Exploring 5 of the highest-paid types of lawyers | The Colleges of Law (2024)

Interested in a high-paying legal career? Learn about the highest-paid types of lawyers, their roles, and how our programs can help you achieve your career goals.

In the wide range of legal professions, certain specializations stand out for their substantial financial rewards. The Colleges of Law is committed to training dedicated, ethical, and hardworking lawyers, skills required for success in these and other careers in law.

What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money?

The field of law is diverse, offering a multitude of specializations, each with its unique challenges and rewards. While all legal fields hold the potential for financial success and personal fulfillment, there are certain areas where lawyers, on average, tend to see higher earnings per year.

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:

• Patent Attorneys
• Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys
• Trial Lawyers
• Tax Attorneys
• Corporate Lawyers

This variation in earnings is influenced by factors such as specialization, geographic location, the complexity of the legal field, and the demand for specialized expertise. Some areas of law have emerged as particularly lucrative due to their complexity, the high stakes involved, or the specialized knowledge required.

Patent Attorneys

Patent attorneys are involved in protecting the intellectual property rights of inventions. Their work spans drafting and filing patent applications, advising on patent law, and representing clients in patent litigation. This field is ideal for those who are fascinated by law and technology, offering an exciting blend of innovation and legal expertise.

Patent attorneys will find the Technology Professional Certificate program from The Colleges of Law highly beneficial. This program offers deep insights into areas like data security and blockchain technology, which are increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving field of patent law.

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers on average, they earn an annual income of around $185,000, According to Indeed. Although the salary range varies on a number of factors, the average patent attorney’s salary range falls between $110,000 and $310,000 in the US.*

*Data collected in 2024.

Intellectual Property (IP) Attorneys

IP attorneys play an important role in protecting rights related to artistic and inventive creations. Their responsibilities include negotiating deals, drafting licensing agreements, and representing clients in IP disputes. As the digital and creative landscapes continue to expand, IP attorneys find themselves in a constantly evolving and high-demand field.

IP attorneys will find our Entrepreneurship Professional Certificate to be invaluable. The program focuses on topics like emerging technology and the law, and building legal applications is crucial for IP attorneys working with startups and innovative companies. This certificate offers IP attorneys additional expertise to advise clients on the legal intricacies of launching and growing technology-driven businesses.

IP Attorney Salary

According to Salary.com IP attorneys are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, averaging around $167,000 a year. An IP attorney’s salary normally ranges from around $152,000 and $180,000 annually*

*Data collected in 2024.

Trial Lawyers

Trial lawyers are the strategists of the courtroom, handling everything from investigation to appeal. Their success hinges on their ability to perform legal research, construct compelling arguments, and communicate persuasively. The role offers the excitement of courtroom battles and the satisfaction of being able to advocate for clients’ rights.

Trial lawyers are the strategists of the courtroom, handling everything from investigation to appeal. With the increasing importance of electronic discovery (eDiscovery) in litigation, the Emerging Law Professional Certificate program is invaluable for trial lawyers looking to enhance their competencies in managing electronic information and understanding the legal implications of emerging technologies like AI.

Trial Lawyer Salary

The average salary for trial lawyers is $121,000 a year according to ZipRecruiter, which is one of the highest-paid fields for lawyers in America. The average salary range for a trial lawyer is between $94,000 and $138,000 annually*

*Data collected in 2024

Tax Attorneys

Specializing in tax law, tax attorneys provide invaluable advice on tax-related matters. They guide clients through complex tax laws, represent them in disputes, and offer strategies for tax efficiency. This specialization is perfect for those who enjoy tackling intricate legal and financial issues.

Tax Attorney Salary

Tax attorneys are well-compensated for their specialized knowledge, with an average income of $108,000. Tax attorneys can expect to see a normal salary falling between $86,000 and $117,000 a year according to Salary.com.*

* Data collected in 2024.

Corporate Lawyers

Corporate lawyers are essential in the business world, handling legal issues ranging from mergers to corporate governance. They offer strategic legal advice that can significantly influence the direction of businesses. The field offers a chance to be deeply involved in the inner workings of the corporate sector.

To excel in this area, the Business Operations Professional Certificate program at The Colleges of Law offers a comprehensive understanding of key elements like regulation and compliance, data security, and law practice management. This program equips aspiring corporate lawyers with practical knowledge and skills, enhancing their ability to navigate the business landscape and position themselves for career advancement.

Corporate Lawyer Salary

With an average annual salary of $148,000, corporate lawyers’ are some of the highest-paid types of lawyers in the US. The average salary range for corporate lawyers can range from $86,000 to $254,000 a year according to Indeed.*

*Data collected in 2024.

Your Path to a Rewarding Legal Career Begins Here

At The Colleges of Law, our programs are designed to prepare you for success in your legal career. Our expert faculty, practical training approach, and flexible options ensure you are well-equipped to pursue a rewarding legal career. We offer in-person and hybrid Juris Doctor programs that lay the foundation for a successful career in these specialized law fields. Request more info below to discover more about how we can help you pursue your dream of a career in law.

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