Corporate lawyer....or Marital/divorce lawyer.....if not among these 2 then which lawyer earns the most and how much?
2007-11-10 19:34:58 · 3 answers · asked by lawyer 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Corporate law is often more lucrative than family law, but there are fewer opportunities in that field. There are a lot of different ways in which lawyers are paid, which confounds the issue. For example, upon graduating from law school, many people become associates at big law firms for a set salary, but others may go into private practice. Depending upon the success of that practice, they may earn more or less than those at the big firms within a couple of years. IF the associates then make partner, their pay varies with the profits of the firm, so how much they make may depend more upon the fortunes of the firm and how much business they bring in, rather than upon their specialties. There are highly successful attorneys in all specialties, from patent lawyers to litigators, to personal injury, to criminal defense, to tax attorneys, but there are also those who are struggling in all fields. Financial success really does not depend upon choosing the right specialty, but upon how effectively you practice it.
2007-11-10 21:30:04 · answer #1 · answered by neniaf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many different "kinds" of lawyers can make a lot in the US. But then many cannot make a lot. I know several (of what I would consider) rich divorce lawyers, and I know one rich corporate lawyer. Between the two, corporate is the more lucrative; but for the first few (or many) years as a corporate lawyer you work BRUTAL hours. Divorce lawyers work more standard hours, usually.
A license to practice law is not a license to print money anymore. If you go to a good school and have good grades then you will have a very good job. If you make bad grades at at a less than stellar school, then you are screwed. Having said that, a law license is very versatile and is not confined to one area. It is a very valuable asset, and many people have and will continue to make a good living with it.
2007-11-10 20:09:21 · answer #2 · answered by Chad S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where, in the USA, you will live and work.
New York City is tops for money for most practice areas in law firms. You will work your way up to higher salaries.
Corporate attorneys do well, in large cities, as do other areas.
When you figure out your practice area(s), you can look at the money issue for various cities in the USA.
As a first year associate you will not make much money.
Do your research about the various practice areas that interest you and then research the salaries for the city where you want to practice and live.
2007-11-10 19:51:56 · answer #3 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋