How much does a General Counsel make?
General Counsel roles are highly respected in the business world. These professionals earn a strong salary due to their critical role in advising companies. The average yearly salary for General Counsel stands at $191,031. This is above the national average for many other professions.
The salary for General Counsel varies based on experience and location. The lowest-paid General Counsel earn about $87,300, while the highest can make up to $534,000 per year. Here is a closer look at the distribution of their earnings:
- 14.65% earn less than $87,300
- 24.13% earn between $87,300 and $127,909
- 27.96% earn between $127,909 and $168,518
- 14.50% earn between $168,518 and $209,127
- 7.63% earn between $209,127 and $249,736
- 2.55% earn between $249,736 and $290,345
- 0.99% earn between $290,345 and $330,955
- 0.39% earn between $330,955 and $371,564
- 0.22% earn between $371,564 and $412,173
- 0.13% earn between $412,173 and $452,782
- 1.86% earn more than $452,782
These figures highlight the potential for growth in this field. As General Counsel gain more experience, their salary tends to increase significantly.
What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $305,593
In Boulder, legal professionals thrive in a community that values innovation and sustainability. Working with forward-thinking companies like Google and Uber, General Counsel will navigate complex legal landscapes while contributing to progressive projects.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $254,140
Baton Rouge offers a mix of historical charm and modern business. As General Counsel here, you will work with prominent firms such as Entergy and ExxonMobil, ensuring legal compliance and fostering company growth.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $246,711
Albany stands as a hub for government and legal services. General Counsel in this city will collaborate with state agencies and large corporations, playing a key role in policy development and corporate governance.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $239,137
San Francisco's tech-driven environment makes it an exciting place for legal experts. General Counsel here will work with companies like Salesforce and Slack, handling high-stakes legal matters in a fast-paced setting.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $235,498
Stamford offers a blend of corporate headquarters and legal institutions. General Counsel here will support major firms like Charter Communications and United Technologies, ensuring legal compliance and strategic guidance.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $232,435
As the political capital, Washington, DC is rich with legal opportunities. General Counsel will engage with government entities and large corporations, influencing policy and navigating complex regulatory environments.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $230,230
Tallahassee combines a business-friendly atmosphere with a focus on education and research. General Counsel here will work with companies like Bank of America and Leon County, dealing with a diverse range of legal issues.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $221,106
Los Angeles is a dynamic city with a vibrant legal market. General Counsel here will support major entertainment companies and tech firms, handling everything from contracts to compliance in a bustling environment.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $220,917
Charleston's historic charm meets modern business in this coastal city. General Counsel will work with companies like Boeing and SCANA, navigating a mix of traditional and innovative legal challenges.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $220,438
Sacramento's role as the state capital provides unique legal opportunities. General Counsel here will interact with government agencies and private companies, focusing on regulatory compliance and policy advocacy.
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What are the best companies a General Counsel can work for?
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KPMG
Average Salary: $583,126
KPMG offers General Counsel roles with high salaries. These positions involve managing complex legal issues for the firm and its clients. KPMG has offices around the world, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $322,091
Intuit provides competitive salaries for General Counsel positions. The role here involves advising on legal matters for this tech company. Intuit operates primarily in the U.S., with offices in California and Utah.
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PwC
Average Salary: $309,794
PwC offers good compensation for General Counsel roles. These positions require oversight of legal matters for the firm. PwC has a global presence, with major offices in the U.S., U.K., and India.
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Freddie Mac
Average Salary: $280,000
Freddie Mac provides attractive salaries for General Counsel roles. This role involves legal guidance specific to the housing sector. Freddie Mac operates nationwide in the U.S.
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Google
Average Salary: $263,236
Google offers competitive pay for General Counsel positions. This role involves navigating complex legal issues for the tech giant. Google has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $255,503
Northrop Grumman provides good salaries for General Counsel roles. These positions focus on aerospace and defense legal matters. The company operates in the U.S., with major offices in California and Virginia.
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Elevance Health
Average Salary: $238,959
Elevance Health offers competitive compensation for General Counsel positions. This role involves managing legal affairs for the health company. Elevance Health operates in the U.S., with a focus on health plans and services.
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AbbVie
Average Salary: $238,681
AbbVie provides attractive salaries for General Counsel roles. The role involves overseeing legal matters for the biopharmaceutical company. AbbVie operates globally, with major offices in the U.S. and Ireland.
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Latitude
Average Salary: $216,519
Latitude offers competitive pay for General Counsel positions. This role involves managing legal issues for the financial services company. Latitude operates primarily in the U.S.
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Alterra Mountain Company
Average Salary: $200,308
Alterra Mountain Company provides attractive salaries for General Counsel roles. These positions focus on legal matters for ski resorts. The company operates in the U.S., with resorts in California, Colorado, and Utah.
How to earn more as a General Counsel?
To increase your earning potential as a General Counsel, consider focusing on several key factors. Building a strong professional network helps open doors to new opportunities and can lead to higher-paying positions. Engaging with industry groups and attending legal conferences can expand connections. Specializing in a specific area of law, like corporate law or intellectual property, can also set you apart and command higher salaries. Gaining experience in multiple industries allows for more flexibility and can lead to positions that pay more.
Continuing education and certifications in specialized areas can make a General Counsel more valuable to an employer. Achieving certifications, such as the Certified General Counsel (CGC) designation, can enhance credibility and open up higher-level roles. Negotiation skills are another crucial factor. Mastery in salary negotiations can lead to better compensation packages. Demonstrating success in past roles, such as handling significant legal matters or saving the company money, can also justify a higher salary.
- Build a Professional Network
- Specialize in a Specific Area of Law
- Gain Experience in Multiple Industries
- Obtain Relevant Certifications
- Master Salary Negotiations
