Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for solo practitioners in the United States
Solo practitioner job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected solo practitioner job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for solo practitioners are projected over the next decade.
Solo practitioner salaries have increased 7% for solo practitioners in the last 5 years.
There are over 45,262 solo practitioners currently employed in the United States.
There are 23,680 active solo practitioner job openings in the US.
The average solo practitioner salary is $97,581.
Are solo practitioner jobs in demand?
Solo practitioner job and salary trends over time
Solo practitioner jobs over time
Solo practitioner job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 45,262 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 43,289 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 42,925 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 41,502 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 40,302 | 0.01% |
Average solo practitioner salary over time
Solo practitioner salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,581 | $46.91 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $94,529 | $45.45 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $92,953 | $44.69 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $91,677 | $44.08 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $90,839 | $43.67 | +2.0% |
Solo practitioner jobs by state
Most common states for solo practitioners
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 134 | 19% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 106 | 8% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 42 | 7% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 427 | 6% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 74 | 6% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 44 | 6% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 35 | 6% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 179 | 5% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 478 | 4% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 299 | 4% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 228 | 4% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 206 | 4% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 185 | 4% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 39 | 4% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 38 | 4% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,058 | 3% |
| 17 | New York | 19,849,399 | 685 | 3% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 243 | 3% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 78 | 3% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 32 | 3% |
Solo Practitioner job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of solo practitioner experts
Suffolk University
University of North Dakota
University of Georgia
Oakland University
Pepperdine University
Texas Tech University
Rollins College
University of Cincinnati
Seton Hall University School of Law
Pace University
Lewis and Clark School of Law
Southern Illinois University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Arizona State University
University of Iowa
University of Mississippi
What will help Solo Practitioners 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 will help Solo Practitioners 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 general advice would you give to a Solo Practitioner?
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 Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioners 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 Solo Practitioner?
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 general advice would you give to a Solo Practitioner?
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 Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioners 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 Solo Practitioner?
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 Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioner 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.
What will help Solo Practitioners increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Thor: First, Oakland University does not have a legal studies degree; however, through our Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, students have been able to create their own legal studies program combining legal courses across multiple disciplines. The majority of legal studies students tend to go to law school after graduation. They typically want to continue learning about the law in order to become a lawyer. So for those graduates, I highly recommend speaking with a pre-law adviser as they begin their junior year. That adviser will give them information about taking the LSAT and what that student will need to do to make sure their application to law school is in perfect order. For those students who do not want to go to law school, but who want to work in a law firm, I recommend that they obtain a paralegal certificate. The combination of the law courses in their bachelor's degree and the procedural courses offered in a paralegal program will make that individual very attractive to law firms. Lastly, for those students who don't want to go to law school or work in a law firm, their legal studies degree is still very valuable. Many jobs require at least some understanding of the law. For example, working in HR requires knowledge about the various federal and state employment laws that impact wages and benefits. It also requires a general understanding of contract law and the law regarding workplace discrimination. Individuals working in a purchasing department need to understand contract law and depending on the type of items being purchased an understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code as well. I recommend that these students investigate different career paths and meet with their Career and Life Coaches on campus.
What general advice would you give to a Solo Practitioner?
Joel Fetzer: The ability to analyze large quantitative datasets using software such as SPSS, STATA, or R should be increasingly valued in the political and legal world as well as in survey-research and campaign firms and in Silicon Valley. Oral and written communication skills, the ability to persuade people to do what you or your client would like, remain crucial in this field, ChatGPT notwithstanding. And workers in this area will even more frequently need to combat disinformation campaigns using social and traditional media.
What Solo Practitioner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joel Fetzer: If one really would like to maximize one's income as a political-science major, the most common path is to attend a tier-1 law school such as an Ivy League institution and then go into corporate law. Some associates at top Wall-Street law firms can start at over $200,000 per year. Once they make partner, the sky is the limit. The downside of this career choice is the work schedule, which can exceed 90 hours/week including weekends and even all-nighters, and the office environment, which is often unwelcoming to women, the parents of small children, and racial minorities. If one is really interested in practicing law, I would recommend a job as a government attorney, where the salaries are lower but the work-life balance is much more humane. Another highly paid option is lobbying for private industry, which can yield mid-career income that approximates that of Wall-Street law firm associates.
What will help Solo Practitioners increase their earning potential?
Joel Fetzer: With a political science degree, one can enter pretty much any career field, including medicine and business. Several of my students have gone on to M.D. programs after majoring in political science and, of course, doing exceptionally well in the regular pre-med prerequisite classes such as calculus, organic chemistry, and biology. Another political-science graduate is now a movie producer in Hollywood. But typical occupations include law, campaigns and elections, lobbying, diplomacy, journalism, data analysis, the civil service, academia, and the military. Students should try to get internships in areas where they would consider working and then leverage the contacts made and skills learned there into full-time positions. Of my own former students, two or three are now at the State Department and one is a producer at CNN following related internships.
What Solo Practitioner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leah Won: Lawyers enjoy the opportunity to help people and organizations solve problems and achieve their goals. Lawyers enjoy thinking creatively and advocating for a position or for a person. Practicing law can become an all-encompassing endeavor that leaves little space for the parts of life that make us a whole person-setting boundaries and protecting one's mental health are crucial for a long career in the law.
What will help Solo Practitioners increase their earning potential?
Leah Won: There are so many practice areas and settings! Lawyers may use their oral advocacy skills in court in the morning and rely upon their research and writing skills in the afternoon. Perhaps a new client is visiting the office and the lawyer must build rapport and issue spot simultaneously. The law is an ever-evolving landscape and keeping up-to-date with changes in the law and policy is important to practice.
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011
Assistant Dean for Career and Professional DevelopmentTexas Tech University
Law
What general advice would you give to a Solo Practitioner?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Do well in school. Get good grades. The big law firms are the ones that pay, and they are the ones that are grade sensitive. And be prepared to put in the work. The more you are willing to hustle the more you can make in your practice.
What Solo Practitioner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Legal research and writing continue to be the hallmark skills for attorneys. I don't see this changing any time soon. I do think AI will continue to make its way into our practice, so having some knowledge of the use of AI would be helpful. However, this is a people/humanity centered field. You can't fake humanity.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What skills stand out on Solo Practitioner 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 soft skills should all Solo Practitioners 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Solo Practitioners?
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.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Solo Practitioner resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What soft skills should all Solo Practitioners possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Solo Practitioners?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Solo Practitioners earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
June Forrest
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesSeton Hall University School of Law
Office of Career Services
What soft skills should all Solo Practitioners 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.
Leslie Garfield Tenzer
Professor of Law, Luk-Cummings Family Faculty ScholarPace University
Elisabeth Haub School of Law
What skills stand out on Solo Practitioner resumes?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Research and writing. I would encourage every student eligible to participate in their school's law review or law journals. Participation communicates to employers that you are committed to taking on extra work and demonstrates that you have developed your legal research and writing skills beyond the core curriculum.
What soft skills should all Solo Practitioners possess?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Eye contact, clarity of expression, willingness to work hard, ability to accept criticism, and strong networking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Solo Practitioners?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Legal research, editing skills, and most importantly, an ability to analyze the law.
What skills will help Solo Practitioners earn the most?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: In the short run, the skill of providing the partners with quality work. In the long run, cultivating clients.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioners?
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 Solo Practitioners?
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 day at work look like for a Solo Practitioner?
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.
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 Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioner 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 Solo Practitioner?
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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Solo Practitioners?
Adam Chodorow: When the pandemic first hit, just about everything ground to a halt. However, after an initial adjustment, legal work came roaring back. The pandemic does not appear to have affected our students' job prospects because there is plenty of work to be done. ASU Law rallied around its students to create paid employment opportunities when their summer jobs were canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. The students gained a meaningful, practical experience, in addition to much-needed financial support.
And now we face a more interesting question and one we won't know the answer to for many years: Where and how our graduates will be working. The pandemic has proven that lawyers can work from home for long periods. It is too soon to tell whether this will be a temporary aberration or the new normal. Firms may relinquish or significantly reduce their office space to save money and time, but doing so could also affect firm culture, the ability to train young lawyers, and a host of other important factors we have yet to consider.
For years, futurists have told us that big changes were coming to the way lawyers practiced, whether because of flexible work arrangements, increased use of technology, or globalization. The pandemic forced us all to go down that path sooner than many expected. The jury is still out on what of this new way to work we will keep and what of the old we will discard.
What type of skills will young Solo Practitioners need?
Adam Chodorow: Most students come to law school, thinking that they are there to learn the law. However, being an effective lawyer requires far more than simply knowing the rules. Lawyers need to be creative problem solvers who can understand their clients' needs and advise them on minimizing risk best while achieving their goals. Perhaps the most important skill lawyers need is the ability to communicate clearly, whether in writing or orally. Other skills include gathering information, spot issues, and analyzing what the law prohibits, requires, or permits. This involves more specific skills, such as the ability to:
Listen to and work with clients.
Find, absorb, and understand vast amounts of information in a short time frame.
Find ways to advance client interests within the existing legal environment.
In addition to these basic lawyering skills, young lawyers will need to be technically proficient with various computer programs, databases, and other electronic resources that are fast becoming indispensable to the practice of law.
What type of skills will young Solo Practitioners need?
Christina Bohannan: Graduates will need to have excellent analytical and communication skills. They will need to understand how the law intersects with their clients' business or other interests. They will also need to have cultural proficiency to work with diverse clients and coworkers with different ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Solo Practitioners to find work opportunities?
Christina Bohannan: Legal studies allow graduates to find work anywhere in the United States. For example, although our law school is in Iowa, we send many students all over the country.
How do you envision technology impacting Solo Practitioners in the next 5 years?
Christina Bohannan: Technology will continue to play a role in legal practice. Over the last several years, it has allowed more people to work remotely from the firms or other organizations where they practice. The pandemic has made online meetings and court arguments more common than ever. But I believe that when the epidemic is lifted, we will likely return to mostly in-person court appearances.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Solo Practitioners to find work opportunities?
Ronald Rychlak: Opportunities in this field exist almost everywhere. There is a particular need in rural areas, but legal support services are needed anywhere people live and do business. That's nice, because you need not limit your options due to geographic restrictions.