For young aspiring lawyers, it’s essential to understand the top 20 different types of lawyers that make the most money. Having this knowledge beforehand can prevent significant challenges in the future. Many who become lawyers without the information about types of lawyers in demand often struggle to handle critical issues.
If you are looking for what type of lawyer makes the most money UK, you should know that the landscape for lucrative legal careers may differ between the UK and the rest of the world. In the UK, learning law is a unique experience, distinct from other countries. For instance, in the US, one might work as a lawyer for celebrities or in real estate, while in the UK, the traditional wig and overcoat attire may be required. Moreover, the highest position in lawyer industry varies from country to country.
Pixabay/Public domain
As we were growing up, TV shows often depicted lawyers working in large corporations, dressed in expensive suits, and living extravagant lives. Even before diving into the corporate lawyer salary potential, we already know that this option could be highly rewarding. Working for large corporations can bring in significant income, even for lawyers offering advice without handling real cases. However, before exploring specific types of lawyers and what they do, it’s crucial to understand the common challenges they face. Stress is a topic often discussed, as some legal fields have higher stress levels than others.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of lawyer is best is not easy to make. Starting a legal career allows for flexibility, and if you find yourself dissatisfied, remember that you can always switch paths. Certainly, researching the largest law firms in the world can provide valuable insights into the global legal industry and its major players.
Based on the info we found online, particularly on lawyer websites, we’ve compiled a list of 20 different types of lawyers that make the most money. These types of lawyers appear consistently on lists of the highest paid types of lawyers, so we included the most frequently mentioned ones. When you consider their median salaries, it’s clear that they have the potential to earn remarkably high incomes, making some of them the highest paid lawyer in the world. Take a peek at our list and choose the option that suits you best.
Pixabay/Public domain
20. Intellectual property attorney
Intellectual property (IP) or patent attorneys help clients with patenting or trademarking their creations. They offer legal advice on applying for and protecting trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other licenses related to intellectual property ownership. These attorneys also assist clients in obtaining patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring that their intellectual assets remain safeguarded in case of any infringement.
19. Civil, human, and animal rights
Civil litigation attorneys are frequently involved in handling small claims and civil dispute cases, representing clients in either defense or pursuit of legal actions against companies or individuals. These attorneys meet with clients, whether plaintiffs or defendants, to gather relevant information and documentation. They are responsible for preparing court and trial documents, drafting pleadings, and entering pleas. In more severe cases, litigation attorneys may even appear in court to provide testimony on behalf of their clients.
18. Medical malpractice
Medical malpractice attorneys assist clients who have suffered injuries due to mistakes made by medical professionals and healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, therapists, and technicians. These mistakes can encompass surgical errors, birth trauma, injuries resulting from improper treatment methods, misdiagnoses, undue delays in treatment, or failure to obtain proper consent for treatment from patients.
17. Auto accidents and injury
A personal injury lawyer helps preparing legal documents for personal injury cases for either the plaintiff or defendant. Their work mostly involves client interaction and investigation to determine what exactly happened in a case. They typically interview clients, gather medical records, collect insurance information and documents from defendants and assist in organizing and preparing settlement demands.
16. Family and divorce law
Family lawyers handle various legal matters, including child custody, divorce, social services, adoption, and tax and finance law cases. They typically meet and interview clients, gather relevant documentation from individuals involved in domestic disputes, and organize paperwork and documents in divorce or child custody cases. In some instances, family lawyers may represent their clients in court and present arguments before a judge.
15. Estate and probate law
Real estate attorneys provide valuable assistance to clients dealing with real estate and property transactions. These attorneys may specialize in either residential or commercial real estate matters. They are responsible for creating legal documents, reviewing sales transactions, and conducting research related to their cases. In addition, real estate attorneys may engage in litigation, representing their clients in hearings and trials when necessary.
14. Employment and labor law
Employment law associates, also known as employment and labor lawyers, offer their expertise to both employers and employees, providing guidance and counsel on state and federal employment laws. For employers, they assist in ensuring workplaces adhere to employment regulations, ensuring fair and consistent treatment for all employees. Additionally, employment law associates can represent employees in discrimination cases, advocating for their rights when necessary.
Pixabay/Public domain
13. Criminal defense
Facing legal troubles can indeed be an intimidating situation. When arrested and charged with a crime, it’s crucial to have a criminal defense lawyer by your side to represent you in court. Criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of cases, from DUIs and drug offenses to murder charges. Their primary goal is to secure the best possible outcome for their clients. Moreover, these attorneys collaborate with detectives and prosecutors to construct a strong defense. In cases where the client is dissatisfied with the initial verdict, criminal defense lawyers can also represent them in appeals proceedings. Their expertise and dedication play a vital role in navigating the complexities of the legal system and safeguarding their clients’ rights.
12. Entertainment lawyers
Entertainment lawyers play a crucial role in advising and representing clients within the entertainment industry. They offer valuable assistance in negotiating salaries, drafting protective contracts for creative works, and initiating lawsuits to safeguard clients’ rights. The salary of these lawyers varies by state, ranging from $11,291 to $242,749. Specializing in entertainment law, these attorneys serve clients in the film, music, and television industries. They handle a range of legal matters, including contracts and copyrights, tailored to the unique needs of the entertainment sector. Furthermore, entertainment lawyers represent clients in negotiations with studios, agents, and other industry professionals. They are also prepared to take legal action on behalf of their clients if any wrongdoings occur within the entertainment industry.
11. Oil and gas attorneys
Becoming an oil and gas attorney can be a rewarding career path, especially for individuals with prior experience in regulated industries. These professionals provide valuable guidance on the environmental, business, and economic implications of specific corporate activities, helping clients mitigate potential risks and maximize profits. The salary for oil and gas attorneys is quite lucrative across various states, with earnings ranging from $53,000 to $134,000.
10. Tax attorneys
A specialized tax attorney provides representation for organizations dealing with federal, state, and local tax agencies. Corporations and large companies hire tax law experts to safeguard their assets and devise tax-saving strategies. The field of U.S. tax law is exceptionally intricate, requiring tax attorneys to remain current with any changes that could impact their clients. Tax professionals must continuously study the evolving tax law landscape, necessitating ongoing research and education. The salary for tax attorneys differs across states, with earnings ranging from $64,000 to $194,000.
9. Environmental lawyers
Environmental lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring that companies and individuals adhere to environmental laws. Their responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, such as drafting contracts and business agreements, which may include leases, licenses, purchase agreements, and partnership agreements. These attorneys also communicate with clients and witnesses to discuss case details and strategies related to environmental matters. Additionally, they negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients in cases involving claims of environmental damage which puts them on the list of 20 different types of lawyers that make the most money.
8. Cyber lawyers
Cyber lawyers specialize in handling cases related to cybercrimes, such as software piracy, hacking, software cracking, credit card fraud, malware, cyber-attacks, and threats. Their primary role involves investigating security breach violations, creating detailed reports to document the extent of damage caused, and taking legal action to protect their clients’ interests. These attorneys play a crucial role in combating the growing threat of cybercrime, helping individuals and businesses safeguard their digital assets and navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding cybersecurity issues. Their expertise and efforts contribute to maintaining a secure and trusted digital environment for everyone.
Pixabay/Public domain
7. Public interest lawyers
Public interest lawyers are dedicated to addressing a broad spectrum of civil rights issues, spanning discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, gender-related matters, and the rights of individuals with physical or mental disabilities. They also focus on cases involving human rights abuses. These attorneys advocate for individuals facing challenges such as eviction, homelessness, unfair wages, or the denial of government benefits. They also provide legal support for those grappling with workplace disputes. Additionally, public interest lawyers offer assistance to survivors of domestic violence, individuals with family law or immigration concerns, and those dealing with criminal proceedings while on probation or currently incarcerated. Through their unwavering commitment, public interest lawyers strive to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized individuals in society, ensuring equal access to justice for all.
6. Worker’s compensation lawyer
Worker’s compensation lawyers play a crucial role in handling legal disputes related to on-the-job injuries, representing both injured workers and companies. Their responsibilities include negotiating settlements and ensuring that court-awarded funds are duly received. These attorneys may advocate on behalf of injured workers seeking fair compensation or defend companies against fraudulent claims attempting to exploit the benefits system. Moreover, they provide valuable legal advice to their clients, helping them decide whether to pursue legal action and engaging in negotiations with the opposing party to explore settlement possibilities. Worker’s compensation lawyers’ expertise and efforts are vital in safeguarding the rights of workers and businesses, striving to achieve just resolutions in workplace injury cases and maintaining fairness and transparency in the legal process.
5. Military lawyers
Military lawyers, commonly known as Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers, provide essential legal assistance within the military, offering advice on military law to court-martial presiding officers. Their daily responsibilities resemble those of civilian lawyers, with the key difference being their representation of clients under military tribunals and laws. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that military personnel receive fair and just legal representation while adhering to the specific regulations and procedures governing the armed forces. Military lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of military law within the armed forces.
4. Bankruptcy lawyer
Bankruptcy attorneys are experts in guiding their clients through the court system to address debt-related issues, such as reducing or eliminating debts, filing for bankruptcy, or pursuing unpaid debts. They offer their services to both individuals and businesses, representing various parties involved in bankruptcy cases, including debtors, creditors, creditors’ committees, or bankruptcy trustees. Their work involves a combination of courtroom and out-of-courtroom tasks. For debtors, bankruptcy attorneys craft debt restructuring plans to provide relief from their financial burdens. On the other hand, they also work on behalf of creditors, striving to recover as much owed money as possible from debtors through legal means.
3. Corporate and business law
Corporate lawyers play a vital role in assisting corporations with various aspects of their business operations. They handle tasks like establishing, managing, and expanding the company. Additionally, corporate lawyers facilitate mergers, acquisitions, and the sale of businesses. These attorneys can work directly within a corporation’s legal team or as part of a private law firm dedicated to advising businesses. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that a lawyer’s income is influenced by various factors, including the number of hours they dedicate to their work and the career choices they make along the way.
Pixabay/Public domain
2. Real estate law
Real estate law can be intricate, and making mistakes in this area could result in significant financial losses and property complications. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the assistance of a real estate lawyer if you are buying or selling a home, dealing with zoning issues, or have any legal matters related to real estate, such as property disputes or landlord-tenant issues, also warrant the expertise of a real estate lawyer. Real estate lawyers are well-versed in handling various legal aspects of property transactions, including negotiating deals, conducting title searches, and resolving any disputes that may arise. Their expertise can be invaluable in safeguarding your interests and ensuring a successful real estate transaction and that is why they are on high position of the list of 20 different types of lawyers that make the most money. Once you decide to pursue this job, you should start searching for 20 Most Valuable Real Estate Companies in the World.
Pixabay/Public domain
1. Patent attorneys
Patent lawyers rank among the top-earning lawyers in the legal industry, with one of the highest median salaries. Their primary role involves providing counsel to clients on patents, guiding them through the process of obtaining patents from various patent offices globally. The salary for patent lawyers can vary significantly depending on the state, ranging from $69,703 to $236,610. It is why we put it on the top of the list of 20 different types of lawyers that make the most money.
If you’re seeking well-paying jobs, you may find it helpful to explore our other articles covering the same subject:
25 Most Needed Jobs in America in 2023