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Research attorney vs litigation associate

The differences between research attorneys and litigation associates 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 a litigation associate. Additionally, a litigation associate has an average salary of $112,116, which is higher than the $92,154 average annual salary of a research attorney.

The top three skills for a research attorney include litigation, legal issues and legal memoranda. The most important skills for a litigation associate are litigation, law firm, and legal research.

Research attorney vs litigation associate overview

Research AttorneyLitigation Associate
Yearly salary$92,154$112,116
Hourly rate$44.30$53.90
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,7319,779
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 54%Doctoral Degree, 56%
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 a litigation associate do?

A Litigation Associate offers legal advice for individuals involved in lawsuits and represents them in court. They prepare pleading, collect evidence, defend depositions, and manage the client database.

Research attorney vs litigation associate salary

Research attorneys and litigation associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research AttorneyLitigation Associate
Average salary$92,154$112,116
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $146,000Between $68,000 And $182,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWhite Plains, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyAirbnbBryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between research attorney and litigation associate education

There are a few differences between a research attorney and a litigation associate in terms of educational background:

Research AttorneyLitigation Associate
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 54%Doctoral Degree, 56%
Most common majorLawLaw
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Research attorney vs litigation associate demographics

Here are the differences between research attorneys' and litigation associates' demographics:

Research AttorneyLitigation Associate
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 43.7% Female, 56.3%Male, 52.4% Female, 47.6%
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, 5.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 6.5% White, 75.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between research attorney and litigation associate 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.
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Litigation associate example responsibilities.

  • Lead and assist in out-of-court resolution of actions including settlement negotiations, mediation, and arbitration.
  • Manage all aspects of motion practice and discovery in class and institutional actions involving residential mortgage-backed securities investments.
  • Represent immigrants in deportation proceedings, federal litigation and appeals.
  • Participate in complex commercial litigation group, with matters involving insurance, entertainment, products liability, utilities and investment banking.
  • Research various aspects of family law, civil procedure, and tort law.
  • Ensure business compliance with FDCPA, HIPAA, ADA, and various other regulations.
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Research attorney vs litigation associate skills

Common research attorney skills
  • Litigation, 17%
  • Legal Issues, 12%
  • Legal Memoranda, 9%
  • Appeals, 7%
  • Legal Support, 5%
  • Probate, 5%
Common litigation associate skills
  • Litigation, 28%
  • Law Firm, 11%
  • Legal Research, 6%
  • Commercial Litigation, 5%
  • Discovery Motions, 3%
  • Insurance Coverage, 3%