How much does a Staff Attorney make?
A Staff Attorney plays a key role in the legal field, often working for government agencies, non-profits, or large corporations. This position involves providing legal advice, drafting documents, and representing the organization in court. The salary for this role can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer. On average, a Staff Attorney earns about $99,645 per year.
The salary range for Staff Attorneys can be quite broad. The lowest 10% of earners make around $52,500 annually, while the highest 10% can earn over $200,000. Most Staff Attorneys fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries ranging from $67,727 to $143,864. This range shows that with experience and skill, there is potential for significant growth in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Attorney?
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $140,460
In San Jose, legal professionals work in a dynamic tech hub. Companies like Google and Apple offer exciting opportunities. The tech-focused environment provides unique challenges and growth.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $127,081
Memphis offers a vibrant legal scene with a mix of corporate and public interest work. Local firms and major companies provide diverse experiences. The city's rich culture enhances the work environment.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $124,241
Las Vegas presents a bustling legal landscape with a mix of entertainment and business law. Working here means dealing with a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The city's unique atmosphere adds to the experience.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $121,885
San Francisco is a hub for legal innovation, especially in tech and finance. Working here means collaborating with top firms and companies. The city's progressive culture enriches the legal field.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $120,744
Los Angeles offers a diverse legal market with opportunities in entertainment and real estate. The city's vibrant culture and large population create a dynamic work environment. Major firms and entertainment companies are prominent here.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $119,307
Seattle provides a thriving legal scene with a focus on technology and environmental law. Working here means being part of a community that values innovation. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer exciting opportunities.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $119,020
Riverside offers a balanced legal environment with a mix of corporate and public sector work. The city's growing tech scene adds new opportunities. Working here offers a mix of challenges and growth.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $118,749
Salt Lake City presents a stable legal market with a focus on energy and environmental law. The city's strong community values create a supportive work environment. Local firms and major companies provide diverse experiences.
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Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $116,290
Brownsville offers a unique legal landscape with a focus on immigration and border law. Working here means dealing with complex and impactful cases. The city's vibrant culture adds to the experience.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $115,490
Tulsa provides a growing legal market with opportunities in energy and healthcare law. The city's strong community values create a supportive work environment. Local firms and major companies offer diverse experiences.
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What are the best companies a Staff Attorney can work for?
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gpac
Average Salary: $181,250
GPAC offers competitive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They provide opportunities in various locations, including major cities across the U.S. Their roles often involve complex legal work and require strong analytical skills.
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FedEx
Average Salary: $179,352
FedEx provides a high average salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate globally, with major offices in the U.S. and internationally. Staff Attorneys here handle legal matters related to corporate operations and logistics.
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Kahana & Feld LLP
Average Salary: $175,781
Kahana & Feld LLP offers attractive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They are based in New York City and focus on providing legal services in various areas. Their roles demand excellent legal research and writing skills.
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Earthjustice
Average Salary: $157,583
Earthjustice offers a good salary for Staff Attorneys. They are based in the U.S. and focus on environmental law. Their roles involve litigation and advocacy for environmental protection.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $154,096
CyberCoders provides competitive salaries for Staff Attorneys. They have offices in several U.S. cities. Their roles often require handling legal issues related to technology and cybersecurity.
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The Hartford
Average Salary: $153,919
The Hartford offers a solid salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate nationwide, with offices in major cities. Their roles include legal work related to insurance and risk management.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $153,237
Robert Half provides a good salary for Staff Attorneys. They have offices across the U.S. and internationally. Their roles involve legal work in various industries, requiring strong communication skills.
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Lois Law Firm, LLC
Average Salary: $147,500
Lois Law Firm, LLC offers a competitive salary for Staff Attorneys. They are based in the U.S. and focus on providing legal services in various areas. Their roles demand excellent legal research and writing skills.
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US Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Average Salary: $131,252
This office offers a respectable salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate across the U.S. and handle federal legal matters. Their roles involve working on cases that impact the nation.
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United States Department of Justice
Average Salary: $130,134
The U.S. Department of Justice offers a competitive salary for Staff Attorneys. They operate nationwide and handle a wide range of legal cases. Their roles require strong legal skills and a commitment to public service.
How to earn more as a Staff Attorney?
A Staff Attorney can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong reputation in the legal field can lead to higher-paying positions. This involves taking on challenging cases and delivering successful outcomes. Networking with other legal professionals can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending conferences and seminars can also help in gaining visibility and recognition.
Another way to earn more is by gaining specialized skills. This could mean obtaining certifications in a specific area of law, such as environmental law or intellectual property. These specialized skills can make a Staff Attorney more valuable to employers. Working with a mentor can also provide guidance on how to advance in the field. This mentorship can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can result in a higher income. This includes understanding the market rate for similar positions and being prepared to discuss compensation during interviews.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Staff Attorney:
- Build a strong reputation in the legal field.
- Gain specialized skills and certifications.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
- Network with other legal professionals.
- Negotiate salary and benefits effectively.
