Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for trial attorneys in the United States
Trial attorney job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected trial attorney job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for trial attorneys are projected over the next decade.
Trial attorney salaries have increased 7% for trial attorneys in the last 5 years.
There are over 260,649 trial attorneys currently employed in the United States.
There are 7,253 active trial attorney job openings in the US.
The average trial attorney salary is $110,340.
Are trial attorney jobs in demand?
Trial attorney job and salary trends over time
Trial attorney jobs over time
Trial attorney job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 260,649 | 0.08% |
| 2020 | 251,896 | 0.07% |
| 2019 | 251,571 | 0.08% |
| 2018 | 246,053 | 0.07% |
| 2017 | 240,533 | 0.07% |
Average trial attorney salary over time
Trial attorney salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $110,340 | $53.05 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $106,889 | $51.39 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $105,107 | $50.53 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $103,664 | $49.84 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $102,716 | $49.38 | +2.0% |
Trial attorney jobs by state
Most common states for trial attorneys
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 160 | 23% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 24 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 156 | 2% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 22 | 2% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 466 | 1% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 301 | 1% |
| 7 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 197 | 1% |
| 8 | New York | 19,849,399 | 192 | 1% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 130 | 1% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 92 | 1% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 78 | 1% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 75 | 1% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 60 | 1% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 55 | 1% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 54 | 1% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 54 | 1% |
| 17 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 31 | 1% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 30 | 1% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 30 | 1% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 18 | 1% |
Most common cities for trial attorneys
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farmington | 1 | 4% | $102,775 |
| 2 | Washington | 12 | 2% | $131,824 |
| 3 | Springfield | 3 | 2% | $92,431 |
| 4 | Lowell | 2 | 2% | $92,732 |
| 5 | Towson | 1 | 2% | $90,121 |
| 6 | Woodland | 1 | 2% | $128,673 |
| 7 | Brockton | 1 | 1% | $93,118 |
| 8 | Plantation | 1 | 1% | $94,758 |
| 9 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $94,752 |
| 10 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $93,010 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $125,454 |
| 12 | Jacksonville | 2 | 0% | $93,721 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $85,850 |
| 14 | Buffalo | 1 | 0% | $102,242 |
| 15 | Fresno | 1 | 0% | $128,441 |
| 16 | Irving | 1 | 0% | $100,605 |
| 17 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $95,094 |
| 18 | Pittsburgh | 1 | 0% | $91,845 |
Trial Attorney job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of trial attorney experts
University of North Dakota
Rollins College
University of Cincinnati
Lewis and Clark School of Law
Ferris State University
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
-1.jpg?auto=format&w=150&h=225&crop=faces&fit=crop&fm=jpeg&q=90)
Illinois State University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
University of Connecticut
Marquette University
What general advice would you give to a Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What skills stand out on Trial 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 Trial 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 soft skills should all Trial 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.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Trial 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 Trial Attorneys possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Trial Attorneys?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Trial Attorneys earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial Attorneys?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In our field, policing, probation, jail or prison correctional officer, or social services (whether private or public) are very good jobs, particularly if they are state employed or federally employed.
What's a good job out of college for Trial 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Trial Attorney job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Brobst: Legal job growth often follows political conflict and calls for reform. In this respect, I think there will be an array of health law positions addressing the health insurance market, in both private practice and as counsel for insurance companies or for state and federal government agencies. We also continue to see the fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, where wages for all but the highest earners never seemed to recover, only to be exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting job losses.
This current administration will probably try to address this disparity by increasing government agency middle income positions in housing, employment, and education. Lawyers will be needed to fill those new agency positions and if grant funding increases to nonprofits, then starter positions in legal advocacy nonprofits will be interesting, but lower-paid jobs for new attorneys, particularly for the reform-minded Millennials and Gen Z cadre. The international global market is more important than ever and attorneys able to be mobile may find more opportunities in the larger firms and as corporate counsel if, and when, the pandemic shutdowns finally disappear. An interesting area of increasing need will be in the medical-legal and public health fields, where an Executive Order from President Biden has already put in place a new COVID-19 board to coordinate federal public health efforts and the creation of a national public health surveillance database. Privacy attorneys and those advocating for and against expansion of traditionally local public health law into a federal oversight approach will be needed. I also think that job opportunities will continue to grow for attorneys working for the online legal technology companies like LegalZoom, as cross-jurisdictional practice relaxes, as seen in some of the reform of the Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics opinions.
Traditional job opportunities in small and medium-sized regional firms engaged, for example, in family law, small business law, and trusts and estates, may be fewer for awhile, as middle-class clients may not be able to afford legal services until their own employment situations recover. Positions in the criminal justice legal fields are more difficult to predict. Crime rates have been declining for decades, but movements against mass incarceration and racial injustice may support better resources for public defender offices that are cash-strapped and under-staffed.
Jason Cieslik
Assistant Professor & Academic Advisor of Legal StudiesIllinois State University
Department of Politics & Government
What skills stand out on Trial 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Trial Attorneys to find work opportunities?
Jason Cieslik: The old saying in the legal profession used to be that 80% of the available legal jobs are not posted. Attorneys communicated their need to hire a legal professional by word of mouth and in-person interaction at social legal functions. It's not certain that this old adage holds true today. Attorneys may be utilizing more traditional methods of posting job opportunities.
Jobs are available, but certain legal specialties may be thriving more than others. However, this cyclical trend tends to hold true regardless of whether the country is experiencing a pandemic or not. Rather than focusing on the specific location of where jobs are located around the country, it appears that legal professionals seeking employment should focus on areas of law that have work and need employees to complete that work. The great aspect of the legal profession is that attorneys and paralegals have always been more than willing to assist one another. Employment is no different. Legal professionals seeking work need to start making as many connections as possible with other legal professionals by phone, email, and other socially distant forms of communication to establish a network.
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 Trial 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 Trial 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 Trial 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.
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of HistoryUniversity of Connecticut
Department of History
What experience really stands out on Trial Attorney resumes?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: Because so many students are encouraged to fill up their resumes with extracurricular activities, these no longer stand out as they once did, and in fact a CV with a lengthy list of organizations and clubs more likely raises a suspicion that the student was never sincerely committed to any one of them. But now I think independent extracurriculars stand out-creating something from scratch, even on a small scale, or engaging in an independent research project with a faculty member. These types pf projects demonstrate a range of qualities an employer would find attractive: having an original idea, developing a research plan or agenda, seeking support and funding, carrying out the research, and producing a result. Every college and university has some support for undergraduate research, and I think too few students, particularly in the humanities, take advantage of these opportunities. Simply having the motivation to apply for one of these is a positive indicator to a prospective employer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Trial Attorney job market given the pandemic?
Andrea Schneider: In terms of dispute resolution, the demand for online dispute resolution (ODR), particularly mediation, will only be increasing. The trend towards ODR has been accelerated by the pandemic, and many are realizing the significant advantages to resolving disputes through online platforms, particularly those related to being able to convene people from all over the world at one time with no travel costs. Students who have comfort with online work should be in high demand. In addition, those students who want to go into system design - supporting courts or institutions who are structuring these online platforms - will also be able to look for jobs that meet this increased need.