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1. Average Salary: How Much Do Entry Level Lawyers Make?
If you're wondering how much do entry level lawyers make, you're not alone. It's one of the most searched questions among recent law graduates—and for good reason. The answer, though, isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nationally in the U.S., entry-level lawyers make anywhere from $55,000 to $200,000+ annually, depending largely on geography, firm size, and practice area.
According to the latest NALP (National Association for Law Placement) data, the median starting salary for new law grads in 2024 was around $85,000. But that number splits dramatically between large law firms and smaller or regional employers. Big Law firms in cities like New York or San Francisco often pay upwards of $215,000 as a starting salary, while small firms or government positions may start in the $50,000–$70,000 range.
2. Factors That Influence Entry Level Lawyer Salaries
2.1 Law Firm Size and Prestige
A first-year associate at a top-tier firm like Cravath, Swaine & Moore or Kirkland & Ellis may start at more than $215,000, excluding bonuses. These firms have deep pockets and fiercely competitive hiring processes. On the other hand, a small family law practice in the Midwest might offer $60,000 to start—but with more work-life balance and quicker courtroom exposure.
2.2 Geographic Location
Where you practice law has a huge impact on what you earn. New York, California, and Washington D.C. offer the highest average salaries for new lawyers. Meanwhile, states like Montana, Mississippi, or West Virginia offer lower pay—often reflecting lower living costs and different client bases.
2.3 Public vs. Private Sector
New lawyers working in public interest roles—such as district attorneys, public defenders, or nonprofit legal aid attorneys—usually start on the lower end of the pay scale, sometimes even under $50,000 annually. However, these roles come with other rewards: loan forgiveness eligibility, courtroom experience, and meaningful impact.
2.4 Practice Area
Corporate law, intellectual property, and mergers & acquisitions are among the highest-paying specialties. By contrast, entry-level salaries in criminal defense, family law, or environmental law tend to be lower. The choice often comes down to personal passion vs. financial return—though both can converge with time and strategy.
3. Real World Insights from New Lawyers
3.1 Big Law Rookie Experience
Sophia, a recent graduate from Columbia Law School, landed a position at a major firm in Chicago. “My starting salary was $215K,” she said, “but so were the hours. I averaged 65–75 hours a week. It’s fast-paced, intense, and very structured.” She admits the pay was great but emphasizes the toll it can take.
3.2 Public Sector with Purpose
Jackson, a legal aid attorney in Oregon, earns $58,000 per year. “It’s not about the money for me,” he says. “I wanted to be in the courtroom, helping real people from day one. I’ve done over 100 hearings in my first year.” His role offers something Big Law can’t—real-time, high-impact advocacy.
3.3 Startup Counsel on the Rise
Rachel joined a fintech startup in Austin as in-house counsel after passing the bar. Her pay was $95,000 plus equity. “The salary wasn’t Big Law, but I’m helping shape company policy and working directly with the CEO. It’s creative, unpredictable, and exciting.” For many new grads, alternative legal paths like startups or compliance roles are increasingly attractive.
4. Navigating Your Legal Career with Confidence
4.1 Don’t Chase Numbers Blindly
While it’s tempting to pursue the biggest paycheck, entry-level salary shouldn’t be your only measure. Consider work-life balance, learning opportunities, culture, and long-term growth. Some lower-paying roles offer faster advancement or skill-building that pays off later.
4.2 Network Your Way In
Whether you’re aiming for Big Law or a public interest job, connections matter. Join legal associations, attend bar events, and don’t underestimate LinkedIn outreach. Many new lawyers report getting jobs through informational interviews or former internship connections.
4.3 Be Strategic With Location and Practice Area
If you’re open to relocating or pivoting your specialty, you can significantly impact your starting salary. For example, switching from general litigation to data privacy or corporate compliance may open higher-paying doors—even without additional degrees.
5. ESPLawyers: Your Guide to a Strong Start
Whether you’re exploring how much entry level lawyers make or actively applying for jobs, ESPLawyers provides the resources you need to launch your career smartly. From curated job listings to resume-building tools and mentorship access, our platform is designed for new legal professionals navigating a competitive field.
We don’t just help you find jobs—we help you find the *right* path. With real-time insights, career coaching, and a growing community of young attorneys, ESPLawyers gives you more than a salary estimate—it gives you direction. Your law career doesn’t have to start with guesswork. Start it with strategy.
