1. Overview: The Legal Career Landscape
A law degree opens doors to remarkably diverse career paths. While many imagine all lawyers as courtroom advocates, the reality is much more varied - from negotiating billion-dollar deals to defending constitutional rights to advising tech startups.
Where Law School Graduates Work
Source: NALP Class of 2024 Employment Report
2. Big Law (Large Firms)
"Big Law" refers to the largest law firms in the country, typically those with 100+ attorneys and often those ranked in the AmLaw 100 or 200. These firms handle the largest, most complex corporate transactions and litigation.
Typical Work
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Corporate Securities
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Intellectual Property
- Tax
Reality Check
- 2,000+ billable hours/year
- 80% leave within 7 years
- Partnership odds: ~10%
- High stress, high reward
| Year | Base Salary | Bonus (Market) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $215,000 | $20,000 |
| 2nd Year | $225,000 | $25,000 |
| 3rd Year | $250,000 | $50,000 |
| 5th Year | $345,000 | $90,000 |
| 8th Year | $435,000 | $130,000 |
3. Mid-Size & Small Firms
Mid-size firms (20-100 attorneys) and small firms (2-20 attorneys) offer different experiences than Big Law, often with more client contact, varied work, and better work-life balance.
Mid-Size Firms
Often regional powerhouses or national boutiques specializing in specific practice areas.
Salary range: $100,000-180,000 starting
Hours: 1,700-1,900 billable
Small Firms
Serve individuals and small businesses. More autonomy, direct client relationships, varied work.
Salary range: $60,000-120,000 starting
Hours: Variable, often more flexible
4. Government Careers
Government positions offer job security, meaningful work, and loan forgiveness opportunities. Compensation is lower than private practice but benefits are substantial.
Prosecutors
District Attorneys, US Attorneys, State AG offices
Starting: $55,000-85,000
Pros: Immediate courtroom experience, public service
Public Defenders
Federal and state public defender offices
Starting: $50,000-75,000
Pros: Constitutional importance, trial experience
Agency Counsel
SEC, FTC, DOJ, EPA, and other federal agencies
Starting: $65,000-95,000
Pros: Policy impact, expertise development
Military JAG
Judge Advocate General's Corps
Starting: $60,000-80,000 + benefits
Pros: Immediate responsibility, loan repayment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Government attorneys qualify for PSLF: after 120 qualifying payments (10 years) while working in public service, remaining federal loan balance is forgiven. This can be worth $100,000+.
5. In-House Counsel
In-house attorneys work directly for corporations, handling the company's legal needs from the inside. This path typically requires 3-5 years of firm experience first.
Why Lawyers Go In-House
- 1 Work-life balance: More predictable hours, no billable requirements
- 2 Business exposure: Involved in strategy, not just legal issues
- 3 One client: Deep understanding of business vs. juggling many clients
Salary range: $100,000-200,000+ (General Counsel at large companies: $500,000+)
6. Public Interest
Public interest lawyers work for causes rather than clients, focusing on civil rights, environmental protection, poverty law, immigration rights, and other social justice issues.
Legal Aid
Providing free legal services to those who can't afford attorneys
Civil Rights Organizations
ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Lambda Legal
Environmental Law
Earthjustice, Sierra Club, state environmental agencies
Immigration
Asylum work, deportation defense, policy advocacy
Salary range: $45,000-80,000 (PSLF eligible)
7. Solo Practice
About 30% of practicing lawyers are solo practitioners - running their own one-attorney firms. This offers maximum flexibility and autonomy but requires business development skills.
Pros
- Complete autonomy
- Keep all profits
- Choose your clients
- Set your own hours
- No firm politics
Cons
- Unstable income
- Must find own clients
- No benefits (health, retirement)
- Professional isolation
- Handle everything yourself
Common practice areas: Family law, personal injury, estate planning, criminal defense, immigration
Income range: Highly variable - $40,000 to $300,000+
8. Alternative Careers
A law degree opens doors beyond traditional legal practice. Many JDs use their training in business, technology, policy, and other fields.
Compliance
Banks, healthcare, tech companies need compliance officers
$80,000-200,000
Consulting
McKinsey, BCG, and others value legal training
$100,000-250,000
Legal Technology
LegalTech startups, product roles at companies like Thomson Reuters
$100,000-200,000
Academia
Law professors (requires top credentials), legal writing instructors
$80,000-300,000
Politics & Policy
Think tanks, legislative staff, political campaigns
$50,000-150,000
Entrepreneurship
Start your own company (law-related or otherwise)
Variable
9. Salary Comparison by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | 5 Years | 10+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Law | $215,000 | $345,000 | $500,000+ (Partner: $1M+) |
| Mid-Size Firm | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000+ |
| Small Firm | $65,000 | $90,000 | $120,000+ |
| In-House | $110,000 | $150,000 | $250,000+ (GC: $500K+) |
| Government | $60,000 | $85,000 | $130,000+ |
| Public Interest | $52,000 | $65,000 | $85,000+ |
Note: Salaries vary significantly by geographic location. NYC, SF, and DC pay 20-40% higher than national averages.