Lawyers provide legal advice, counsel clients on their legal rights, and represent them in court proceedings. They research laws, regulations, and legal precedents, prepare legal documents (such as contracts or wills), negotiate settlements, and advocate for clients in trials. Lawyers may specialize in areas like criminal law, corporate law, family law, or environmental law. Communication skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ethical judgment are essential in this profession.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $83,120.00 |
25th percentile | $98,280.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $131,200.00 |
75th percentile | $151,280.00 |
90th percentile | $184,830.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $39.96 |
25th percentile | $47.25 |
median (50th percentile) | $63.08 |
75th percentile | $72.73 |
90th percentile | $88.86 |
To become a lawyer, individuals typically need to complete an undergraduate degree (bachelor's degree), which is a prerequisite for admission to law school. Prospective lawyers must then attend and graduate from an accredited law school, which usually takes three years of full-time study. After obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, aspiring lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state where they intend to practice. Consequently, completing high school and college education is necessary for pursuing a career as a lawyer. Following graduation from law school and passing the bar exam, new lawyers often undergo additional on-the-job training in the form of internships, clerkships, or associate positions at law firms. Through these experiences, they gain practical skills and knowledge about specific legal fields. Continuing legal education (CLE) programs also provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for established lawyers to stay up-to-date with changes in the law and further their expertise in specialized areas of practice.