How much does a Staff Attorney make?
A Staff Attorney often works for a law firm or a corporation. They help create legal documents and represent their clients in court. These attorneys also advise their clients on various legal matters. Their salary can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company they work for.
According to recent data, the salary for a Staff Attorney ranges from $54,800 to $225,000 per year. Most Staff Attorneys earn between $70,273 and $132,164. The average yearly salary for this role is around $106,272. The higher the salary, the more experience and responsibilities the attorney usually has. Good performance and a strong reputation can also lead to higher earnings over time.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Attorney?

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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $148,650
Memphis offers a chance to practice law in a vibrant city. You'll work with a mix of local and national firms. Opportunities exist in areas like civil litigation and corporate law.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $143,481
San Jose has a booming tech industry. This city is ideal for attorneys specializing in intellectual property and employment law. Companies like Google and Intel need skilled legal professionals.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $140,703
Las Vegas provides a dynamic environment for legal work. The city's diverse industry needs attorneys in areas like gaming law and real estate. The lively atmosphere keeps work interesting.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $133,245
Portland offers a unique setting for legal careers. The city's focus on sustainability and innovation leads to opportunities in environmental law. Startups and established businesses alike require legal expertise.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $132,179
Colorado Springs provides a blend of outdoor beauty and legal work. You can find opportunities in real estate, family law, and government contracts. The scenic backdrop makes work more enjoyable.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $130,110
San Francisco is a hub for legal professionals. The city's tech scene offers many openings in tech law. Well-known firms and startups need skilled attorneys to navigate complex legal landscapes.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $127,390
Sacramento offers a mix of political and corporate legal work. You can find roles in public policy and business law. The state's capital means a steady flow of legal activity.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $127,183
Los Angeles provides a rich environment for legal careers. The city's entertainment industry creates many opportunities in media law. You can also find roles in real estate and corporate law.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $126,982
Seattle offers a strong legal market. The tech industry's presence leads to many openings in intellectual property and employment law. The city's culture supports a diverse legal practice.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $125,548
New Haven provides a balanced legal environment. You can find roles in education law and non-profit sectors. The city's academic institutions create many opportunities for legal professionals.
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What are the best companies a Staff Attorney can work for?

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Goodwin Procter LLP
Average Salary: $253,182
Goodwin Procter LLP offers competitive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They operate in multiple locations, including Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Staff Attorneys here work on a wide range of cases, from corporate to litigation.
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FedEx
Average Salary: $196,307
FedEx provides attractive compensation for Staff Attorneys. This company operates globally, with a strong presence in Memphis, Tennessee. Staff Attorneys at FedEx handle complex legal matters, focusing on corporate law and compliance.
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Con Edison
Average Salary: $177,273
Con Edison offers a good salary for Staff Attorneys. They mainly operate in New York City. Staff Attorneys here work on legal issues related to energy distribution and corporate governance.
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Kahana & Feld LLP
Average Salary: $175,781
Kahana & Feld LLP is known for its competitive salaries. They have offices in New York City and San Francisco. Staff Attorneys at this firm specialize in intellectual property law and litigation.
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Earthjustice
Average Salary: $164,693
Earthjustice offers a solid salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate nationwide with a focus on environmental law. Locations include San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. Staff Attorneys here focus on litigation and advocacy.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $156,375
Robert Half provides competitive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They have multiple offices across the U.S. This company offers diverse opportunities in corporate law and litigation.
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The Hartford
Average Salary: $153,945
The Hartford offers attractive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They are based in Hartford, Connecticut. Staff Attorneys here handle a variety of legal matters, including insurance and corporate law.
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Lois Law Firm, LLC
Average Salary: $147,500
Lois Law Firm, LLC offers a good salary for Staff Attorneys. They have offices in New York City and Los Angeles. Staff Attorneys here work on corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property.
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American Civil Liberties Union
Average Salary: $140,521
The American Civil Liberties Union provides a competitive salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate nationwide with a strong presence in New York City. Staff Attorneys focus on civil liberties, litigation, and advocacy.
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US Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Average Salary: $133,484
The US Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys offers a solid salary for Staff Attorneys. This federal entity operates across the U.S. Staff Attorneys handle criminal and civil cases, focusing on federal law enforcement.
How to earn more as a Staff Attorney?
Becoming a Staff Attorney can lead to a rewarding career. However, many seek ways to earn more in this profession. Here are some strategies to help increase your income.
Experience plays a big role in salary increases. The more you work, the more you learn. Specialize in a niche area of law to stand out and command higher rates. Networking with other legal professionals also opens doors to better-paying opportunities. Don't hesitate to ask for a raise if you have proven your value. Lastly, consider moving to areas with a higher cost of living, where salaries are often higher.
Here are some specific steps to consider:
- Gain experience and specialize in a high-demand area of law.
- Network with other legal professionals to learn about new opportunities.
- Ask for a raise when you have demonstrated your worth.
- Consider relocating to areas with higher salaries.
- Pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees to boost your qualifications.



