after taxes.
2007-08-12 05:39:36 · 4 answers · asked by babykwas4 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
As others have said, it runs the gamut. Also, the "after taxes" aspect isn't really quantifiable because there are other variables -- even a lawyer making very little may be in a high tax bracket if s/he has other income, or a spouse with an income.
Even limiting the answers to "gross income," there is no single answer. A first year associate at a big firm makes a lot of money, but even that amount varies depending on the firm and, perhaps more importantly, where that firm is based. For instance, a firm with its head office in NYC has a higher scale than a firm with its head office in Washington, DC.
Two examples showing a range:
A first year associate at NY based firm Weil Gotshal, who works in that firm's South Florida office, has a base salary of $160,000/year (or did as of February, I believe there has been yet another increase since then). As a "first year" a few years ago, working for a small law office in midtown Manhattan -- where the cost of living is....high...to say the least -- I've had friends earning a whopping $35,000/year.
It all depends: who do you work for, what area of law, where in the country, etc. But mostly: who do you work for.
If you're interested in working for big firms, the information on salaries paid to associates is public and can be found on the 'net, and by asking around. Some other information can be easily ascertained as well, e.g. what a first year working for a particular DA's office will make. However, that information is mostly available as it pertains to younger/newer lawyers, and less accessible for lawyers who are more....seasoned.
Hope that helps.
2007-08-12 06:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by ljb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There happens to be many different fields of law that attorneys practice and also no two lawyers make the same amount. But they potentially make a very good living.
2007-08-12 05:44:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who they work for, how much they earn, how often they work -- and cost of living in their area.
Some make as little as $50K a year working for legal aid, non-profit groups, govt agencies -- etc.
It's a huge spectrum -- going up to some who make millions a year -- there is no single answer.
2007-08-12 05:43:10 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to the us department of labor the median is 94,930.
check out their website for more detailed info. scroll down to the earnings heading.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm
2007-08-12 05:45:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋