What type of lawyer makes the most money?
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.
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 | $185,000 |
IP Attorneys | $167,000 |
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 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.
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.
According to Indeed, patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers on average, earning an annual income of around $185,000. 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.
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.