How much a lawyer makes a year?

Hi Zymeria,
The salary for lawyers varies greatly depending on the type of law practiced and the area of the country you live in. For example, some of the law firms in New York have a reputation for paying very high salaries, but the cost of living is high. Lawyers who work in the area of public interest for non-profit organizations, prosecutor or public defender offices on the low end would earn anywhere from 48,000-100,000 a year. Lawyers who work for law firms may make anywhere from 60,000-200,000 a year depending on the size of the firm and level of experience. Lawyers who work for themselves as solo practitioners can also vary widely depending on the size and success of their practice. I hope this general information is helpful. A mentor once told me long ago, do what you love, and the money will follow. I have found that to be sound advice. Best wishes.

You should know that not every lawyer is rich. Becoming an attorney is not a silver bullet (like not every star athlete in college makes it in professional sports). I am not saying that you will not be successful. Things that work in your favor would be going to a good law school and making it on law review. Law review members usually get the best internships while in law school which usually lead to full time offers upon graduation. Are there successful lawyers who didn't do this? Yes. Plenty. These lawyers are either great trial attorneys or great entrepreneurs, meaning they know how to hustle and get the job done on their own. So I would suggest taking trail classes/clinics in law school so you can take cases on your own regardless if you intend to be a trail attorney or not. Also take classes/clinics on setting up your own law firm and what that will require. Law school is not a guarantee, so make sure it is what you really want to do.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_school_rankings_in_the_United_States