Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. The role reports a median annual salary of $151,160 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $65,910 and $239,200 and is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Entry typically requires a Doctoral or professional degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.53 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing.
Salary distribution (US)
Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Economics and Accounting
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
A day in the life
You start your morning reviewing case files, reading new filings from opposing counsel, and responding to a steady stream of client emails and calls that demand quick, precise legal guidance. Your day might include drafting contracts or motions, conducting legal research on Westlaw or LexisNexis, taking depositions, negotiating settlement terms, or appearing in court to argue motions before a judge. You work closely with paralegals, junior associates, expert witnesses, and clients whose livelihoods or freedom may depend on your counsel. The intellectual challenge of constructing airtight legal arguments is deeply satisfying, but the billable-hour pressure, adversarial nature of litigation, and high stakes for clients can make the profession emotionally exhausting.
Frequently asked questions
What does Lawyers do?
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
What does a typical day look like in Lawyers?
You start your morning reviewing case files, reading new filings from opposing counsel, and responding to a steady stream of client emails and calls that demand quick, precise legal guidance. Your day might include drafting contracts or motions, conducting legal research on Westlaw or LexisNexis, taking depositions, negotiating settlement terms, or appearing in court to argue motions before a judge.
How much does Lawyers earn?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in the US is $151,160. The middle 80% of workers earn between $65,910 and $239,200 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $85,980 and $208,980.
What is the job outlook for Lawyers?
The role is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Current US employment is approximately 864,800 workers.
How do I become a lawyers?
The typical entry education is a Doctoral or professional degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Lawyers need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Complex Problem Solving. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Lawyers?
Our AI-durability model gives Lawyers a score of 0.53 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Lawyers has very high barrier to entry — very highly gated — extended graduate education, licensure, or years of specialised training are required.
Is Lawyers right for you?
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