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Job outlook for legal counsels in the United States
Legal counsel job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected legal counsel job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for legal counsels are projected over the next decade.
Legal counsel salaries have increased 7% for legal counsels in the last 5 years.
There are over 70,256 legal counsels currently employed in the United States.
There are 10,337 active legal counsel job openings in the US.
The average legal counsel salary is $132,867.
Are legal counsel jobs in demand?
Legal counsel job and salary trends over time
Legal counsel jobs over time
Legal counsel job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 70,256 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 67,943 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 67,740 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 66,143 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 64,583 | 0.02% |
Average legal counsel salary over time
Legal counsel salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $132,867 | $63.88 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $128,711 | $61.88 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $126,565 | $60.85 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $124,828 | $60.01 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $123,687 | $59.46 | +2.0% |
Legal counsel jobs by state
Most common states for legal counsels
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 144 | 21% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 215 | 3% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 201 | 3% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 797 | 2% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 395 | 2% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 354 | 2% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 158 | 2% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 138 | 2% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 134 | 2% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 128 | 2% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 108 | 2% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 67 | 2% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 55 | 2% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 23 | 2% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 21 | 2% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 16 | 2% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 15 | 2% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 12 | 2% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 185 | 1% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 44 | 1% |
Most common cities for legal counsels
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 3 | 5% | $152,364 |
| 2 | Waltham | 3 | 5% | $124,351 |
| 3 | Campbell | 2 | 5% | $152,290 |
| 4 | Culver City | 2 | 5% | $146,149 |
| 5 | Burbank | 4 | 4% | $146,303 |
| 6 | Boston | 12 | 2% | $124,319 |
| 7 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $139,878 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $110,621 |
| 9 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $126,065 |
| 10 | Plano | 3 | 1% | $106,121 |
| 11 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $145,170 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $146,179 |
| 13 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $124,454 |
| 14 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $107,375 |
| 15 | New York | 4 | 0% | $134,320 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $152,542 |
| 17 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $152,139 |
| 18 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $106,254 |
| 19 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $112,450 |
| 20 | Miami | 2 | 0% | $88,804 |
Legal Counsel job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of legal counsel experts
University of Akron
University of Houston
University of Cincinnati
Highline College
Berkeley College
Catholic University of America
Berkeley College
University of Hartford
Lewis and Clark School of Law
Prairie View A&M University
Chapman University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Alisa Benedict O’Brien
Assistant Dean for Career Services, Strategic Initiatives & External AffairsUniversity of Akron
Dispute Resolution
What general advice would you give to a Legal Counsel?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Make yourself indispensable to your employer. Be timely and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job and your work ethic. Offer to jump in on a project or stay late to get your work done. Get involved in your community and network. Getting out and building relationships will lead to clients and generate business. Never stop learning and asking questions as your goal is to become an expert in your field; this includes attending continuing legal education programs, seminars, lunch and learns, webinars, writing a blog post or article, etc.
What Legal Counsel skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Be authentic and confident. You have worked extremely hard to finish your law degree and to pass the bar exam. You have demonstrated you are capable so now is the time to give yourself every opportunity to succeed in your career. Join your state and local bar associations and seek out mentors. Volunteer. Pro bono service is extremely important to your personal and professional growth.
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel 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.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Katherine Butler Brem: Whether trial or transactional, a lawyer's ability to spot issues and think critically about those issues is crucial to success. The world moves fast, and I think that has encouraged all of us to look for the "quick" answer. We're conditioned to think if we need to know something, we can just look it up. But the law doesn't work that way. First, lawyers have to have a sufficient knowledge base to spot not just the obvious issues but those that are not so obvious. And then the lawyer has to be willing to spend the time and intellectual capital to think hard about the issues, do some research, and then think even harder about them. In a world where "action" represents the typical coin of the realm, it can be difficult for lawyers to exercise the discipline required to slow down and think before they act. But those who do develop a reputation as excellent strategists, and this is a very marketable skill.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
Katherine Butler Brem: Two things: Research skills, especially research skills specific to a particular specialty area like tax or immigration. If you're looking for work in these fields, you need to be knowledgeable about where and how to research law relevant to these specialties. Secondly, just minimum competence in the technology you need to practice law in the absence of significant administrative assistance - things like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and billing software.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Katherine Butler Brem: Both a strong work ethic and well-developed intellect are critical for advancement. It's not likely that who you know or fate will allow you to stumble into a windfall. The most successful lawyers are the ones that work the hardest. This doesn't mean that you can't take time for yourself, but you have to be disciplined with your time. Also, good client communication skills and an ability to understand client needs and motivations are equally critical for advancement. When a client contacts you, they're looking for a quick response - even if that response is simply to say that you are working on the problem and will get back to them at a specific time.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel resumes?
Che Dawson J.D.: The most important is technology and writing skills, in that order.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Che Dawson J.D.: Willingness to learn, professionalism (punctuality, collegiality), ability to work independently and take the initiative.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
Che Dawson J.D.: Technology/computer skills, legal research skills, attention to detail, and writing skills.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Che Dawson J.D.: Technology! Most attorneys aren't outstanding with technology. They really value assistants who are!
Richard Olivieri
Professor, Legal StudiesBerkeley College
School of Professional St
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel resumes?
Richard Olivieri: Over the past decade, legal specialists have assumed a combination of responsibilities historically handled by legal secretaries, paralegals, office managers, and, in some law firms, the accounting and billing departments. As a result, when a law firm partner or hiring committee reviews resumes of prospective legal specialists, they typically focus on the experience and education backgrounds of candidates to ensure that they possess excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Legal specialists should also be proficient in legal technology. In addition to having knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Clio. Legal specialists should be familiar with time tracking and billing software (e.g., TimeSlips).
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Richard Olivieri: As in most professions, legal specialists must possess soft skills. Soft skills such as being a team player, the ability to multitask, and the capability of interacting on a personal level with staff and clients are expected. Furthermore, since lawyers and clients typically serve as a buffer, legal specialists must exhibit empathy and patience when communicating with clients.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
Richard Olivieri: Hard skills are essential to working in a legal environment. Proficiency in legal technology such as how to eFile documents with state and federal courts, experience with the drafting of pleadings and discovery documents, and the ability to conduct legal research via free resources available on the internet, as well as subscription databases (e.g., Westlaw Edge and Lexis+), is important. There has also been an increased demand for legal specialists with knowledge of eDiscovery platforms, such as Relativity and Capterra. As evidenced by legal employers increasingly requesting that candidates produce a writing sample along with their resume, it is clear that legal specialists must have excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Richard Olivieri: Proficiency in technology and excellent writing skills are the two skills that will likely result in higher earnings for legal specialists.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor's ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Chad Smith: Soft skills are those intangibles that every great professor has- a dynamic presenter that commands the attention and interest of their class/audience. These are the professors that intuitively know how to communicate lessons and convey meaning. Strong reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and flexibility. Last, is leadership as every great professor needs to lead their class and be comfortable being the center of attention.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
Chad Smith: Most important would have to be strong computer and related technology skills. In today's world, more and more professors are having to rely on the use of technology and platforms such as Zoom, Blackboard, and Canvas for remote/online learning. Professors today need to be able to convey information in-person and online.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Chad Smith: I do not think there is a particular skill or set of skills that allows a professor to earn the most. Rather, it is a combination of everything from skills, legal knowledge, ability to teach dynamically, positive attitude, etc. In order to earn the most, you really have to be very good at all aspects of the job and a very strong educator that positively impacts student learning.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Important soft skills include emotional intelligence and attention to detail. Working in the legal field, you may interact with attorneys, clients, or the public during stressful times. Accordingly, it is crucial to have self-awareness to be able to understand and control your emotions. It is also essential to gauge the feelings of others to provide the needed resources to support them and to show empathy, as working through the legal process may be emotional for some. Lastly, it is vital to exercise attention to detail when drafting documents or when talking with clients, as errors or not remembering important information about the client may imply that you or the office does not care about the client. Remember, you are a representative of the office, and your actions also reflect back on your colleagues.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include effective communication, time management, and open-mindedness. It is essential to continue to improve your oral and written communication skills. Communication includes interpersonal communication, small-group communication, and intercultural communication. In addition, time management is vital to allow time to review documents before submitting them to the courts or to your boss. Being open-minded means being open to positive feedback and to criticism. Try not to take criticisms personally, but as a learning experience for overall improvement.
What skills stand out on Legal Counsel resumes?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on a Legal Specialist's resume include legal research and writing, analytical and logical skills, and time management. Prior experience with legal research and writing tells your future employer that you know or are familiar with the research and writing process. Moreover, it would be helpful to be familiar with at least one legal database, like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Analytical and logical skills warrant that you may reasonably use critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems that may arise in your day-to-day operations. Lastly, demonstrated skills in time management imply you can multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines while producing quality work.
What soft skills should all Legal Counsels possess?
Regina Graziani: Soft skills can be referred to in generic groups: employability skills, interpersonal skills, transferable skills, and people skills. Some of these skills overlap with technical skills. The five most important soft skills for a successful legal professional are organization, communication (written and oral), the ability to multitask, continuously pay attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team. Of course, skills such as being professional, pleasant, and punctual are important, as well.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Counsels?
Regina Graziani: Again, there is a long list of technical or hard skills important for a legal professional. Some depend on the practice area, but some are generic. Five of the most important hard skills that a successful paralegal should have are computer skills (ability to use software relevant to the practice area, word processing, eFiling, digital organization, document management, and digital conferencing, to name a few), research (online and print), communication (written and oral), critical thinking, and resourcefulness.
What skills will help Legal Counsels earn the most?
Regina Graziani: Much of this answer depends on the practice area. Knowing the technology, processes, and the ability to research the law in a particular area of law are extremely important. Also important are professionalism, the ability to work independently and anticipate what is needed, always seeking to learn more and streamline processes, and is conscientious about their work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Counsel 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 Legal Counsels?
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 Legal Counsels?
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.
Richard McWhorter Ph.D.
Adjunct InstructorPrairie View A&M University
Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Counsels?
Richard McWhorter Ph.D.: The simple answer if there will be a lasting impact from a pandemic would have a range of responses. By evaluating the reactions and responses to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States, a range of these were been reported. There were the deniers who resisted accepting the reality or severity of this pandemic even to a level of believing it was a hoax. This was compounded by similar ranges of responses by the elected leaders of United States.
At the time of this writing, the pandemic was continuing. It was in addition mutating in different regions of the world. Though vaccines were being developed and administered, the full effectiveness of these have not yet been fully evaluated.
Also, the leadership of the United States has recently changed to a more proactive approach in addressing the pandemic and its repercussions on the United States. A new administration has begun to address the occupational and economic impact, including the major disruptions of personal, community, and occupational lives and activities. These included widespread economic issues, including food and income issues.
Numerous studies will be needed to analyze and evaluate many areas of successes, weakness or failures in addressing a pandemic. It will need a pandemic effort to analyze, evaluate and develop and proposals for constructive preparation and proactive changes to address multiple economic and social needs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Legal Counsels?
Richard McWhorter Ph.D.: Due to an almost global impact the majority if not all certifications/licenses/courses will need to be reviewed and reevaluated to better address the wide ranges of impacts and deficiencies discovered. From these analyses, any deficiencies discovered in services and deliveries of training will need to be addressed and changes made in trainings for helping professionals public servants knowledge and abilities. These need to better address a pandemic level situation and the victims of a pandemic.
Therefore, all certifications/licenses/courses requirements for all levels of a population. These need to be reviewed, re-evaluated and if needed, modified or changed including being more adequate including diverse and possibly cross educations, trainings and experiences to qualify for different certifications/licenses/course completions.
In the areas of human science, the areas needing to be addressed include stress management issues, victimization, various personality disorders, post traumatic stress. disorders to grief responses. Some of the professional preparations needing to be reviewed with possible modifications might include specific trainings and experiences.
Especially focus on self care and support, especially for those who are the professionals who encounters the suffering public. Trainings on how to interact effectively with pandemic victims, both primary and secondary victims.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Counsel job market given the pandemic?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: The biggest trends I see in the job market include therapist who have experience in providing telehealth in addition to in-person counseling services. Therapists have learned to adapt to new technology and in providing these sessions. They also have learned how to deliver effective mental health care across technology platforms. I also see therapists who are advocates of mental health stigma. I feel that the pandemic has made visible the importance of mental health. I see more therapists entering the field who have a passion to serve the public and ensure that mental health is important. I see therapists also actively working to eradicate mental health stigma.
What technical skills for a Legal Counsel stand out to employers?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: Technical skills that I see employers looking for due to the pandemic, include flexibility and comfort of providing therapy services both in-person and via telehealth. I also see employers looking for therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care. When situations such as the pandemic emerge, they can evoke a traumatic response. If a client has experienced past trauma in their life, these can also reemerge. Therefore, knowledge of trauma-informed care would be important.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Counsels?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: I am not sure how to answer this question, because in my program, my students are training to graduate and become licensed Marriage & Family Therapists. There isn't a different career that they would pursue if they stayed in the field.
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 Legal Counsel 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 Legal Counsel 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 Legal Counsel?
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.