General Counsel Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a General Counsel make?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $177,728 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $177,728 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $177,728 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $177,728 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel positions, showing an average salary of $177,728 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

General Counsel roles offer a rewarding career path with competitive salaries. On average, General Counsel earn about $177,728 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, industry, and company size. Many General Counsel find themselves in the higher brackets of this range, with seasoned professionals often earning more.

The salary distribution for General Counsel shows a broad range. The lowest 10% earn around $85,000 annually, while the top 10% can make over $292,000. This spread reflects the diverse responsibilities and the importance of legal expertise in various sectors. General Counsel who work for large corporations or in high-stakes industries tend to be on the higher end of the salary scale. Their roles often involve complex legal matters and significant decision-making responsibilities.

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

General Counsel positions offer high salaries in several major cities. San Francisco, California, leads the way with an average salary of $232,759. Washington, D.C., follows closely with an average salary of $222,631. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top compensation in the legal field. Other cities with notable salaries include Charleston, South Carolina, and San Jose, California, with average salaries of $220,917 and $214,184, respectively. Los Angeles, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Albany, Chicago, and Sacramento all offer competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for General Counsel roles.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $232,759 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $184,303.

San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $232,759
In San Francisco, legal professionals thrive in a dynamic environment. The tech industry's presence offers unique challenges and opportunities. Companies like Google and Salesforce need top-tier legal expertise.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $222,631
Washington, DC, is a hub for political and legal activities. Working here means engaging with government entities and major corporations. Firms like WilmerHale and Akin Gump offer exciting career paths.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $220,917
Charleston provides a blend of historic charm and modern business. Legal work here often involves maritime law and local businesses. Companies like SCANA Corp. and Apogee Enterprises need skilled counsel.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $214,184
San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley. Legal experts here support tech giants like Intel and Cisco. The fast-paced environment demands quick thinking and adaptability.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $201,749
Los Angeles offers a diverse legal landscape. From entertainment to tech, the city's industries need robust legal support. Firms like Latham & Watkins and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher provide dynamic opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $198,561
San Diego combines a strong economy with a high quality of life. Legal professionals here work with biotech and defense companies. Firms like Holland & Hart and Reed Smith offer promising careers.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $190,954
Salt Lake City offers a growing business scene. Legal work here often involves startups and established companies. Firms like Parr Brown and Magleby & Hathaway provide excellent career prospects.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $190,223
Albany is a center for government and law. Legal professionals here engage with state agencies and major corporations. Firms like Whiteman Osterman & Hanna and Harris Beach offer solid career paths.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $184,869
Chicago's legal market is vibrant and diverse. The city's industries range from finance to manufacturing. Firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin offer dynamic opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $184,303
Sacramento offers a blend of government and private sector work. Legal professionals here support state agencies and local businesses. Firms like Duane Morris and Littler Mendelson provide excellent career paths.
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What are the best companies a General Counsel can work for?

General Counsel roles at top companies offer competitive salaries. PwC leads with an average salary of $309,300, followed by Wells Fargo at $287,925. Freddie Mac, Google, and Northrop Grumman also provide attractive compensation packages. Elevance Health, Clark Hill PLC, and Latitude offer salaries around $240,000. Edward Jones, CyberCoders, and Latitude provide solid pay options for legal professionals. These companies value their General Counsel, making them attractive for job seekers.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs, highlighting PwC with the highest at $309,300 and Edward Jones with the lowest at $202,705.

PwC
Average Salary: $309,300
PwC offers General Counsel jobs with a focus on providing legal advice and managing risk. The company operates in many locations worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $287,925
Wells Fargo provides General Counsel jobs that involve legal oversight and compliance. The company has a strong presence in the United States, with branches in many states.
Freddie Mac
Average Salary: $282,143
Freddie Mac offers General Counsel jobs focused on mortgage-related legal matters. The company operates nationally in the United States, supporting the housing market.
Google
Average Salary: $274,500
Google provides General Counsel jobs that involve navigating complex legal issues. The company has offices in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $260,996
Northrop Grumman offers General Counsel jobs with a focus on defense and aerospace law. The company operates in the United States and internationally.
Elevance Health
Average Salary: $240,071
Elevance Health provides General Counsel jobs that focus on healthcare law. The company operates in the United States, providing health services and insurance.
Clark Hill PLC
Average Salary: $216,731
Clark Hill PLC offers General Counsel jobs with a focus on litigation and corporate law. The company operates in the United States, with offices in Michigan and Florida.
Latitude
Average Salary: $204,677
Latitude provides General Counsel jobs that involve legal support and compliance. The company operates in the United States, with a focus on financial services.
CyberCoders
Average Salary: $204,609
CyberCoders offers General Counsel jobs with a focus on legal recruitment and advisory services. The company operates in the United States, connecting job seekers with employers.
Edward Jones
Average Salary: $202,705
Edward Jones provides General Counsel jobs that focus on financial services and compliance. The company operates in the United States, with branches in many states.

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Becoming a General Counsel can lead to a rewarding career with a competitive salary. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors. Each one plays a role in enhancing professional value and opening up new opportunities.

First, gaining experience in various legal areas can increase earning potential. Specialization in corporate law, intellectual property, or compliance can make a General Counsel more valuable. Broad experience allows for handling a wide range of legal issues, which is attractive to employers. Second, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can boost salary. An LLM in corporate law or a certification in compliance can set a General Counsel apart. Third, networking within the legal industry can lead to higher-paying positions. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can open doors to new opportunities. Fourth, developing strong leadership skills can lead to higher roles. Leading legal teams and managing large projects can demonstrate readiness for more senior positions. Finally, staying current with industry trends ensures a General Counsel remains competitive. Keeping up with changes in laws and regulations shows dedication to the profession.

Consider these factors to enhance your career as a General Counsel. Each step can lead to increased earning potential and professional growth.

Gain experience in various legal areas
Obtain advanced degrees or certifications
Network within the legal industry
Develop strong leadership skills
Stay current with industry trends

General Counsel Salaries

How much does a General Counsel make?

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel?

What are the best companies a General Counsel can work for?

How to earn more as a General Counsel?

Currently 434 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a General Counsel in the US?

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