If you are considering a career in the legal profession, you may be wondering what are the highest paying jobs. It’s no secret that lawyers have the potential to make quite a lot of money. Keep scrolling for our list of the year’s 15 highest paying jobs in the legal profession.
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1. Chief Legal Officer (CLO) – $200,000+
What They Do: As the top legal executive in a company, a Chief Legal Officer (CLO) oversees legal strategy, ensures compliance with laws, and advises executives on risk management.
Degree Needed: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, plus years of legal experience.
2. Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney – $180,000+
What They Do: These lawyers protect patents, trademarks, and copyrights, helping inventors and businesses safeguard their ideas.
Degree Needed: JD degree and a background in science, engineering, or technology can be helpful.
3. Trial Lawyer – $160,000+ (Top attorneys can earn millions!)
What They Do: Known for their courtroom skills, trial lawyers handle civil and criminal cases, presenting arguments, questioning witnesses, and persuading juries.
Degree Needed: JD degree and bar exam passage in their practicing state.
4. Judge – $150,000+ (Federal judges can earn even more!)
What They Do: Judges preside over court cases, interpreting laws, making rulings, and ensuring justice is served.
Degree Needed: JD degree, years of legal experience, and in many cases, appointment or election.
5. Law Firm Partner – $300,000+ (Depends on firm and client base)
What They Do: Partners share ownership in a law firm, manage major cases, and oversee junior attorneys. Their salaries can be incredibly high if they bring in big clients.
Degree Needed: JD degree, years of practice, and a proven track record of success.
6. Corporate Counsel – $140,000+
What They Do: These lawyers work for large companies, advising on contracts, regulatory compliance, and business deals.
Degree Needed: JD degree with experience in corporate law.
7. Law Professor – $130,000+
What They Do: Teach future lawyers at law schools, conduct research, and write legal publications.
Degree Needed: JD degree (some may also have a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or Ph.D. in Law).
8. Litigation Support Director – $100,000+
What They Do: Oversee legal technology, data management, and e-discovery in major court cases.
Degree Needed: A JD degree helps, but some enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or IT.
9. Legal Consultant – $120,000+
What They Do: Help companies navigate legal challenges without being tied to a law firm. Many former attorneys transition into consulting roles.
Degree Needed: JD degree and experience in a specialized area of law.
10. Arbitrator – $100,000+
What They Do: Resolve legal disputes outside the courtroom, helping businesses and individuals settle cases faster and more affordably.
Degree Needed: JD degree or significant legal experience.
11. Compliance Officer – $95,000+
What They Do: Ensure that companies follow state and federal laws, preventing costly legal violations.
Degree Needed: A JD degree is useful, but a bachelor’s degree in business or law with a compliance certification can also work.
12. Tax Attorney – $120,000+
What They Do: Help businesses and individuals navigate complex tax laws, reducing liabilities and avoiding penalties.
Degree Needed: JD degree, often with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation.
13. Family Lawyer – $90,000+ (Varies by location and caseload)
What They Do: Handle divorces, child custody battles, and adoption cases, often dealing with emotional and high-stakes issues.
Degree Needed: JD degree with specialization in family law.
14. Contracts Manager – $85,000+
What They Do: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for businesses, ensuring legal protection.
Degree Needed: A bachelor’s degree in law, business, or finance; JD preferred.
15. Mediator – $80,000+ (Varies by case volume and specialty)
What They Do: Help resolve legal disputes without going to court, acting as a neutral third party.
Degree Needed: JD degree or a background in conflict resolution or counseling.
Final Thoughts
The legal profession offers many lucrative opportunities, whether you want to argue cases in court, advise corporations, or teach future lawyers. While most high-paying jobs require a JD degree, roles like compliance officer, contracts manager, and mediator offer alternative paths.
If you’re passionate about law, there’s a rewarding (and well-paid!) career waiting for you—all you have to do is choose your path and get started!
