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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,710 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,653 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,650 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,614 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,578 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,151 | $40.46 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $81,519 | $39.19 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $80,160 | $38.54 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $79,059 | $38.01 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $78,336 | $37.66 | +2.0% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 134 | 19% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 187 | 3% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 182 | 3% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 697 | 2% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 370 | 2% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 95 | 2% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 88 | 2% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 19 | 2% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 16 | 2% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 14 | 2% |
| 11 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 299 | 1% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 153 | 1% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 112 | 1% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 104 | 1% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 67 | 1% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 47 | 1% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 44 | 1% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 38 | 1% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 15 | 1% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 8 | 1% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | 12 | 0% | $79,955 |
| 2 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $67,205 |
| 3 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $107,505 |
University of North Dakota
Kimberly Dasse: The concept of a legal career encompasses a wide array of roles, extending beyond the traditional associate-partner trajectory. I therefore recommend that law students plan early. While still in school, seek out internships or externships that afford opportunities to explore diverse roles, such as placements at non-profits, district attorney’s offices, public defender’s offices, and law firms. This type of exposure will help students to determine what roles align best with their personal circumstances, identity, and aspirations. Once a course is set, pursue that path with determination. As practitioners, they should strive to excel by applying their academic knowledge and life experiences to their work. Pose thoughtful questions that reflect genuine engagement and consideration for the work. Cultivate mentoring relationships with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance in navigating legal practice and office dynamics. The above steps are particularly important for first-generation professionals. As new entrants to the profession, one may not have a built-in or pre-existing network, so building connections early in law school can yield significant benefits later when transitioning into the profession.
Kimberly Dasse: By taking the steps I have outlined above, new entrants will set themselves up for success by finding the right roles for themselves and developing valued skills.
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Find a mentor and be involved with your local legal associations. Porter Gale said, “your network is your net worth.” And, I couldn’t agree more! As a new paralegal, legal operations specialist, or attorney, growing your network helps in all aspects of your career. You will gain new skills, increase your business development ability, engage in meaningful volunteering opportunities, and truly find an area of law you want to specialize in.
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Do your research and clearly communicate your ask with supporting evidence. A simple internet search will provide you actual salary ranges. An applicant then needs to take this information and explain why X is the amount based on individual specifics. Also, never negotiated against yourself—meaning sometimes you need to be silent and wait.