Average Corporate Lawyer Salary [2025] | Things to Know

This article will break down salary prospects for corporate lawyers and the various factors that influence corporate lawyer salary. In addition, it will look at what the position of a corporate lawyer entails and the requirements to become one.

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What does a corporate lawyer do?

Corporate lawyers may work at a law firm or as part of a company’s legal department, traditionally in office settings. Because of the fast-paced corporate work environment, the working hours of a corporate lawyer can be taxing, often requiring overtime.

A corporate lawyer’s responsibilities include:

• Managing legal proceedings by preparing appropriate legal documents;
• Representing the company in any legal proceeding;
• Assessing and planning corporate mergers, acquisitions and other large scale strategic deals; 
• Guiding management on its rights and obligations to ensure compliance with legal regulations;
• Examining and advising on legal issues associated with new products, services or technologies;
• Designing and overseeing the corporation’s legal policy.

To become a corporate lawyer, you need to:

• Earn a bachelors degree in law or related discipline;
• Complete an internship, e.g. in a local law firm, government office or legal clinic;
• Apply for American Bar Association- accredited law school; 
• Earn your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; 
• Pass the bar exam;
• Get licensure in your state;
• Network, gain experience and develop your resume. Corporations usually require at least three years of experience.

Essential skills:

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills;
• Administrative and managerial skills;
• Analytical ability and strong attention to detail;
• Teamwork;
• Research skills;
• Creative problem-solving.

*This guide is mainly based on the latest salary data provided by Zippia. It’s important to note that these figures are averages and can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and specific job roles.

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Several factors determine the salary of a corporate lawyer:

1. Size/value of the corporation

The salary of a corporate lawyer is determined by the corporation they work for, its size, and how highly it is valued. One of the reasons why lawyers working for the largest companies in the United States are so highly compensated is their ability to prosecute costly lawsuits, thus ultimately saving these companies millions of dollars in settlements or judgments. 

2. Location of corporation

Significant differences depend on geography – the location of the company. For example, topping the list for the highest-paid corporate lawyer salary is Washington, with New York and Maryland close behind in second and third. It is also important to remember that the highest paying jobs will typically be in metropolitan areas. 

With only a handful of states paying above the national average, the possibilities for economic advancement by relocating should be made with great vigilance, however. It is also essential to factor in living costs, which can vary vastly throughout the country.

3. Quality and level of education

The best graduates of top law schools can expect higher starting salaries and promising careers, provided they performed well during their internships and have the proper skill set.

For instance, Columbia Law School reports that its Class of 2022 graduates employed in full-time positions have a median salary of $190,000, with a median salary of $280,926 four years after graduation.

While a Bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctorate are a prerequisite of becoming a corporate lawyer, further study, such as training programs or an additional Masters degree, can increase your prospects of better pay.

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4. Industry

Another key factor influencing a corporate lawyer’s salary is the type of corporate law position they hold. The highest-paying roles include corporate counsel, assistant general counsel, and associate counsel.

Here are the top 6 highest paying corporate lawyer jobs according to Zippia:

5. Experience

Generally, the corporate lawyer salary will increase with years of experience and continuous employment. According to Zippia, here’s how the average salaries break down by experience level:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): An average annual salary of $67,119.
• Mid-career (3-6 years): An average annual salary of $115,653.
• Senior level (7-12 years): An average annual salary of $169,893.

On top of a competitive salary, a corporate lawyer can expect various perks, including:

• Health, vision and dental insurance;
• Loan assistance;
• Visa sponsorship;
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan;
• Paid vacation;
• Paid parental leave;
• Remote work; 
• Paid jury duty;
• Fitness club discounts.

In conclusion

To sum up, those interested in becoming a corporate lawyer should assess the several aspects that factor into pay. While there is not much leeway around the educational path one must take to become a corporate lawyer, it has been shown that completing a course in one of the top Ivy League schools will warrant a sizeable increase in starting salary. The most important consideration, though, is the size and value of the corporation you’ll end up working for, with some offering mind-bending entry-level wages of $200,000—the bigger the company, in this case, the better. 

FAQs about a corporate lawyer’s salary

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