Cameron Miranda
Obtaining a law degree can be a costly endeavour, with many students graduating with debt. However, a law degree can also lead to various lucrative career paths and financial opportunities. Law school graduates can expect a wide range of starting salaries, from as low as $50,000 to over $200,000. Several factors influence earnings, including the size and type of organisation, the specific area of law practised, and geographical location. Law students can also earn money during their studies through part-time jobs, summer associate positions, scholarships, and freelancing. While money may be a motivating factor, individuals should also consider their career goals, life satisfaction, and the intangible benefits that a law degree can offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary range for law school graduates | $50,000–$215,000 |
| Average salary across all occupations in 2022 | $61,900 |
| Average salary for entry-level lawyers in civil legal services in 2022 | $57,500 |
| Average salary for entry-level lawyers as public defenders in 2022 | $59,700 |
| Average salary for entry-level lawyers at public interest organizations in 2022 | $63,200 |
| Average first-year salary at law firms with fewer than 100 lawyers in 2023 | $155,000 |
| Average first-year salary at larger law firms with 501–700 lawyers in 2023 | $200,000 |
| Ways to earn money while in law school | Working as a research assistant, paralegal, legal administrative assistant, clerk, tutor, or debate coach; selling goods or services; applying for scholarships and grants; or taking on freelance work |
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What You'll Learn
- Salary expectations: first-year lawyers can expect a salary of $50,000 to $205,000
- Scholarships and grants: explore funding sources to reduce financial burden
- Summer jobs: paid opportunities with law firms, government agencies, or businesses
- Freelancing: local law firms, legal clinics, and non-profits often hire freelancers
- Part-time work: gain experience and skills with part-time roles at a law firm, courthouse, etc
Salary expectations: first-year lawyers can expect a salary of $50,000 to $205,000
A law degree can open doors to various career paths, each offering different salary expectations. While salary should not be the sole focus for law school graduates, it is an important consideration. The standard of living that a salary can afford depends on the cost of living in a particular location. For example, a graduate earning $100,000 in Indianapolis may have a better standard of living than someone earning $250,000 in New York City due to the difference in living costs.
First-year lawyers can expect a wide range of salaries, with most positions offering a salary above the national annual average of $61,900 across all occupations in 2022. Median salaries for first-year associates at law firms have increased since 2021, regardless of firm size. The median first-year salary in law firms with 100 or fewer lawyers was $155,000 in 2023, a significant increase from $120,000 in 2021. Larger firms with 501 to 700 lawyers saw an even greater numerical jump, with the median first-year salary rising to $200,000 in 2023 from $155,000 in 2021.
However, it's important to note that the prevalence of high salaries in large firms coexists with generally lower salaries among other employers, creating a bimodal salary distribution. While some first-year lawyers can expect salaries of up to $190,000 or even up to $205,000, many others fall into the $45,000 to $75,000 range, with over half of reported salaries being $75,000 or less.
Public interest law, which includes working for nonprofits or public defender offices, typically offers lower salaries. In 2022, the average pay for entry-level lawyers in civil legal services was $57,500, $59,700 for public defenders, and $63,200 for attorneys at public interest organizations. However, there are exceptions, such as entry-level public defender positions in San Jose, California, which offer salaries of around $121,000.
Overall, while a law degree can lead to lucrative career opportunities, the salary range for first-year lawyers varies widely depending on various factors, including firm size, location, and the public or private sector.
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Scholarships and grants: explore funding sources to reduce financial burden
Scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the financial burden of a law degree, which is often a challenging and expensive pursuit. There are a variety of funding sources available to law students, each with its own unique criteria and benefits.
One option is to explore scholarships offered by law schools themselves. For example, NYU School of Law offers the Hauser, Podell, and Vanderbilt Scholarships, as well as Dean's Graduate Awards. These scholarships are typically merit-based and can provide full or partial funding for a student's law degree. Other law schools may have similar opportunities, so it is worth investigating the financial aid offerings of any prospective law school.
There are also numerous external scholarships and grants available to law students. These awards can be need-based or merit-based and may be offered by private organizations, non-profits, or government entities. For instance, the Law Office of George J. Skuros offers the Justice in Family Law Scholarship to students passionate about promoting equity in family law. Similarly, the Law Office of Eric M. Mark provides scholarships to students from immigrant families or those actively involved in their community.
Some scholarships are tailored to specific demographics or interests. For example, the Daughters of Penelope offers scholarships to young women with a family member or legal guardian in their organization. There are also scholarships for students of a particular heritage, such as those of Cuban descent, or those with ties to a specific region, like the Mahoning Valley. Additionally, certain scholarships are geared towards students with specific career interests, like those aspiring to become personal injury lawyers.
Law students can also explore funding opportunities beyond scholarships and grants. For instance, part-time work during the academic year or summer break can provide a source of income. Law firms and government agencies often hire students for research or litigation support roles, providing practical experience and financial benefits. Additionally, law schools may offer venture funds or summer fellowships for students with entrepreneurial aspirations.
In conclusion, scholarships and grants are valuable tools for reducing the financial burden of a law degree. By exploring a range of funding sources, from law school scholarships to external awards and part-time work, students can alleviate financial stress and focus on their studies. With careful research and a proactive approach, law students can access the financial support they need to succeed in their legal careers.
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Summer jobs: paid opportunities with law firms, government agencies, or businesses
Summer jobs are a great way for law students to gain practical experience and observe lawyers at work. Many law firms, government agencies, and businesses offer paid summer opportunities for students to conduct research, assist in preparing for litigation, or perform other legal tasks. These positions can provide valuable insights into the legal profession and help students build their professional networks.
Law firms often hire students as summer associates, which can be a crucial stepping stone to working in a large law firm after graduation. Students who perform well during their summer stint may receive offers to return as full-time associates. For those interested in public interest careers, it is essential to choose summer jobs related to their specific field of interest. While these positions may be relatively low-paid, they offer valuable experience and can enhance your resume.
The Department of Justice, for example, offers the Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP), a competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships. This program provides law students with exceptional legal experience and exposure to the Department of Justice. Various U.S. Attorneys' Offices participate in SLIP, and selections are based on several factors, including academic achievement, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to government service.
In addition to law firms and government agencies, businesses also offer summer opportunities for law students. These positions may involve working in-house on legal teams or gaining experience in a specific area of law relevant to the company's operations. Summer jobs in businesses can provide insights into how legal services are utilized in a corporate setting and offer a different perspective from traditional law firm roles.
Overall, summer jobs offer law students valuable opportunities to apply their legal knowledge, develop practical skills, and build professional connections. Whether in a law firm, government agency, or business, these paid positions can provide a strong foundation for a successful legal career and help students make informed decisions about their future paths.
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Freelancing: local law firms, legal clinics, and non-profits often hire freelancers
Freelancing is a popular option for law students and graduates to make money. Local law firms, legal clinics, and non-profit organisations often hire freelancers to handle overflow work, and this provides valuable experience and networking opportunities.
There are several ways to get started as a freelance lawyer. You can choose to be a part-time or full-time virtual associate for a firm, or you can build your own freelancing business and serve multiple attorneys. Freelancers can also pick up short-term projects or work on a project-by-project basis, which allows for flexibility and the ability to choose your workload. For example, you may be hired to prepare a single document, or you could work on a longer-term project like assisting with an M&A transaction.
Freelancers can find work through online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Guru, and LAWCLERK. These sites offer a wide range of projects, including writing, editing, proofreading, research, and legal advice. It is important to market yourself effectively and build a successful business plan. You can do this by specialising in specific legal areas that align with your interests and strengths, and by networking with lawyers and legal professionals through LinkedIn and legal forums.
In addition to online platforms, freelancers can also reach out directly to law firms, legal organisations, and businesses to offer their services in content creation, social media management, and virtual legal support. Freelancers can assist with legal research, document drafting, case management, client consultations, and administrative tasks.
Ghostwriting is another option for freelance writers. Ghostwriters produce content for a fee but do not receive credit for their work. This can be a lucrative option, depending on the nature of the assignment.
Freelancing provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in the legal field, build a portfolio, and develop expertise. It also allows for flexibility, giving you control over your schedule and workload. However, it is important to note that freelancing requires self-discipline and commitment, as you will need to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work.
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Part-time work: gain experience and skills with part-time roles at a law firm, courthouse, etc
Law school is an expensive choice, and many students opt for part-time work to help cover the costs. Part-time work can also provide valuable experience and skills that will benefit your future career.
Part-time work can help you develop problem-solving, project management, and organisational skills. You will learn to balance school and work responsibilities, which will help you become more organised and manage your time effectively. Communication skills are also important as you will need to communicate your needs and expectations to your professors, coworkers, and employers.
There are various part-time roles that law students can consider, including:
- Nonprofit associate: Working with a nonprofit organisation can provide valuable experience and allow you to develop your skills in a practical setting.
- Tutor: You can tutor students in general academic subjects or specifically for the law school admissions test. Tutoring can help sharpen your communication and teaching skills, which are essential for future legal professionals.
- Online researcher: Conducting research for law firms or government agencies can provide you with practical experience and insights into the legal field.
- Social media representative: This role can help you develop your communication and marketing skills, which can be beneficial for promoting legal services in the future.
- Law clerk or courthouse assistant: Working in a courthouse or as a law clerk can give you first-hand experience in the legal environment and help you build a strong resume for future lawyer positions.
It is important to carefully consider the type of part-time work you take on, as some jobs may provide a welcome break from your studies, while others may add to your workload and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
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Frequently asked questions
The salary of a law degree holder depends on several factors, including the sector and location. Law school graduates can expect a starting salary ranging from $50,000 to $205,000. The median salary for lawyers in 2019 was $122,960 per year.
Patent and intellectual property (IP) attorneys, trial lawyers, and tax attorneys are considered in-demand fields with higher incomes.
Yes, there are many opportunities for law students to earn income during their studies. These include part-time jobs with law firms, courthouses, judges, or private attorneys. Summer jobs for 2Ls are usually paid, with salaries depending on the workplace.
Scholarships and grants are excellent ways to reduce the cost of law school. Many organizations, including law schools, law firms, and companies, offer scholarships specifically for law students. Freelancing is another option to consider, although it requires good time management and discipline.
Yes, law students can take on non-legal jobs such as tutoring, coaching a debate team, or turning hobbies into businesses. These jobs may not be strictly legal, but they help develop essential skills such as communication and logical reasoning.
