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Job outlook for counselors at law in the United States
Counselor at law job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected counselor at law job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for counselors at law are projected over the next decade.
Counselor at law salaries have increased 7% for counselors at law in the last 5 years.
There are over 134,709 counselors at law currently employed in the United States.
There are 35,902 active counselor at law job openings in the US.
The average counselor at law salary is $111,508.
Are counselor at law jobs in demand?
Counselor at law job and salary trends over time
Counselor at law jobs over time
Counselor at law job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 134,709 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 130,181 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 129,993 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 127,141 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 124,296 | 0.04% |
Average counselor at law salary over time
Counselor at law salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $111,508 | $53.61 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $108,021 | $51.93 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $106,220 | $51.07 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $104,762 | $50.37 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $103,804 | $49.91 | +2.0% |
Counselor at law jobs by state
Most common states for counselors at law
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 192 | 28% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 47 | 8% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 71 | 7% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 468 | 6% |
| 5 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 209 | 6% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 62 | 6% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 661 | 5% |
| 8 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 362 | 5% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 301 | 5% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 273 | 5% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 271 | 5% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 73 | 5% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 40 | 5% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 39 | 5% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,717 | 4% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 858 | 4% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 529 | 4% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 400 | 4% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 180 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 28 | 4% |
Most common cities for counselors at law
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wakefield | 1 | 4% | $124,977 |
| 2 | Stamford | 1 | 1% | $103,303 |
| 3 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $126,234 |
Counselor At Law job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of counselor at law experts
Cornell University
University of North Dakota
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Georgia
Oakland University
Pepperdine University
Texas Tech University
Rollins College
University of Houston
University of Cincinnati
Seton Hall University School of Law
Pace University
Lewis and Clark School of Law
California University of Pennsylvania
Texas Tech University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andrele St. Val: The skill that will become more important and prevalent in the next 3 to 5 years is knowing how to ethically leverage the use of technology to practice law more efficiently. For example, knowing how to engineer prompts to get results when using AI while also adhering to the rules of professional responsibility is going to be very useful in practice.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Andrele St. Val: Take this opportunity to learn how to practice and be a lawyer. You learned how to think like a lawyer in law school, now it is time for you to learn how to be a lawyer. You do this by getting a mentor to help you navigate the first couple of years of practice. Be open to advice and guidance.
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
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.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Dasse: Lawyers must adeptly navigate a diverse array of roles, ranging from advisors to counselors to planners, writers, researchers, supervisors, and more. Aside from producing quality legal work, reflect on your other strengths and dedicate time to developing yourself further. A skilled lawyer who is also an excellent manager of people offers a unique set of skills that may appeal to upper legal management in your organization. As the legal landscape evolves, I believe two key skills will emerge: technology and teamwork. The integration of AI into legal services is reshaping the profession with more innovation on the horizon. For our clients, blockchain technology, data analytics, and digitized workplaces are becoming standard. Thus, technology will become more embedded into an array of fields, not just “techie” industries. Those who follow and understand technological developments will engage the worlds our clients live in, enhance their own efficiency within their firms and deliver cost-effective services. Consequently, I urge new entrants to deepen their technological understanding and remain abreast of advancements. Additionally, collaboration lies at the heart of legal work, but its dynamics are transforming. While a solid grasp of technology is pivotal for future legal careers, honing interpersonal skills is equally vital. The future legal team may encompass a wide range of professionals in virtual settings. Thus, lawyers with high emotional intelligence who are adept at motivating individuals, building teams, and integrating the work of diverse professionals will become a valued skill. Accordingly, as lawyers consider ways to develop their skills, they should consider refining their skills as managers, supervisors, or coaches.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Ms. Debbie Snyder: New lawyers are primarily responsible for research and writing. If working in a law firm setting, new lawyers are known as associates and conduct legal research, draft legal documents such as motions, briefs, memos or contracts and collaborate with partners and/or senior associates to assist clients with their legal needs. Associates may help in preparing cases for trial by reviewing and analyzing documents, organizing evidence, and attending hearings and depositions. New attorneys working in-house (i.e. for a corporation) will assist the company with their legal needs, whether it involves litigation or transactional work. Assistant District Attorneys represent the government in prosecuting criminal cases. This work involves legal research and writing, evaluating cases and evidence and appearing in court. Public Defenders represent individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney. They also perform legal research and writing, as well as counsel their clients and represent them in the courtroom.
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
Dustin Marlan: This is an exciting time to be a lawyer given advances in technology. Unlike some other fields, law does not appear to be a field that will be “taken over” by generative AI, but rather AI will hopefully make some of the more monotonous work that a lawyer needs to handle less tedious and time-consuming. There should always be a need for the human element in law given the inherent subjectivities in comprehending and interpreting the law. I’m not sure that’s the case with every professional discipline, though, unfortunately.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Dustin Marlan: The daily responsibilities of a lawyer vary greatly based on what type of law they practice. Some lawyers are litigators, meaning they work to resolve disputes in their client’s favor. Other lawyers are transactional lawyers, and work to either prevent disputes from occurring, or put their clients in the best possible future position should one be inevitable. For those entering the field, junior lawyers will likely serve in research support roles and may have less client interaction than more senior lawyers, although this will vary depending on the sector, employer, or practice group. In any case, lawyers need to use both analytical skills in research, writing and solving difficult legal problems, as well as emotional intelligence and intuition in interacting with and counseling their clients.
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
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.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: GenAI! Which means highlights the importance of skills like organization, communication, and consensus building. The legal field has historically been technology hesitant, but the pandemic and AI have forced the use and adaptation of technology. AI’s exponential growth will require new skills at a lightning fast pace. A bellwether in the legal field is eDiscovery as it requires the ability to organize massive amounts of information as well as clearly and concisely communicate the information. AI is helping paralegals and attorneys do just this! Finally, in a world that often hides behind screens, having the ability to build consensus and connect with others will be invaluable.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
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.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Brian Mink: Attorneys will spend less time on repetitive work product like contract drafting and research. It will be more important for attorneys to develop skills like understanding clients' businesses, project management, team management, vendor interaction, and effectively using AI.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Thor: The most important skill they can learn is effective communication. Legal Studies students need to be able to communicate both in writing and verbally. This is a skill that has always been an important one for legal studies students and it will be necessary in the future as well. Although AI can help with the drafting of certain documents and emails, it will not be able to help with client meetings, board presentations, arguing before a jury, and writing legal briefs. Taking advantage of courses offered at their university that improve their writing and speaking skills will make them a valuable asset to any organization they join.
What will help Counselors At Law increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Thor: First, Oakland University does not have a legal studies degree; however, through our Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, students have been able to create their own legal studies program combining legal courses across multiple disciplines. The majority of legal studies students tend to go to law school after graduation. They typically want to continue learning about the law in order to become a lawyer. So for those graduates, I highly recommend speaking with a pre-law adviser as they begin their junior year. That adviser will give them information about taking the LSAT and what that student will need to do to make sure their application to law school is in perfect order. For those students who do not want to go to law school, but who want to work in a law firm, I recommend that they obtain a paralegal certificate. The combination of the law courses in their bachelor's degree and the procedural courses offered in a paralegal program will make that individual very attractive to law firms. Lastly, for those students who don't want to go to law school or work in a law firm, their legal studies degree is still very valuable. Many jobs require at least some understanding of the law. For example, working in HR requires knowledge about the various federal and state employment laws that impact wages and benefits. It also requires a general understanding of contract law and the law regarding workplace discrimination. Individuals working in a purchasing department need to understand contract law and depending on the type of items being purchased an understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code as well. I recommend that these students investigate different career paths and meet with their Career and Life Coaches on campus.
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
Joel Fetzer: The ability to analyze large quantitative datasets using software such as SPSS, STATA, or R should be increasingly valued in the political and legal world as well as in survey-research and campaign firms and in Silicon Valley. Oral and written communication skills, the ability to persuade people to do what you or your client would like, remain crucial in this field, ChatGPT notwithstanding. And workers in this area will even more frequently need to combat disinformation campaigns using social and traditional media.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leah Won: Lawyers enjoy the opportunity to help people and organizations solve problems and achieve their goals. Lawyers enjoy thinking creatively and advocating for a position or for a person. Practicing law can become an all-encompassing endeavor that leaves little space for the parts of life that make us a whole person-setting boundaries and protecting one's mental health are crucial for a long career in the law.
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011
Assistant Dean for Career and Professional DevelopmentTexas Tech University
Law
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Do well in school. Get good grades. The big law firms are the ones that pay, and they are the ones that are grade sensitive. And be prepared to put in the work. The more you are willing to hustle the more you can make in your practice.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Legal research and writing continue to be the hallmark skills for attorneys. I don't see this changing any time soon. I do think AI will continue to make its way into our practice, so having some knowledge of the use of AI would be helpful. However, this is a people/humanity centered field. You can't fake humanity.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What skills stand out on Counselor At Law resumes?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: From an undergraduate coursework perspective, diversity of courses taken. That combines with the level of difficulty of those courses, highlighting how a candidate has been challenged in several areas and met those challenges.
What soft skills should all Counselors At Law possess?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: Critical thinking is what we emphasize most and what studies show employers value most. This applies to both oral presentations and the written word. The truth is, today's graduates will hold well over a dozen different jobs in their careers. Oftentimes, you will have little to no training for those jobs. You will need to learn on the job. Solid critical thinking skills are a huge asset in negotiating this process.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Counselors At Law?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: Good writing will always be crucial. There are all types of audiences, of course, so you need to adjust accordingly. But even as technology changes, good writing will remain a valuable asset.
What skills stand out on Counselor At Law resumes?
Katherine Butler Brem: From the 30,000 foot view, the things that stand out on a new lawyer's resume are things that reflect work ethic and intellect. This is why lawyers, perhaps more than any other profession, are "credentials conscious." To an employer, GPA is important because it reflects both intellect and a good work ethic. Of course, where you go to law school is also important. But there are other things students can do to enhance these qualities of work ethic and intellect on their resumes. Journal work reflects a strong work ethic and is, typically, derivative of a student's GPA. Participating in moot court and mock trial also indicate strong work ethic and a student's willingness to think hard about difficult problems. Employers also appreciate things that reflect practical skills: judicial internships, summer clerkships, and other work experience, as well as clinic experience. Clinics offer a wealth of real-world experience. I always tell students that even if they don't intend to do work similar to the work they do in a clinic - immigration work, for example - the people skills they learn dealing with real-world clients are invaluable, and the knowledge they take away will be useful for a lifetime.
And if students have any unique characteristic that sets them apart from the average law student, definitely include that on your resume. If you were a fishing guide in the summers, for example, or a zip line instructor at a summer camp, include it. Our career counselors usually advise against including this sort of non-legal experience but, when I was in practice and interviewing law students, it was the first thing my colleagues and I looked for. A lot of resumes look more or less the same - making your resume memorable may move your resume to the top of a pile. On two occasions, students have told me this advice was very helpful. One was a ballerina for a professional company in Poland before emigrating to the United States and attending college and then law school. The other had an FFA scholarship in college that required her to castrate hogs as part of a work-study experience. Each told me they left these experiences on their resumes against Career Development's advice, yet it was all anyone ever asked about during interviews. And, interestingly, both were offered employment at firms that typically looked for students with better traditional qualifications.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Counselor At Law resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What soft skills should all Counselors At Law possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Counselors At Law?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Counselors At Law earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
June Forrest
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesSeton Hall University School of Law
Office of Career Services
What soft skills should all Counselors At Law possess?
June Forrest: Communication is the most important skill for a lawyer---being able to communicate clearly, concisely, and understanding a client is a great skill to develop and have. Being able to think quickly on your feet and creatively to fashion an argument is important. And, of course, having good judgment is important! So too, lawyers work hard, so having determination is important too---and understanding people--both clients, adversaries, judges, juries. Good people skills are the mark of any great lawyer---and so is a good sense of humor! Lawyers are people, and clients are people. Likable lawyers do best out there----do you want to work around someone grumpy or a team player? Do you want a lawyer who is annoyed to take your call or who welcomes your questions? Being “likable” goes a long way in terms of success in the workplace.
Leslie Garfield Tenzer
Professor of Law, Luk-Cummings Family Faculty ScholarPace University
Elisabeth Haub School of Law
What soft skills should all Counselors At Law possess?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Eye contact, clarity of expression, willingness to work hard, ability to accept criticism, and strong networking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Counselors At Law?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Legal research, editing skills, and most importantly, an ability to analyze the law.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Counselor At Law job market given the pandemic?
Joel Silverman: I believe that the biggest trend we will see in the job market is that job seekers are going to have to become more flexible. Not only are they going to have to think about what is going to get them a job, but what are they going to bring to the table for an employer in a rapidly changing market? How can the recent graduate bring more than just the same old legal knowledge? Do they have marketing and sales experience? How can a new attorney help a firm with their social media presence? IT experience and remote learning/educating? Technology continues to evolve and shape the way in which we practice our craft and market our skills. The new graduate has the potential for a set of skills that the employer does not have and therefore, the graduate has to make that part of their practice shine.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Counselors At Law?
Joel Silverman: We are unique, in that we are looking for team players and attorneys that want to market and learn about the business of law. For us, it is imperative that an attorney keep an open mind towards learning about more than just the law, but about psychology, business, marketing, sales and the law. We aren't looking for experts, but those that want to grow in a more wholistic sense, within the practice of law.
How have salaries changed over time for Counselors At Law?
Joel Silverman: Absolutely. Salaries have gone up by 50%, since I started, 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the cost of education has gone up faster than the increase in salaries. With that said, an attorney truly has a sky's the limit to their salary. If an attorney can understand the business of the practice of law, then that attorney has a leg up on all other competition. The business of the practice will also change, based upon the firm you are working in, at the time. However, the end result is that the better you understand the business (which isn't taught in law school), then the more you will make within the practice.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Counselors At Law?
Brian Kohlhepp: Largely, this would be acquiring a Master's degree. Many folks obtain this degree for an advancement at their current employer or in order to make themselves a more attractive candidate to the overall job field.
What's a good job out of college for Counselors At Law?
Paula Smith: The first professional legal job out of law school covers every area of law and every geography. Every legal job provides opportunity for growth and experience in the profession. Students choose law firms, government agencies, and public interest jobs according to their interest and passion. Some graduates work in civil litigation, others work in criminal prosecution or criminal defense. Some choose a more client-centered practice area including family law, personal injury, or legal aid services.
Hanna Royce
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesUniversity of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Counselor At Law job market given the pandemic?
Hanna Royce: The pandemic has shown many law firms that their employees can work successfully in a remote environment. I expect to see more remote opportunities. Job seekers also need to be prepared to convey themselves professionally through virtual interviews.
What Counselor At Law skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hanna Royce: The key to success is to add new and relevant legal experience to their resume. If graduates are not taking on full-time roles, this could mean completing document review or project work on a contract basis.
What general advice would you give to a Counselor At Law?
Hanna Royce: Graduates should keep their network active. This includes them taking the time to re-engage with the members of their network on a regular basis and continuing to make new contacts. They should make it a priority to stay in touch with their classmates and professors. They might be looking for a new position in the future, and their legal network can help them locate opportunities through the hidden job market.
Many graduates are securing remote positions. To be successful in a remote environment, employees need to make the extra effort to communicate and stay connected with colleagues. Even when employees are telecommuting, they should dress as if they are going into the office. This can help them with productivity and illustrate their professionalism when meeting with colleagues or clients.