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Research attorney vs assistant state attorney

The differences between research attorneys 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 research attorney and an assistant state attorney. Additionally, a research attorney has an average salary of $92,154, which is higher than the $82,255 average annual salary of an assistant state attorney.

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

Research attorney vs assistant state attorney overview

Research AttorneyAssistant State Attorney
Yearly salary$92,154$82,255
Hourly rate$44.30$39.55
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,7319,855
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 54%Doctoral Degree, 51%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a research attorney do?

A research attorney researches laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court. They also review jury notes and opinions and judiciary notes. Their duties and responsibilities also include verifying that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.

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.

Research attorney vs assistant state attorney salary

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

Research AttorneyAssistant State Attorney
Average salary$92,154$82,255
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $146,000Between $55,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAOakland, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyAirbnbState Attorney's Office
Best paying industryProfessionalGovernment

Differences between research attorney and assistant state attorney education

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

Research AttorneyAssistant State Attorney
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 54%Doctoral Degree, 51%
Most common majorLawLaw
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Research attorney vs assistant state attorney demographics

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

Research AttorneyAssistant State Attorney
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 43.7% Female, 56.3%Male, 54.1% Female, 45.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 6.4% White, 75.6% 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 research attorney and assistant state attorney duties and responsibilities

Research attorney example responsibilities.

  • Supervise and manage plaintiff's personal injury practice.
  • Conduct legal research for criminal trials and appeals.
  • Review and analyze deeds, leases, probate records, mortgages, mineral reservations, and other applicable legal instruments.
  • Focus on: personal injury, probate, estate planning, construction contracts and liens, domestic relations, etc.
  • Perform legal research and prepare research memos in various litigation matters.
  • Practice focuse in all areas of tort litigation including catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Research attorney vs assistant state attorney skills

Common research attorney skills
  • Litigation, 17%
  • Legal Issues, 12%
  • Legal Memoranda, 9%
  • Appeals, 7%
  • Legal Support, 5%
  • Probate, 5%
Common assistant state attorney skills
  • Litigation, 16%
  • Criminal Cases, 10%
  • Appeals, 7%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Criminal Division, 5%
  • District Court, 5%