The job outlook for attorneys shows strong growth, with employment expected to expand by 5% annually over the next 10 years. Whether you're exploring career paths or an attorney seeking investment strategies for your law firm, salary often plays a key role in the decision-making process.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 highest-paid types of attorneys based on the latest data from industry sources in 2025. Our goal is to provide you with current market insights to help you make informed decisions about career development or talent acquisition.
Key Takeaways
- Patent attorneys are the highest paid type of attorney, earning an average of $247,154 per year.
- The national average salary for attorneys across all fields is $119,568 per year.
- Three of the top-paying specializations are related to business matters.
10 of the Highest Paid Types of Attorneys
While all areas of law contribute to protecting individual rights and upholding the legal system, certain specializations command higher compensation. These salary differences are influenced by factors such as case complexity, the stakes involved, and demand for specialized expertise. Here are the highest-paid types of attorneys in 2025.
The latest data from authoritative sources show that patent attorneys are the highest-paid, earning an average salary of $247,154 per year in 2025.
1. Patent Attorney
Average Salary: $247,154 per year
Salary Range: $157,336 - $388,170 (Indeed)
Patent attorneys help inventors, corporations, and research institutions protect their intellectual property rights through patent law. They guide clients through the patent application process, conduct patent searches, draft patent applications, and represent clients in patent disputes.
Due to the technical nature of patents, these attorneys often have backgrounds in science or engineering. Companies invest heavily in patent protection because exclusive rights to innovations can be worth millions of dollars. That level of specialization and value translates to high compensation.
2. Corporate Attorney
Average Salary: $204,443 per year
Salary Range: $120,378 - $347,213 (Indeed)
Corporate attorneys advise companies on legal matters related to business operations, mergers and acquisitions, governance, and compliance. Their work helps companies navigate business transactions and protect them from legal risk. The financial stakes involved in corporate deals are high, which is why corporate attorneys are well compensated for the value they bring to executive decision-making and business negotiations.
3. Intellectual Property Attorney
Average Salary: $199,306 per year
Salary Range: $62,500 - $289,000 (ZipRecruiter)
Intellectual property attorneys protect clients’ creative works and inventions from unauthorized use or theft. They can work with a wide range of clients, from individual artists and inventors to multinational corporations, helping them secure, enforce, and monetize their intellectual property rights through trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents. As more industries recognize the growing importance of intellectual property in their most valuable assets, the demand for IP protection continues to grow.
4. Tax Attorney
Average Salary: $191,000 per year
Salary Range: $147,000 - $252,000 (Glassdoor)
Tax attorneys help individuals and businesses navigate tax laws, minimize liabilities, and resolve disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS. They also structure deals and transactions to ensure tax efficiency. Given the complexity of tax codes and the consequences of non-compliance, tax attorneys are paid well for their expertise and risk-mitigation abilities.
5. Trial Lawyer
Average Salary: $171,000 per year
Salary Range: $128,000 - $238,000 (Glassdoor)
Trial lawyers represent clients in court proceedings, managing everything from case preparation to the final verdict. They develop legal strategies, examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue cases in both civil and criminal litigation. Success in this field requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure in a courtroom setting. Income can vary widely depending on the number of cases handled and trial outcomes.
6. Employment Lawyer
Average Salary: $155,558 per year
Salary Range: $71,803 - $337,009 (Indeed)
Employment lawyers handle legal matters related to the workplace, including discrimination claims, wrongful termination cases, and labor relations. They work with employers and employees to resolve disputes and ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws. The wide salary range reflects varying practice settings and specializations within employment law. As labor laws continue to evolve, companies increasingly rely on employment lawyers to stay compliant and avoid costly litigation.
7. Real Estate Lawyer
Average Salary: $140,845 per year
Salary Range: $49,500 - $289,000 (ZipRecruiter)
Real estate attorneys assist with property transactions, zoning issues, lease agreements, and property disputes. They help ensure that both residential and commercial real estate deals proceed smoothly while protecting clients from potential liability. These attorneys work with buyers, sellers, developers, and investors to navigate the legal aspects of property ownership and development. Earnings in this field often fluctuate with local market conditions, making compensation dependent on the strength of the real estate market in a given region.
8. Estate Planning Attorney
Average Salary: $136,000 per year
Salary Range: $107,000 - $176,000 (Glassdoor)
Estate planning attorneys help clients prepare the distribution and management of their assets after their lifetime. Their services include drafting wills, establishing trusts, handling probate, and developing strategies to minimize estate taxes while ensuring that clients' wishes are documented and legally enforceable. The steady demand for estate planning services, combined with the ongoing relationships attorneys build with clients and their families, provides stable income potential for estate planning attorneys.
9. Bankruptcy Attorney
Average Salary: $134,704 per year
Salary Range: $51,500 - $291,500 (ZipRecruiter)
Bankruptcy attorneys guide individuals or businesses facing financial distress through bankruptcy proceedings. They help restructure debt, navigate court processes, negotiate with creditors, and prepare necessary legal documentation for bankruptcy filings on behalf of their clients. Bankruptcy attorneys have a deep understanding of financial laws and bankruptcy regulations. Their services become particularly valuable during economic downturns when bankruptcy filings typically increase.
10. Civil Litigation Lawyer
Average Salary: $122,307 per year
Salary Range: $65,000 - $173,000 (ZipRecruiter)
Civil litigation lawyers handle legal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations that don’t involve criminal charges. When cases escalate beyond negotiation or mediation, these attorneys represent clients throughout the civil court process. They act as advocates, using their expertise in legal procedures, rules of evidence, and substantive law to build and present the strongest possible case on behalf of their clients.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
While salary is an important factor when choosing a legal specialty, it’s only part of the bigger picture. The most successful attorneys earn more not just because of their field, but because they deliver results, build strong client relationships, and consistently refine their legal strategies. This is what sets them apart and makes them the kind of professionals clients seek out.
If you're aiming to increase your earning potential, focus on developing expertise in high demand areas that align with your skills and interests. At Remote Attorneys, our network has experienced attorneys across all specialties who support law firms nationwide in growing their legal practice and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Patent Attorneys make the most money?
Patent attorneys earn the highest salaries because their work requires both legal and technical expertise. Since patents protect creative assets and inventions, companies are willing to invest heavily in securing exclusive rights.
How can I increase my salary as an attorney?
Focus on developing a specialty in high demand areas, building a track record of successful outcomes, and expanding your network. You can also consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees relevant to your practice area.
Which type of law is best to pursue?
The type of law to pursue depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Start by researching different legal fields and choose one that you’re passionate about. Attend a reputable law school with strong programs in your chosen area that will shape your specialty and future opportunities. You can also ask legal professionals for advice, especially their hands on experience can give you insights into what each area entails.
