All New Graduates Want to Know What Types of Lawyers Earn the Most Money?

As a new graduate, you’ve done the hard work and graduated law school. Now, you have a bigger challenge — entering the workforce in your field. You should start by getting help from your school’s jobs department, finetuning your résumé, preparing a cover letter that showcases your skills and personality, looking up firms on the Internet where you’d like to work, and volunteering your legal mind at nonprofit organizations to boost your karma and your experience. Alternatively, consider starting freelance work to pay the bills and enhance your portfolio. 

Another excellent option is to work with legal recruiters with years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal search and hiring process. The right legal recruitment company should take an individualized approach to recruitment and tailor the process to accentuate your strengths as a legal candidate. If you’re not a fresh graduate and are simply looking for a career shift, then find a legal and executive search group that’s run by lawyers for the best results. 

Of course, it’s essential to know what type of lawyer you want to be before you shape your career trajectory. The right career path should excite you, feel fulfilling, and offer the compensation you deserve. After all, law school wasn’t cheap! Here are some of the most well-compensated types of lawyers in the profession: 

1. Patent Lawyer

A patent attorney helps clients obtain patents and represents them in all matters of patent law. To become a patent attorney, you’ll need to complete specialized qualifications. In Canada, there are four qualifying exams and are incredibly challenging. The passing rate is less than 10% and most candidates takes years to pass. However, the effort can be worth it. Successful patent attorneys make upwards of $150,000 a year. 

2. Trial lawyer

A trial attorney represents clients known as plaintiffs or defendants in civil and criminal litigation. Their goal is to convince the judge or jury of the case’s facts from their client’s perspective. Successful trial lawyers earn upwards of $100,000 a year. To become a trial lawyer after graduation and passing your bar exam, you must pay your dues by assisting senior lawyers with legal research and fact-checking. Usually, you’ll spend years as a third or second chair before you’re ready for the hot seat. 

3. Tax Lawyer

A tax attorney specializes in tax law. While the job pays well, the tax law field is extraordinarily complex and requires a lot of experience and qualifications. If you’re detail-oriented and don’t mind hard work, then you may have what it takes to become a tax lawyer.

4. Employment Lawyer

Employment lawyers are in high demand right now because of the current situation. Many people who have lost jobs are confused about their legal rights due to conflicting information. An employment lawyer can represent employees and employers and helps their clients understand their legal rights concerning work. Reputable employment lawyers can make upwards of $150,000 a year. 

These are four types of lawyers that get paid the most. Other well-compensated lawyers include real estate attorneys, immigration attorneys, and corporate attorneys. Regardless of the career path you choose, you must be prepared to work hard, complete more qualifications, and get professional help to earn success.