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Job outlook for senior attorneys in the United States
Senior attorney job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior attorney job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for senior attorneys are projected over the next decade.
Senior attorney salaries have increased 7% for senior attorneys in the last 5 years.
There are over 250,880 senior attorneys currently employed in the United States.
There are 10,445 active senior attorney job openings in the US.
The average senior attorney salary is $111,002.
Are senior attorney jobs in demand?
Senior attorney job and salary trends over time
Senior attorney jobs over time
Senior attorney job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 250,880 | 0.07% |
| 2020 | 242,447 | 0.07% |
| 2019 | 242,097 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 236,785 | 0.07% |
| 2017 | 231,488 | 0.07% |
Average senior attorney salary over time
Senior attorney salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $111,002 | $53.37 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $107,530 | $51.70 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $105,737 | $50.84 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $104,285 | $50.14 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $103,332 | $49.68 | +2.0% |
Senior attorney jobs by state
Most common states for senior attorneys
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 183 | 26% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 23 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 185 | 3% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 758 | 2% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 370 | 2% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 340 | 2% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 184 | 2% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 131 | 2% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 104 | 2% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 89 | 2% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 25 | 2% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 21 | 2% |
| 13 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 333 | 1% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 175 | 1% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 127 | 1% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 77 | 1% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 68 | 1% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 56 | 1% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 42 | 1% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 17 | 1% |
Most common cities for senior attorneys
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tallahassee | 11 | 6% | $75,813 |
| 2 | Pensacola | 2 | 4% | $77,569 |
| 3 | DeLand | 1 | 3% | $76,431 |
| 4 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $76,011 |
| 5 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $78,699 |
| 6 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $78,301 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $100,093 |
| 8 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $104,229 |
| 9 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $130,547 |
| 10 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $94,149 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $85,950 |
| 12 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $103,540 |
| 13 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $106,558 |
| 14 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $75,849 |
Senior Attorney job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior attorney experts
Suffolk University
Cornell University
University of North Dakota
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Georgia
Oakland University
Rollins College
University of Houston
University of Cincinnati
Seton Hall University School of Law
Georgia State University
Lewis and Clark School of Law
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
Prairie View A&M University
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Illinois State University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
What general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
Andrele St. Val: You can maximize your salary potential by learning how to negotiate and then being sure you do it. Know that employers will try to pay you the minimum. Know your worth, even when starting out, and ask for it. Also, take the time to harness your skills. This can be in the form of becoming an expert in your area of the law or sharpening your 'soft skills' like negotiations.
What Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorneys 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.
Michael Bolden Former First Justice/Boston Municipal Court/Retired
Suffolk University
Law
What general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
Michael Bolden Former First Justice/Boston Municipal Court/Retired: While maximizing a salary is an important consideration for all of us, my experience is that money alone will not be enough to overcome a miserable work environment. It is my advice that one must balance compensation with a healthy work environment. That being said, your best strategy to maximize your compensation was when you were in school. Emphasize your diversity of experience (clinical programs, internships and work experience even nonlegal jobs). Think about the fact that there will be many candidates for the job you're seeking. Ask yourself 'why should you be hired over all the other candidates. Everyone looks good on paper, what do you bring to the table that the other candidates do not. Speaking a second language or studying abroad are examples of how you can distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack. Finally, do your homework and find out what the realistic salary range is being offered. Then using the above experiences, you can argue why you should be considered for the higher compensation.
What Senior Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Bolden Former First Justice/Boston Municipal Court/Retired: It is hard to predict what areas of law will become prevalent in the next few years, my advice to young attorneys is to train to become a quick study and nimble so you can pivot to new areas of law going forward. Also, make this willingness to learn new things known to your supervisor so they can support you in your willingness to stay current.
What will help Senior Attorneys increase their earning potential?
Michael Bolden Former First Justice/Boston Municipal Court/Retired: My general advice to a graduate beginning their career in the law would be.....Do not think you have to make your ultimate career decision in your first job. As time goes on you may find out that what you thought you liked is not fulfilling and giving you the satisfaction you were hoping to get by being a lawyer. Give yourself permission to make a change in your career path while you hone your skills and gain experience. As a result, as you go forward keep your eyes and options open so you may end up in a place where you are getting the satisfaction you dreamed about practicing law.
What Senior Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mohamed Arafa SJD: I will be more than happy to respond to your questions on the job legal market (law majors/fields) after graduating w/the JD/law degree from the law school.
What will help Senior Attorneys increase their earning potential?
Mohamed Arafa SJD: LMK when it’s good for you and we can proceed for a Zoom call or so! Just make sure that there is 7 hours ahead between NY and Riyadh.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
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 Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorneys 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
Ms. Debbie Snyder: Lawyers find fulfillment and satisfaction in their chosen path for a variety of reasons. First, is the intellectual challenge - lawyers are constantly thinking critically, analyzing and problem-solving in their daily work. Second, lawyers are motivated by making a positive impact on the lives of others or their community. Lawyers have the opportunity to advocate for justice and uphold the rule of law. Since lawyers are problem solvers, the work can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy finding innovative solutions and making strategic decisions. As stated previously, a legal career can be financially stable and lucrative, depending on the setting. The legal profession can also be demanding and stressful, with lawyers working long hours in high-pressure environments. Billable hour requirements can lead to burnout. Managing client expectations can be challenging. However, despite these challenges, many lawyers find ways to manage these aspects and derive satisfaction from their careers through a combination of their passion for the law and a desire to help others.
What Senior Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Debbie Snyder: There is always a need for lawyers. Legal needs persist regardless of economic conditions, ensuring a consistent demand for lawyers. Lawyers can work in a variety of settings, including private practice (law firms), government, business and industry, non-profit organizations and academia, offering a wide range of experiences. In addition, the work can be intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling by making a positive impact on society. Finally, a career in law tends to have financial stability.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
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 Senior Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dustin Marlan: In terms of positives, my students and I enjoy working on intellectually stimulating work, law is often a lucrative way of making a living, and the pursuit of achieving justice is incredibly rewarding. Law does often involve long hours, can be mentally or emotionally taxing and, while intellectual creativity abounds, the artistic creativity found in some other humanities-centered vocations is lacking.
What will help Senior Attorneys 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 Senior Attorney?
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 Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorneys 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
Brian Mink: Lean into emerging trends and areas of interest, read about them daily, volunteer for related assignments, seek opportunities to publish articles or teach CLEs. Building expertise in a specific area can open up new opportunities and increase salary potential.
What Senior Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Mink: Graduates entering the legal profession will need to be highly adaptable and willing to learn new skills in addition to their legal expertise.
What will help Senior Attorneys 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Attorney?
Jennifer Thor: There are many ways to maximize your salary in this career field. First and foremost, is to keep your GPA up. GPA is a huge factor that law schools consider when making admissions decisions. Second, try and get some experience. Intern in an HR department; shadow a lawyer who practices in an area of law you are interested in; see if the local court takes on interns or maybe the local prosecutor's office; or volunteer with a civil rights organization that is fighting for principles that you care about. Lastly, improve your leadership skills. Join a campus group and help them achieve their goals. You do not have to become the president of the group, but you could maybe take on the chair of a committee.
What Senior Attorney 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.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What soft skills should all Senior Attorneys 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 skills stand out on Senior Attorney 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Attorneys?
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 Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorneys 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 Senior Attorneys?
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 Senior Attorneys 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 will help Senior Attorneys earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
What skills stand out on Senior Attorney resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What soft skills should all Senior Attorneys possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Attorneys?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
June Forrest
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesSeton Hall University School of Law
Office of Career Services
What skills stand out on Senior Attorney resumes?
June Forrest: Experiential skills stand out---reading, research, and writing skills that have been honed through judicial and other externships or summer positions stand out on the resumes of students seeking first jobs. In the trenches, litigation skills and other practice skills stand out on the resumes of lawyers seeking new gigs. Everyone wants an experienced lawyer who can present their case and win!
What soft skills should all Senior Attorneys 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.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Attorneys?
June Forrest: Lawyers need to be able to read, research, write. Those are both hard and soft skills. Being familiar with new technology used in discovery and in the courtroom is important too---law schools are devoting whole classes to that kind of technology now.
What skills will help Senior Attorneys earn the most?
June Forrest: Skills alone will not help you “earn the most.” Starting out, big law pays the most, and to get there, you have to have great grades and great research and writing skills. You have to have demonstrated excellence in law school by being on a journal and having things like moot court on your resume. Once you get out, you make your own destiny, and the sky can be the limit. Great litigation skills will take you a long way if you can develop them.
Brenda Wakefield
Director, Philip C. Cook Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Mark and Evelyn Trammell Professor & Clinical Professor of LawGeorgia State University
College of Law
What skills will help Senior Attorneys earn the most?
Brenda Wakefield: Regarding maximizing earning potential, I think the most important thing that a tax attorney can do is take a long view of how a career can progress. On the one hand, some attorneys seek to maximize earnings right away in large law firms, and there are certainly many benefits to taking that approach. However, many firms value attorneys who have spent some time working for the government, either for the IRS, the Department of Justice Tax Division, the Joint Committee on Taxation, or the United States Tax Court. While government salaries typically are not as high as those found in the private sector, attorneys who have spent time in government service often find that when they choose to enter the private sector, their government experience allows them to command a premium in compensation that they receive from either law or accounting firms.
What skills stand out on Senior Attorney resumes?
Brenda Wakefield: Employers typically look for a few different skills for tax attorneys entering the job market right out of school. Some employers may require that new tax attorneys pursue additional education beyond the J.D., such as an L.L.M. in taxation or a Masters in Taxation. However, these additional degrees are by no means a universal requirement, and many employers will be willing to hire an entry-level tax attorney without them. For applicants without an LLM or MTax to be competitive, however, they will want to have taken advantage of as many of the tax courses their law school provided, and they ideally will want to have done well in those courses. In particular, an opportunity to enroll in an academic low-income taxpayer clinic can make a student very attractive to firms specializing in tax controversy work because they know that the clinical experience has already provided a lot of the foundational, practical training that firms hope graduates will have.
What soft skills should all Senior Attorneys possess?
Brenda Wakefield: A tax attorney's most important soft skills are a willingness to listen to their client's overall goals and understand how tax planning or a tax dispute fits into the client's overall business or personal financial plan. In addition, tax attorneys should have a strong ability to communicate complex concepts in straightforward terms, as a large part of the tax attorney's job ix making the tax law more accessible to their clients by explaining how clients can achieve their goals while complying with one of the most complicated bodies of law that exist.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Attorneys?
Brenda Wakefield: Regarding hard/technical skills, there is a misperception that tax attorneys need to have strong backgrounds in mathematics, accounting, or finance. While these backgrounds can certainly be useful, they are by no means required. Really, the most important technical skills are an ability to read statutory language very closely and carefully; the ability to recognize when the tax code provides a clear answer to a question and when the code might suggest multiple answers; strong research, writing, logic, and problem-solving skills; and keen attention to detail.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorneys?
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 Senior Attorneys?
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's a good job out of college for Senior Attorneys?
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.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Attorney?
Jennifer Brobst: Recent graduates who are newly employed will be relieved to learn that there is always some leeway given to the new hire, at least for a little while. Even the harshest supervising attorneys will put together some form of onboarding. If they don't, and a recent graduate working as a deputy prosecuting attorney, for example, is sent to court without instruction, then it will show if they appear lost as to what to do. It's a little humiliating, but the best of attorneys have been through it. Recent graduates need to be willing to be professional and ask court clerks, opposing counsel, judges, and others in the profession basic questions when necessary.
On the other hand, new attorneys in large firms may find the onboarding process frustrating if it is very extensive, as they may want to jump in the deep end and have more responsibility more quickly. If the pandemic continues to impact whether attorneys must work from home, it may be a little lonely at first, working remotely at a new job. However, this will be temporary, and all new attorneys hopefully will remember to appreciate that they have successfully finished law school and passed the bar, a major accomplishment, in itself. During the pandemic, attorneys have been considered essential workers and there is a reason for that. They genuinely are of service to their communities, especially in times of crisis.
Richard McWhorter Ph.D.
Adjunct InstructorPrairie View A&M University
Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Attorneys?
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.
Jason Cieslik
Assistant Professor & Academic Advisor of Legal StudiesIllinois State University
Department of Politics & Government
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Attorney job market given the pandemic?
Jason Cieslik: In terms of trends in specific areas of law, it is expected that the legal field will see an increase in workload in labor and employment, family law, healthcare, bankruptcy, and estate planning. Some general practitioners have been able to sustain a healthy workload where there has been a decrease in one area of law, but an increase in others due to the pandemic, such as family law and bankruptcy.
Since the pandemic began, we are seeing firms realize that much of the workload can be conducted remotely. Thus, firms are downsizing their workspaces and opting for smaller offices. This has allowed some firms to save money on physical space and hire additional personnel. However, some firms are asking their employees to work from the office, at least some days during the week. This requires some legal navigation with employee's health and safety concerns. Thus, management must have a social distancing policy in place, as well as taking into account privacy concerns of each employee.
Obviously, hiring practices have changed dramatically since the pandemic. Traditionally, interviews would take place in-person. However, most interviews are taking place via Zoom or some other interactive online format. Both firms and those seeking jobs in the legal field have had to adjust their advertising and job search methods due to the pandemic. In-person networking is not feasible. Thus, paralegals and attorneys seeking work have been advised to join professional organizations that meet online for the purpose of networking and sharing information. Jobs are available, but employers and future employees need to be creative and adjust to this alternative format of networking. Those seeking work need to be flexible, diligent in their search, and aggressive in following up with leads.
What skills stand out on Senior Attorney resumes?
Jason Cieslik: Proofread, proofread, proofread! This is one absolute that the pandemic has not changed. The legal profession places a high value on written communication. Grammatical mistakes are an easy way to guarantee that you will not receive an opportunity to interview.
Since many employers are permitting their employees to work from home, the resume should demonstrate the ability to be a self-starter, ability to resolve a problem on their own, and computer literacy. Legal professionals that have training in specific legal technology platforms should make sure they emphasize those skills on their resume. Most ABA Approved Paralegal Programs require their students to take a course in legal technology. These skills should be emphasized, especially if they are going to be expected to work from home. On the flip side, employers should be as specific as possible in their job advertisements as to what qualities and skills they are seeking in a future employee.
When applying for any legal position, the applicant should modify their resume to the job that they are applying for, emphasizing the skills and qualities that the employer is seeking. Obviously, no applicant should stretch the truth, because those "facts" will eventually become exposed. Thus, if an applicant were applying for a position as a litigation paralegal, the applicant should emphasize the discovery experience they obtained during their internship, as opposed to their familiarity with probate law.
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 Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorney 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 Senior Attorney?
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.