How much would an attorney in general practice earn annually?
Asked by ElleC
I hope that's not too general a question; without my having to wade through legal jargon, would somebody have an idea of the average income of a general practice lawyer working in a small town?

Best Answer:
An entry level general litigator in a small town law firm would make $35k-$80k but a lateral or more seasoned senior attorney could make up to $150k or more if on a profit-sharing plan. An equity partner, on the other hand, makes a percentage of the profit of the firm, so it could be as low as $100k to as high as a few million. For a medium to large firm in NYC, Chicago, or any of the large metropolitan areas, the starting salary is $180k and if you make partner, millions. I write this out to demonstrate how impossible it is to determine a lawyer's salary. There really is no average. A lawyer's salary is like a broker's salary. It depends on too many variables. For stable income and salary, I recommend the medical field whether a pharmacist, physian's assistant, nurse or family physician. You'd have to study just as hard to become one, but you will enjoy a higher status, stability of income, and a rewarding work experience. For additional guidance, I would check out the U.S. Department of Labor's website on Job Stats/Outlook. It points a bleak job outlook for lawyers, unfortunately.

Not enough unless your Dad owns a successful law firm........field is loaded........go into the medical field.......make just as much and have twice as much fun........
Answered by kapn

I would estimate somewhere between $35,000 and $100,000+...and I know that's an unhelpfully huge range, but it depends on: -- level of experience/ seniority -- whether the lawyer is affiliated with a firm, or a solo practitioner -- the cost of living, and the nature of the legal market, in that particular small town -- how much the lawyer works (40hr wks v. 60hr wks, etc.)
Answered by Amanda

Private practice starting salaries vary GREATLY by city and size of the firm. Cities such as New York and Washington tend to pay top dollar. Large firms in these markets are starting first year associates out at $160,000/year. Large firms in secondary markets such as Cleveland, Denver, and Minneapolis are starting their associates out at around $120,000. As a general rule, the smaller the firm in the smaller the city, the less your starting salary will be. For example firms in my hometown of 200,000 are starting their first year associates at around $70-$75,000. I have even heard of some firms paying as low as $35,000 to their first year associates.
Answered by Finally 21-Less party,more study