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Lawyer vs assistant state attorney

The differences between lawyers and assistant state attorneys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a lawyer and an assistant state attorney. Additionally, a lawyer has an average salary of $115,808, which is higher than the $82,255 average annual salary of an assistant state attorney.

The top three skills for a lawyer include litigation, law firm and legal issues. The most important skills for an assistant state attorney are litigation, criminal cases, and appeals.

Lawyer vs assistant state attorney overview

LawyerAssistant State Attorney
Yearly salary$115,808$82,255
Hourly rate$55.68$39.55
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs2,8979,855
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Doctoral Degree, 51%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a lawyer do?

A lawyer is a legal practitioner who specializes in understanding and interpreting laws and other legal matters. Their responsibilities revolve around providing legal counseling and advice, representing clients in different kinds of court proceedings, conducting research, collecting evidence, and coordinating with various experts. A lawyer must also manage and oversee the performance of assistants, paralegals, and other team members. Furthermore, there are instances when a lawyer must draft or manage documents such as contracts, trusts, deeds, and wills, assisting clients as needed.

What does an assistant state attorney do?

An Assistant Staff Attorney performs a wide range of clerical and administrative work that requires knowledge of legal terms, documents, and procedures. They also communicate with clients to keep them informed on case progress.

Lawyer vs assistant state attorney salary

Lawyers and assistant state attorneys have different pay scales, as shown below.

LawyerAssistant State Attorney
Average salary$115,808$82,255
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $208,000Between $55,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCOakland, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughState Attorney's Office
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between lawyer and assistant state attorney education

There are a few differences between a lawyer and an assistant state attorney in terms of educational background:

LawyerAssistant State Attorney
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Doctoral Degree, 51%
Most common majorLawLaw
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Lawyer vs assistant state attorney demographics

Here are the differences between lawyers' and assistant state attorneys' demographics:

LawyerAssistant State Attorney
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 48.5% Female, 51.5%Male, 54.1% Female, 45.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between lawyer and assistant state attorney duties and responsibilities

Lawyer example responsibilities.

  • Participate in drafting legal documents and prepare business contracts, perform taxation duties for the enterprise and settle disputes with employees.
  • Handle all types of civil claims and provide notary services
  • Review of complaints relate to judicial ethics and employee misconduct.
  • Draft, proofread and ensure filing and service of criminal motions.
  • Draft a variety of pleadings and motions on behalf of the plaintiff.
  • Assist clients at the notary public office and negotiate licensing agreements for virtual data rooms.
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Assistant state attorney example responsibilities.

  • Manage all phases of criminal investigations including grand jury subpoenas and witness testimony.
  • Provide training to other assistant state's attorneys on DUI topics and general trial technique
  • Prosecute misdemeanor and felony traffic offenses that include DUI, narcotics, and fleeing/eluding police.
  • Draft appellate responses to misdemeanor appeals
  • Research and draft several successful appeals.
  • Review cases, prepare discovery, and issue subpoenas under statutorily impose deadlines.
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Lawyer vs assistant state attorney skills

Common lawyer skills
  • Litigation, 14%
  • Law Firm, 8%
  • Legal Issues, 7%
  • Real Estate, 6%
  • Legal Research, 6%
  • Civil Law, 5%
Common assistant state attorney skills
  • Litigation, 16%
  • Criminal Cases, 10%
  • Appeals, 7%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Criminal Division, 5%
  • District Court, 5%