Would a lawyer practicing in California or British Columbia make more money?

Question

I am from Vancouver, I don't know if I should just stay in Canada and go to UBC and practice here, or apply at Stanford and practice in California. Any thoughts?

I think I would want to practice business law more than criminal....I hate the idea of defending people that are blatantly guilty of a big crime like murder.

Answer 1

If you are going to law school just to make a ton of money you should really reconsider it.

You make no mention of perspective practice area.

How much money you make out of the gate does depend on what school you go to and the grades you get, but lawyers have the ability to make as much money as they are worth and often times more than they are worth regardless of where they go to school.

Considering that the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian in the pure net wealth earning US dollars gives you more money.

Answer 2

If you are just in it for the money, what kind of law you go into is going to be the most important thing, and that may define where you live. For example, one of the most lucrative areas of law is patent law, and the highest paid attorneys also have science or engineering degrees. But most of the patent work is in Washington, D.C. Entertainment law can be very well paid for some fortunate lawyers, but that means an L.A. base, with one of the highest housing costs in North America.

(The criminal law comment is amusing. Excepting those very few attorneys who represent "big name" defendants, criminal law is more of a calling, like the priesthood. One does not go into it for the money.)

That said, there is probably little question but that an associate's salary in a big California firm is going to be higher than the equivalent position in B.C., and partner's pay significantly higher. However, the previous comment concerning cost of living is certainly correct. If you are trying to make the big bucks, you are going to have to live in the most expensive parts of California, and the cost of living may wipe out a great deal of the pay differential.

I'd also note that recent studies have shown what I have always known. Once your basic needs are fulfilled, more money does not make you happier. There are so many things you can do in law--look for work you love and live in a place you love. If it pays well, so much the better, and with a Stanford or UBC degree you sure won't starve. But 30 years of doing something boring or living in a place you dislike just will not be offset by the money (which is why I am NOT in business law).

Answer 3

British Columbia

Answer 4

Stay in Canada!!!! Although you won't make as much money, the cost of living is a LOT lower, and the difference will be greater than the difference of salaries, putting you out on top.

Answer 5

California's crime rate has to be higher therefore I'm going to say you would make more money there.