how much does a federal lawyer make?

by Hettie Heller DVM 8 min read

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $179,500 and as low as $25,500, the majority of Federal Attorney salaries currently range between $66,000 (25th percentile) to $108,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $144,500 annually across the United States.

How much does a Federal Lawyer make? The average Federal Lawyer in the US makes $79,082. Federal Lawyers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $119,379, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

Full Answer

How much do federal attorneys earn?

A Federal Attorney in your area makes on average $98,351 per year, or $2,276 (2%) more than the national average annual salary of $96,075. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Federal Attorney salaries.

What is the salary of a government lawyer?

Feb 26, 2022 · The typical United States Federal Government Lawyer salary is $149,411 per year. Lawyer salaries at United States Federal Government can range from $73,000 - $204,453 per …

What is the typical beginning salary for a lawyer?

Jul 05, 2017 · Pay rates for first year federal government attorneys may vary based on location. For example, the first year salary for an honor’s attorney in a low cost-of-living city would remain at $50,287, while that salary would rise to $62,467 in a high cost-of-living city such as Washington, D.C.

How much does a lawyer make in the United States?

Jan 06, 2022 · Attorneys who work for the federal government make an average of $130,210, as opposed to state government lawyers, who earn a more modest $82,190 a …

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What type of lawyer gets paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

How much do federal lawyers make in Canada?

The typical Government of Canada Lawyer salary is $100,176 per year. Lawyer salaries at Government of Canada can range from $71,390 - $150,501 per year.Mar 7, 2022

How much do the lowest paid lawyers make?

The lowest-paid 25 percent makes $54,500 or less, while the top five percent earn $121,000. Those with up to three years experience earn an average of $88,500.

How much does a US lawyer earn?

The BLS reports that the average lawyer salary ranges from $61,490 to more than $208,000. The presumption is that lower salaries go to those just starting out, and attorneys who earn at the higher end of the scale are years or even decades into their careers.Jan 31, 2022

What is the highest paying job in the world?

Here are the highest paying jobs of 2022:Anesthesiologist: $208,000.Surgeon: $208,000.Obstetrician and Gynecologist: $208,000.Orthodontist: $208,000.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $208,000.Physician: $208,000.Psychiatrist: $208,000.

What is the highest paying job in Canada?

With that in mind, here are the top 5 highest paying jobs in Canada according to data from the Canadian Visa website:Physician/Doctor – 150,000 CAD/year.Lawyer – 135,000 CAD/year.Miner/Oil and Gas Driller – 77,250 CAD/year.Dentist – 75,000 CAD/year.Registered Nurses – 74,000 CAD/year.Jan 13, 2022

How can a lawyer make 7 figures?

4 Keys to Achieving a 7-Figure IncomeRun your law firm like a business. You studied the law as a noble profession, but to break the seven-figure barrier, you must run your law firm like a business. ... Focus on a niche. ... Identify your ideal target market. ... Pay attention to your firm's finances.

What is a doctor's salary?

187,200 USD (2015)208,000 USD (2019)Physician/Median pay (annual)

How much do the top 10 of lawyers make?

Across all fields and locations, the median salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The same year, the BLS reported that the bottom 10% of lawyers earned under $54,910, while the top 10% earned over $208,000.

How much do divorce lawyers make?

The salaries of Divorce Lawyers in the US range from $25,415 to $679,997 , with a median salary of $121,978 . The middle 57% of Divorce Lawyers makes between $121,979 and $306,401, with the top 86% making $679,997.

Do lawyers make good money?

A: In 2020, the average salary of a lawyer was approximately $12,410 a month, which amounts to about $148,910 a year. Q: Do lawyers who own private practices or partners in law firms have a higher salary? A: Lawyers working in law firms generally earn more than those who own private practices.

How much do nurses make?

Nursing Career2019 Mean SalaryNursing Assistant (CNA)$30,720Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)$48,500Registered Nurse (RN)$77,460Nurse Practitioners (NP)$111,8403 more rows

How much does a Federal Attorney make?

The average annual pay for a Federal Attorney in Chicago is $96,075 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be...

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Federal Attorney Jobs?

Richmond, CA($117,556)Stamford, CT($114,470)Bellevue, WA($114,212)Lakes, AK($110,206)San Francisco, CA($110,179)Palmdale, CA($108,993)Santa Clara,...

What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Federal Attorney Jobs in the U.S.?

Contracts Attorney($205,416)Attorney Partner($152,620)Health CARE Attorney($147,812)Healthcare Attorney($147,812)Corporate Associate Attorney($144,...

United States Federal Government Salary FAQs

How does the salary as a Lawyer at United States Federal Government compare with the base salary range for this job?

Explore Lawyer Salaries

Check out the latest Lawyer Jobs or see Lawyer Salaries at other companies.

How often do judges hire lawyers?

All federal judges hire new attorneys to serve as law clerks either every year or every two years. Judges rely on law school transcripts, writing samples and in-person interviews to decide who they want to work in their chamber.

What is an attorney adviser?

Attorney Advisers. New attorneys also may work in the federal government as attorney advisers. These attorneys conduct research, write briefs and memoranda and advise more senior lawyers and judges, depending on the agency in which they work.

What is a law clerk?

Law clerks conduct extensive legal research, draft legal memoranda, orders and opinions, assist judges in court and advise judges on legal matters. They also interact with lawyers who represent clients, pro se litigants and the public. These lawyers are known as elbow law clerks, because they work closely with judges.

Who is August Jackson?

August Jackson is a contributor to various websites. She has taken courses in copywriting and has worked in corporate America as a proofreader. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Juris Doctor with an emphasis in bankruptcy law. Photo Credits.

What is the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice offers an array of benefits and opportunities to its employees. It recognizes the need to support employees both at work and in their lives outside the workplace by providing both standard Federal benefits and tailored Department benefits.

How long does it take to get a GS-15?

It is possible for attorneys starting at the GS-11 grade level to reach the GS-15 level in three and one-half years. Some components may require longer times-in-grade or restrict the grade level to which non-supervisory attorneys may be promoted.

What is face value insurance?

Face value of the insurance is based on the attorney's salary, and coverage includes payment for loss of limbs and eyesight and accidental death. Additional insurance is optional and available to each attorney.

What is employee assistance?

An Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and referral services. As part of the worklife program, subject to mission requirements, the Department's Flexible Work Options Program offers modified work schedules, such as flexible hours, compressed work schedules, telecommuting, and part-time schedules.

How much do civil rights lawyers make?

The average starting salary for a civil rights lawyer is approximately $45,000 a year, but very capable and experienced attorneys in this field can make as much as $200,000.

What is the job of a tax lawyer?

Tax Lawyer Salary. Tax attorneys act as the representatives of a company, organization or an individual in dealing with federal, state, and local tax agencies. On a day-to-day basis, most tax lawyers give advice to businesses and individuals with regard to all aspects of tax legislation.

What are the responsibilities of a criminal lawyer?

Some of the main responsibilities of a criminal lawyer are to investigate the case at hand, interview witnesses, study case law and procedural law, construct a defense, and plan a strategy for the case. Negotiating plea deals in less serious cases is also within a criminal lawyer’s field of expertise.

What is real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers assist their clients in a variety of ways regarding commercial and residential real estate. Issues regarding tenants, neighbors, zoning and property development also fall under the umbrella of real estate law.

What does a personal injury lawyer do?

In case of an accident or injury, personal injury lawyers represent their clients to obtain justice and compensation for any losses or suffering. The vast majority of these cases fall under the area of tort law.

What is intellectual property law?

Intellectual property law is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of relevant laws in addition to a creative and analytical way of thinking. Intellectual property lawyers, or copyright lawyers, make sure that new intellectual inventions and innovations created by individuals gain the protection of the law, and are not infringed upon by competitors.

Why is it important to have a criminal lawyer?

It is important for a criminal lawyer to have superior written and oral advocacy skills in order to successfully argue a case in front of a judge and a jury. Creative thinking and analytical skills also play a significant role in the process of developing a strategy and doing the research for complex court cases.

How much should you negotiate?

See how your offer stacks up to other pay packages and negotiate confidently.

Recent Salary Reports

Below are the most recent federal law clerk salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

How much do federal law clerks get paid?

Federal clerkships are the highest paying and most competitive positions. As an example, judicial law clerk salaries fall within the following range: Median Annual Salary: $51,330 ($24.68/hour) Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $97,230 ($46.75/hour)

How much do career law clerks make?

The typical United States Federal Courts Career Law Clerk salary is $119,845. Career Law Clerk salaries at United States Federal Courts can range from $116,049 – $121,120.

Is a federal clerkship prestigious?

Successful candidates tend to be very high in their class, with most being members of their law school’s law review or other journal or moot court team. Such clerkships are generally seen as more prestigious than those with state judges. Almost all federal judges have at least one law clerk; many have two or more.

What does a federal law clerk do?

Typically, the broad range of duties assigned to a law clerk includes conducting legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, proofreading the judge’s orders and opinions, verifying citations, communicating with counsel regarding case management and procedural requirements, and assisting the …

Is it worth it to go to law school?

The majority of law school graduates (over three quarters) feel that their degree was not worth the cost. The average law school graduate debt is $145,500, while their starting salary comes in much less.

Are court employees federal employees?

This branch interprets laws. Your officeholders that make laws are part of the legislative branch, along with institutions such as the Library of Congress. If you got a job as a court secretary in a federal tax court, you would be a federal employee in the judicial branch of government.

How much do Scotus clerks make?

For their $74,872 annual salary, clerks often toil until late at night and through the weekend, without a vacation. But once the term is over, their year at One First Street is likely to translate into a massive signing bonus from a big law firm eager to burnish its roster.

What are the benefits of being a federal prosecutor?

All federal prosecutors are also entitled to the following benefits under the federal benefits program: annual leave, sick leave, paid holidays, health care coverage, health care flexible spending account, federal long-term care insurance program, life insurance, and Federal Employees Retirement System savings and investment. Attorneys may also be eligible for the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program. The Department of Justice offers work-life program benefits, an employee assistance program, and flexible work options such as flexible hours, compressed work schedules, telecommuting arrangements, and part-time schedules for some attorneys.

How much does a prosecutor make in 2021?

The first step of the GS-11 job is reserved for entry-level candidates with a recent law degree and pays approximately ​ $55,756 ​ as of 2021. Those with one year of post-law school clerkship, graduate study or fellowship experience are hired at GS-12, which pays approximately ​ $66,829 ​ starting out. Those with two to three years are hired at GS-13, which pays approximately ​ $79,468 ​.

What is a federal prosecutor?

Federal prosecutors pursue legal proceedings against companies, organizations and individuals accused of committing federal crimes . A subset of federal prosecutors are designed as United States attorneys. The practice dates back to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which directed President George Washington to appoint a person to act as an attorney for the United States in each of the 13 federal districts.

What is the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice offers work-life program benefits, an employee assistance program, and flexible work options such as flexible hours, compressed work schedules, telecommuting arrangements, and part-time schedules for some attorneys.

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The Lawyer’S Overall Years of Experience

  • Experience is among the most-important factors that will determine a federal criminal defense lawyer’s salary. As with most careers, as a lawyer gains experience, the lawyer’s salary will increase commensurately. In fact, over the course of their careers, federal criminal defense lawyers’ salaries can change drastically. Even if a federal criminal defense lawyer starts out wit…
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The Lawyer’S Experience in Federal Criminal Cases

  • While overall experience is a key factor, relevantexperience is even more important in many respects. In fact, this will bleed into several of the other factors we discuss below. As we mentioned above, federal criminal defense is a unique area of practice, and even a highly-experienced state criminal defense lawyer won’t necessarily be able to jump into defending clien…
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The Types of Federal Cases The Lawyer Handles

  • Within the area of federal criminal defense, there are numeroussubareas of practice. Defending clients against federal drug charges and murder charges is very different from defending clients against charges of health care fraud and securities fraud, for example. While no one area of federal practice is inherently “better” than any other, cases that involve more sophisticated issue…
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The Size of The Lawyer’S Firm

  • Firm size is a relevant factor when it comes to federal criminal defense lawyers’ salaries as well. It is no secret that big law firms typically pay more than one and two-lawyer offices. However, due to the unique nature of federal criminal practice, many smaller and mid-sized firms have carved out niches in this space. These “boutique” firms often work with a high volume of sophisticated clien…
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How Much Business The Lawyer Creates For The Firm

  • As lawyers progress in their career, they are expected to generate business for their firms. The ability to generate business is a key factor in lawyers’ compensation and their ability to make partner—which go hand-in-hand in many cases. There are a number of ways that lawyers can generate business, and there are seminars and coaching services lawyers can utilize to help gro…
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The Lawyer’S Case History

  • A lawyer who has an extensive case history in federal criminal matters will generally be able to command a higher salary than a lawyer whose case history is limited. This is related to, though not necessarily in lockstep with, a lawyer’s experience. Some lawyers are more efficient than others, and some have more success than others as well. So, while the length of a lawyer’s care…
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The Lawyer’S Reputation

  • If a lawyer has a strong reputation in the federal defense bar, this can provide significant leverage in salary negotiations. The lawyer may have several firms vying for his or her services, and the lawyer will be able to use this to his or her advantage. Typically, a lawyer’s reputation is gained through experience and results. Publishing articles and gaining media exposure can enhance a l…
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The Lawyer’S Capabilities

  • Clients are willing to pay for success, and this means that law firms are willing to pay lawyers who can consistently deliver positive results. Federal criminal defense lawyers who are able to routinely achieve favorable outcomes during investigations, grand jury proceedings, and criminal trials will provide firms with strong selling points, and they will usually see their salaries rise the …
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The Geographic Location Where The Lawyer Practices

  • Geography is an important factor for determining federal criminal defense lawyers’ salaries. For example, ZipRecruiter reports that major cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. are among the locales with the highest average salaries for federal criminal defense lawyers. Additionally, Comparably reports that while federal criminal defense lawyers’ b…
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The Lawyer’S Assumption of A Partnership Or Leadership Role

  • Finally, we touched on partnership briefly, but it is work addressing on its own. As lawyers advance in their careers, becoming a partner, and then taking on a leadership role such as managing partner, can have a significant impact on their overall compensation. For many lawyers, making partner is one of their primary career goals—specifically because of the financial benefit…
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