Laws govern many aspects of daily life. They are designed to both protect citizens from harm and safeguard their rights. As a result, there are many different focus areas for legal professions.
Some types of law are focused on family matters like divorce and child custody. Others are geared toward criminal cases like theft, arson, and assault, or personal injury events like car accidents, work accidents, or medical malpractice claims. Each of these fields requires different knowledge and experience. Since not all lawyers are the same, they may earn different salaries.
Pay ranges could depend on several factors, including the type of law, experience level, geographic area, and firm’s relative prestige. However, which types of attorneys tend to attain the best pay on average?
Patent Lawyers: Protecting Intellectual Property
When someone creates a new product, service, or other type of intellectual property, they may apply for a patent to give them the exclusive rights to make, use, or sell their invention. Patent lawyers typically focus on helping inventors obtain patents and settle disputes concerning them. A patent attorney can earn over $198,000 per year, on average.
Corporate Attorneys: Serving Businesses
Corporations have a range of potential legal needs.
For instance, corporate lawyers could be involved in:
- Drawing up contracts and other legal documents
- Structuring transactions
- Negotiating business deals
- Developing company policies
- Advising on legal compliance with industry regulations
- Protecting against liability
A corporate attorney could handle a range of complex legal matters, depending on the company, and they may work for a firm or as an employee of the corporation. Because of the flexibility and knowledge required for corporate litigation and negotiation, corporate lawyers are well-paid, earning an average annual salary of roughly $163,000.
Real Estate Lawyers: Protecting Buyers and Sellers
Buying and selling real estate involves legal paperwork related to contracts, like the transfer of titles and mortgage loans. These professionals assist their clients with property transactions, including residential, commercial, and other property types. They may perform functions like:
- Creating or reviewing legal documents
- Performing research on behalf of clients
- Advising on compliance with applicable laws
- Participating in litigation if necessary
On average, real estate attorneys in the U.S. can earn about $154,000 per year.
Civil Litigation Attorneys: Versatile Legal Professionals
While criminal law deals with the prosecution and defense of people and entities believed to be involved in criminal activity, civil cases involve disputes between people and or entities that have to do with private rights. In some cases involving criminal charges, civil lawsuits may also occur.
Civil litigation could involve a wide range of cases, from contract and property disputes to personal injury claims. Lawyers involved in civil litigation stand to earn an average annual salary of over $125,000.
Personal Injury Attorneys: Helping Victims Attain Compensation For The Harm They Face
Personal injury cases could fall under the category of civil litigation. A tort attorney focuses specifically on the legal rights of a person suffering from physical, mental, or emotional harm because of the actions (or inaction) of another person or entity. Civil litigation attorneys handle cases involving damage to private property.
When someone is involved in a car accident, a slip and fall, or a medical malpractice case, a personal injury lawyer will typically have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the claim. Personal injury lawyers can earn over $120,000 per year on average.
Thinking About Becoming an Attorney?
There are many fields of law to choose from. While salary can be an important factor, it shouldn’t be your only concern. It’s always wise to consider a profession that you’re passionate about, one that can provide you with personal satisfaction in addition to a paycheck.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 726-1616
