How much does a lawyer fresh out of college from a moderately good law school earn in the US?

Question

It is for a survey.
Genuine answers only unless u want to be reported

Answer 1

That depends on where in the country he/she is practicing, what area of law he/she is practicing in, and whether he/she is in private or public practice. Starting salaries can range from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on a multitude of factors.

Answer 2

There are several surveys of this, the best of which being by American Lawyer Media... you can also check the Yahoo group greedyassociates.

Bottom line: it depends upon the firm at which the young graduate lands a job - and that depends upon grades and interviewing skills.

The range is anywhere from $20,000 in a small public advocacy law group to $175,000 for a top New York firm with a top first year bonus. No joke...$175k is possible.

Answer 3

It truly depends on where you live within the country.

If you live in a faster economic area, such as Texas or California....you not only will get paid more, but you can charge a higher rate for services rendered due to the better houshold income of the residents there.

If you live in a dead economy, such as Pennsylvania or Louisiana, you won't earn much....and they're dead broke for the most part....so good luck charging anything but the lowest rates for services rendered.

I hope that helps.

Answer 4

First year lawyer should make between $80,000 to $125,000 depnding on the private law firm that hires her and what city she works in.

If first-year lawyer works for the government, the pay is much lower. She will probably make between $40,000 to $60,000.

The better your grades are in law school, the better the chances you have to make more money.

Usually (but not always) the better the law school you go to, the more money you will make.