The legal profession is one of the most respected and sought-after fields in the world, with lawyers earning high salaries and commanding a great deal of prestige. But not all lawyers are created equal when it comes to earning potential. Some types of lawyers make significantly more money than others, based on their specialization and the demand for their services. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is an important USCIS form used by individuals who are physically present in the United States and wish to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card.
So, what kind of lawyer makes the most money? There are a few different factors that come into play when answering this question, such as the location of the lawyer, their level of experience, and the type of law they practice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highest-paying legal specialties.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers advise businesses on legal matters, such as contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. They may work for large corporations or smaller businesses, and may specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, securities law, or tax law. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in this field was $144,230 in 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $208,000 per year.
Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property lawyers work to protect the rights of individuals and businesses when it comes to their inventions, creative works, and other forms of intellectual property. They may handle cases involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets. According to PayScale, the average salary for an intellectual property lawyer is around $140,000 per year, with some earning significantly more depending on their experience and expertise.
Trial Lawyers
Trial lawyers, also known as litigators, specialize in representing clients in court cases. They may work on civil cases, such as personal injury or contract disputes, or criminal cases, such as defending clients against charges of fraud or other crimes. Trial lawyers often work long hours and may face high levels of stress, but their earning potential can be significant. According to the National Law Journal, the top 1% of trial lawyers in the United States can earn more than $1 million per year.
Tax Law
Tax lawyers help clients navigate the complex world of tax law, working to minimize their tax liability and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. They may work for corporations or individuals, and may specialize in areas such as estate planning or international taxation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in this field was $128,540 in 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $208,000 per year.
Real Estate Law
Real estate lawyers help clients with legal matters related to property, such as buying and selling real estate, zoning regulations, and property disputes. They may work for individuals or businesses, and may specialize in residential or commercial real estate. According to PayScale, the average salary for a real estate lawyer is around $90,000 per year, with some earning more depending on their experience and location.
Entertainment Law
Entertainment lawyers work with clients in the entertainment industry, such as musicians, actors, and production companies. They may handle contracts, intellectual property, and other legal matters related to the creation and distribution of media. According to PayScale, the average salary for an entertainment lawyer is around $90,000 per year, although some may earn significantly more depending on their level of experience and the size of their client base.
It’s important to note that earning potential can vary widely depending on a lawyer’s location, level of experience, and the demand for their services. Lawyers who work in large cities or in specialized fields may command higher salaries than those who work in smaller towns or in more general practice areas. Additionally, lawyers who are self-employed or who work at small firms may have a more variable income depending on the success of their practice.
