Becoming a lawyer is no easy feat – it may involve years of schooling, bar exam prep courses, and accruing significant student loan debt to become one.
However, many attorneys can still achieve financial security through specialization. Discover which attorney types make the most money.
1. Corporate Lawyers
Some attorneys have amassed incredible wealth by specializing in high-risk legal cases like medical malpractice and corporate mergers – these complex processes typically command considerable compensation.
Corporate lawyers handle a range of legal issues for businesses, such as formation, venture capital funding, acquisitions and sales. Additionally, they make sure regulatory laws are followed as well as advise boards about their responsibilities.
Lawyers working at prominent firms such as Simpson Thacher typically earn the highest annual salaries. New York and Los Angeles rank highest, with attorneys making an estimated annual average income of $226,510 per year in each city. Washington DC area attorneys specializing in intellectual property law also enjoy lucrative incomes.
2. Real Estate Lawyers
Real estate lawyers provide clients with assistance for real property transactions, draft legal documents, and ensure a seamless transaction process. In some instances, they may even help settle property disputes between owners and tenants. Their salaries tend to be higher due to dealing with high-stakes cases.
A lawyer’s salary varies based on several factors, including their case type, location and how much their client pays them. On average, lawyers in Washington, D.C. tend to make higher annual salaries compared to smaller cities like Seattle.
Goodkin APC provides real estate law services for both business and individual clients in Los Angeles. Their attorneys assist with investment partnerships, commercial leases, affordable housing arrangements and real estate litigation matters.
3. Civil Rights Lawyers
Many attorneys enter the legal profession out of a desire to support and protect a specific population. These lawyers typically take on cases that involve vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers or focus on civil rights issues like excessive force or police misconduct.
Attorneys that specialize in civil rights have long championed social justice and racial equality in America. Fred Gray is among the most acclaimed civil rights lawyers, having collaborated with notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks during their campaigns for social justice.
No matter if you are the victim or witness of police brutality, it is crucial that you contact an NYC civil rights attorney as soon as possible in order to meet all timeframe requirements and get compensation that you deserve. A skilled attorney can help ensure you do just that.
4. Family Lawyers
Family lawyers often deal with delicate matters related to relationships, custody disputes and complex financial situations that impact family. Experienced and compassionate family lawyers will assist with any type of family law matter you encounter.
Family lawyers often act as mediators to settle cases outside of court, saving clients both money, time, and stress while leading to more amicable settlements and happier couples.
Family lawyers that possess board certification in family law are recognized by peers, clients, and the general public for having advanced knowledge and skill regarding divorce, child custody and support matters. We have several attorneys with board certification in family law on staff such as Robert Stephan Cohen, Bernard E. Clair, Jad Greifer and Deborah E. Lans who hold this distinction.
5. Criminal Lawyers
If you are charged with either felony or misdemeanor crimes in New York, it is critical that you secure experienced defense lawyers. A skilled legal representative can help collect evidence, witnesses, and any other materials needed for your defense while also aiding with legal processes to reach a positive result in court.
Many attorneys choose law as a profession to provide service to their communities, acting as public defenders, family attorneys or working for organizations dedicated to helping disadvantaged populations.
Remuneration of lawyers varies based on their specialty area; those dealing with complex or high-stakes cases usually command higher earnings. If you’re interested in one particular area of law, research its salary before making your choice: this way you can find one who best satisfies both your interests and budget needs.
