counsel roles in media and tech law. They operate in many places, including Dallas, Texas, and other key areas.
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Apple
Average Salary: $242,413
Apple provides Counsel roles focusing on intellectual property, privacy, and corporate law. They have offices in Cupertino, California, and many other places.
How to earn more as a Counsel?
To increase earnings as a Counsel, focus on several key factors. Specialization can lead to higher demand and pay. Specialized counsel often command higher fees due to their expertise in a specific area of law. Continuing education and obtaining certifications can enhance knowledge and skills. These add value and often lead to higher-paying positions.
Networking and building a strong professional reputation can also lead to more lucrative opportunities. Active participation in legal communities and professional organizations can open doors to higher-paying roles. Experience plays a crucial role, with seasoned Counsel typically earning more than those just starting out. Experience brings a deeper understanding of legal matters and more successful case outcomes. Negotiating skills are also important. Counsel who can effectively negotiate higher salaries and better contracts often earn more over time. Lastly, consider alternative work arrangements, such as freelance or part-time consulting. These options can sometimes offer higher rates per hour or project compared to traditional full-time positions.
By focusing on these factors, Counsel can significantly improve their earning potential.
- Specialization
- Continuing education and certifications
- Networking and professional reputation
- Experience
- Negotiation skills



