20 Highest-Paying Law Jobs to Pursue in 2024 was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
When considering a career in law, the potential for high earnings is definitely a big draw. The legal field is still home to some of the highest-paying jobs out there, from entry-level positions to roles for seasoned professionals.
Whether it’s passion or the promise of a great paycheck that motivates you, knowing which law jobs are the most profitable can help you shape your career path.
20 of the highest-paying law jobs to consider
The legal field is bustling with opportunities that promise high earnings and exciting challenges. Below, we explore 20 of the top-paying law jobs you might consider for a prosperous career, based on 2023 data (the most current available) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Entertainment lawyer
Average annual salary: $59,846 to $516,750
Entertainment lawyers handle legal jobs matters in the entertainment industry, from contract negotiations to intellectual property rights. They protect clients’ interests in a fast-paced field. Responsibilities include drafting contracts, advising on legal rights, and handling disputes. Skills required include a passion for entertainment, legal knowledge, and negotiation skills.
Find entertainment lawyer jobs on The Muse
2. Tax attorney
Average annual salary: $87,124 to $243,949
Tax attorneys help businesses and individuals navigate complex tax laws. They offer advice on tax planning and represent clients during audits and disputes with tax authorities. Their work involves analyzing tax regulations, preparing legal documents, and advising on tax-efficient strategies. Key skills include analytical thinking, a strong grasp of tax law, and excellent communication.
Find tax attorney jobs on The Muse
3. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Average annual salary: $100,000 to $200,000 (depending on jurisdiction)
Judges oversee legal proceedings in both criminal and civil cases, interpreting laws, assessing evidence, and making rulings. They ensure fair trial procedures and may also write legal opinions. Judges require extensive legal experience, critical thinking, and strong ethical standards.
4. Law professor
Average annual salary: $70,000 to $200,000
Law professors educate students in undergraduate or postgraduate law courses, while also conducting research and publishing scholarly papers. They guide students in understanding the legal system and preparing for careers in various legal fields. Key skills include strong teaching, research, and communication abilities.
Find law professor jobs on The Muse
5. Intellectual property (IP) paralegal
Average annual salary: $153,982 to $199,306
IP paralegals focus on protecting creations of the mind, such as inventions and artistic works. They safeguard creators’ rights in a competitive market. Responsibilities include drafting IP agreements, handling infringement cases, and advising on IP strategy. Essential skills include creativity, legal knowledge, and strategic thinking.
Find intellectual property lawyer jobs on The Muse
6. Trial attorney
Average annual salary: $79,020 to $192,316
Trial attorneys represent clients in court, presenting cases to judges and juries. They handle a wide range of legal jobs disputes, from criminal to civil cases. Daily activities involve preparing legal arguments, examining witnesses, and negotiating settlements. Key skills include excellent public speaking, critical thinking, and resilience.
Find trial attorney jobs on The Muse
7. Cybersecurity lawyer
Average annual salary: $132,962 to $186.050
Cybersecurity lawyers are vital in safeguarding data and systems against cyber threats. They bridge technology and legal jobs, focusing on digital security laws. Their duties involve advising on compliance, handling data breach litigation, and crafting risk mitigation policies. These lawyers guide incident response planning and manage cyber-related legal proceedings. Essential skills include understanding technology and law jobs, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
Find cybersecurity lawyer jobs on The Muse
8. Real estate lawyer
Average annual salary: $144,323 to $183,317
Real estate lawyers handle transactions involving property, ensuring legal compliance in sales and transfers. They help clients navigate zoning laws and property disputes. Daily duties include drafting contracts, conducting title searches, and negotiating deals. Key skills include detailed knowledge of real estate law, negotiation, and analytical thinking.
Find real estate lawyer jobs on The Muse
9. Judicial law clerks
Average annual salary: $59,390 to $166,400 (depending on location and court level)
Judicial law clerks support judges by researching case law, preparing briefs and memos, and assisting in the drafting of opinions. This role requires excellent legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of legal procedures. Clerks gain invaluable insights into the judicial process, often leading to opportunities as practicing attorneys or judges.
Find judicial law clerk jobs on The Muse
10. Labor attorneys
Average annual salary: $80,517 to $150,000
Labor attorneys manage cases involving employment rights, workplace discrimination, and labor unions. They ensure fair treatment for workers and compliance with labor laws. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, representing clients in negotiations, and advising on employment policies. Skills needed include strong negotiation, legal knowledge, and empathy.
Find labor lawyer jobs on The Muse
11. Legal operations manager
Average annual salary: $80,000 to $150,000
Legal operations managers oversee the business aspects of a legal department or law firm, managing budgets, implementing technology solutions, and streamlining processes to ensure efficient operations. Important skills include strong organizational, project management, and leadership abilities.
Find legal operations manager jobs on The Muse
12. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers
Average annual salary: $60,000 to $140,000
These officials oversee hearings and make decisions on claims related to government programs such as Social Security or workers’ compensation. They review evidence, conduct hearings, and issue rulings. Key skills include knowledge of administrative law, objectivity, and excellent decision-making abilities.
Find administrative law judge jobs on The Muse
13. Patent lawyer
Average annual salary: $79,743 to $138,822
Patent lawyers specialize in protecting intellectual property, particularly in tech and pharmaceuticals. They work with inventors to secure patents, safeguarding creations from infringement. Daily tasks involve preparing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and litigating patent disputes. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a technical background are essential.
Find patent lawyer jobs on The Muse
14. Health lawyer
Average annual salary: $100,679 to $135,767
Health lawyers deal with legal jobs issues in healthcare, including malpractice and patient rights. They ensure compliance with health regulations and advocate for clients in medical disputes. Responsibilities include advising healthcare providers, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in court. Skills required include a comprehensive understanding of healthcare law, attention to detail, and strong advocacy.
Find health lawyer jobs here on The Muse
15. Corporate lawyer
Average annual salary: $94,710 to $127,718
Corporate lawyers focus on the legal jobs aspects of business activities, including mergers and acquisitions. They ensure that companies adhere to legal regulations and provide advice on corporate governance. Their daily responsibilities include drafting contracts, negotiating deals, and advising on compliance issues. Key skills include strong negotiation abilities, business acumen, and a deep understanding of corporate law.
Find corporate lawyer jobs on The Muse
16. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
Average annual salary: $45,000 to $120,000
Mediators facilitate negotiations and conflict resolution between disputing parties, striving to achieve mutually agreeable solutions without resorting to litigation. They focus on improving communication and understanding between parties. Essential skills for Mediators include strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Find mediator jobs on The Muse
17. Criminal defense lawyer
Average annual salary: $89,603 to $120,541
Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals accused of crimes, ensuring their legal rights are protected. They investigate cases, negotiate plea deals, and advocate in court. Daily responsibilities include building defense strategies, examining evidence, and representing clients in trials. Key skills include critical thinking, public speaking, and resilience.
Find criminal defense lawyer jobs on The Muse
18. Compliance attorney
Average annual salary: $79,874 to $107,711
Compliance attorneys ensure that companies adhere to laws and regulations, preventing legal issues. They develop policies and conduct audits to maintain compliance. Daily duties involve advising on regulatory requirements, drafting compliance plans, and conducting training. Essential skills include attention to detail, legal expertise, and proactive problem-solving.
Find compliance attorney jobs on The Muse
19. Immigration lawyer
Average annual salary: $77,757 to $104,856
Immigration lawyers assist clients with visas, citizenship, and deportation cases. They navigate complex immigration laws to protect clients’ rights. Tasks involve preparing applications, representing clients in hearings, and advising on immigration policies. Essential skills include cultural sensitivity, legal expertise, and strong advocacy.
Find immigration lawyer jobs on The Muse
20. Legal support workers
Average annual salary: $60,000 to $90,000
Legal support workers encompass a wide range of roles such as law clerks, court reporters, and legal secretaries. These professionals provide support to lawyers and judges by performing administrative tasks, transcribing legal proceedings, and managing office operations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with legal software are necessary for success in these roles.
Find legal support jobs on The Muse
Pursuing a legal career
The legal field offers a diverse range of career opportunities, each with its own earning potential and areas of expertise. Whether you’re drawn to intellectual property, criminal defense, or corporate law, there’s a high-paying job in law that could align with your skills and interests.
Remember, while a great salary is definitely appealing, it’s just as important to find a role that matches your passions and long-term goals. With the right training, experience, and commitment, one of these high-paying law jobs could lead you to both career satisfaction and financial success.
Read this next: 15 Careers in Criminal Justice You Can Have with Your Degree
