1

Highest Paying Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Highest Paying Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do highest paying attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for highest paying attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the highest paying attorney jobs?

The highest paying attorney jobs are typically in specialized fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, medical malpractice, tax law, and trial law. Attorneys working at large law firms, especially in major cities, or serving as partners often earn significantly higher salaries. In-house counsel positions at major corporations, particularly in industries like technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals, also tend to offer lucrative compensation packages. Additionally, attorneys with years of experience or those in leadership roles can command top-tier salaries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highest paying attorney?

To thrive as a highest paying attorney, you need an exceptional legal education (Juris Doctor degree), extensive experience in a specialized field such as corporate law or intellectual property, and a strong record of successful case outcomes. Mastery of legal research databases, case management software, and often relevant state bar certifications are typically required. Outstanding negotiation, analytical thinking, and client relationship management skills set top attorneys apart. These competencies ensure the attorney can handle complex, high-stakes cases, attract high-profile clients, and deliver results that justify premium compensation.

What are the common challenges faced by attorneys in high-paying legal roles, and how can they be managed?

Attorneys in high-paying roles, such as those at prestigious law firms or in specialized fields like mergers and acquisitions or intellectual property, often face demanding workloads, tight deadlines, and high client expectations. Balancing complex cases with billable hour requirements and frequent travel can also contribute to stress. To manage these challenges, it's important to develop strong time-management skills, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and prioritize self-care to maintain work-life balance. Many high-paying firms also offer professional development resources and mental health support to help attorneys succeed.

What is the difference between Highest Paying Attorney vs Corporate Lawyer?

AspectHighest Paying AttorneyCorporate Lawyer
Required CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, government agenciesCorporate offices, law firms, consulting firms
Industry UsageLegal industry, various specialtiesBusiness, finance, corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentHigh earning potential, legal specializationBusiness transactions, corporate law focus

The Highest Paying Attorney generally refers to lawyers with specialized skills or working in lucrative fields like patent law or trial law, earning top salaries. Corporate Lawyers focus on business-related legal matters, often earning high but slightly less than the top-tier attorneys. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their focus areas differ, influencing salary potential and career paths.

More about Highest Paying Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Highest Paying Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Highest Paying Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Highest Paying Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Highest Paying Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Highest Paying Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Supervising Attorney (Deputy City Attorney IV)

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office (CA)

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$195K - $285K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise the Division's Neighborhood Counsel Advice team and oversee their oral and written advice on legal issues.

  • Oversee the drafting of ordinances, opinions, memoranda, and approval of contracts related to Neighborhood Councils.

  • Advise the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, Neighborhood Commissioners, and staff the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners at bi-monthly meetings.


Job description

About Us The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City of Los Angeles ("City") with the highest caliber of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and playing a leading role in criminal justice reform to advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California. Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.

We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact. Description The General Counsel Division serves as counsel to the City's officers and various departments, including the Mayor, City Council, City Ethics Commission, Animal Services, Cultural Affairs, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (including the City's Neighborhood Councils), El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument Authority, Information Technology Agency, Library, Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Transportation, and the Zoo. In serving as general counsel for the City officers and departments, the attorneys in the Division provide oral and written advice on a myriad of issues, such as statutory and Constitutional interpretation and application (e.g., Ralph M

Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, election laws, the Public Records Act, First Amendment issues), and liability assessment and risk management. The attorneys also review, edit, draft and negotiate contracts and other transactional documents, frequently involving highly complex transactions. Further, the Division is responsible for the development and drafting of a majority of the ordinances prepared by the Office and is often required to prepare advisory opinions or legal memoranda on issues of significance to the City leadership.

Additionally, the General Counsel Division handles specialized litigation relating to City Departments and City ordinances, open government laws and the federal government's immigration policies. Duties and Responsibilities The Supervising Attorney's duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Report to the head of the General Counsel Division and will supervise the Division's Neighborhood Counsel Advise team; Oversee the team's oral and written advice on myriad issues, such as statutory and Constitutional interpretation and application (e.g., Ralph M. Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, Neighborhood Council election laws, the Public Records Act, First Amendment issues)' Advise the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, and the City's Neighborhood Commissioners and may staff the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners at their bi-monthly meetings; Oversee the drafting of ordinances, opinions and memoranda and approving contracts for the on behalf of the Neighborhood Councils; Provide advice to the 99 Neighborhood Council boards and to the City Clerk's Neighborhood Council Funding and Elections Divisions; and Other related duties as assigned

Requirements Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California; Minimum ten (10) years of experience in municipal, civil, or criminal law; Demonstrated high-level written and oral communication skills; Demonstrated strong research and writing skills in complex areas of law; Strong analytical and reasoning skills; Strong desire to serve the public interest; Demonstrated ability to handle a busy and varied workload; Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment; and Ability to work effectively with governmental agencies, public officials, departmental personnel, and members of the public. Desired Qualifications Experience in public contracting, including construction contracting and professional service contracts for public entities; Civil litigation experience (minimum of two years preferred) and experience in quasi-judicial hearings by public bodies; Familiarity with administrative proceedings before public agencies; Experience advising legislative bodies, including knowledge of the California Public Records Act, Brown Act, and conflict of interest laws; Knowledge of the Los Angeles City Charter and Administrative Code; and Experience drafting local ordinances. Requirements for Application Cover Letter Resume Candidates are required to submit two recent writing samples personally authored in the last two years.

Supplemental Information Current Location City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.

Work Location and Parking This position requires regular onsite work. Employer-provided parking is limited and may not be available for this classification. Employees may be responsible for securing and paying for parking at nearby facilities.

Applicants are encouraged to review available commute and transportation resources through the City's COMMUTEwell program. For more information, please visit: https://lacommutewell.com. Probation Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter

Successful completion of the two-year probationary period will result in tenure with the office. Classification Current employees selected for this assignment will be placed through a lateral transfer and retain their current classification, unless otherwise determined by the City Attorney in the exercise of the appointing authority. Retirement Benefits Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees' Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction.

The City also contributes toward the employee's retirement benefit. Contribution rates are established by the applicable retirement system and may vary based on employee classification, membership status, and other factors. For more information, please visit: https://www.lacers.org

Application and Deadline Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online. Conflict-of-Interest This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict-of-Interest Code. Contact Questions

Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org. AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES. TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.