Paralegal
Research, draft and organize legal work that supports attorneys and their clients.
- $62,890
- 6 months to 2 years
Business & Office career
Lawyer
Also called: Attorney · Counsel · Litigator · Corporate Attorney
What lawyers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a lawyer do?
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. The median pay is $159,670 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 7 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +4.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$159,670$76.76/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year28,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train7 years after high schoolTypical program length
- U.S. jobs863,700Employment, 2025
What lawyers do
Lawyers help clients navigate the law. They research legal questions, draft contracts and documents, negotiate settlements and deals, represent clients in court, and advise on everything from business deals to criminal charges. They specialize in areas like corporate, criminal, family, real estate or intellectual property law.
Lawyers need a bachelor’s degree, a three-year J.D. and a passing score on a state bar exam. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Advise clients
- Research the law
- Draft contracts and documents
- Negotiate deals and settlements
- Represent clients in court
- File legal documents
- Manage cases
Work environment and schedule
Lawyers work in offices, courtrooms and client sites.
Schedule: Full time, often long hours, especially at large firms.
A day in the life
- Review a contract.
- Attend a court hearing.
- Meet a client.
- Research case law.
See a full day in the life of a lawyer →
Lawyer salary
Half of lawyers earned more than $159,670 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $78,360 for the lowest 10% to $351,600 for the top 10%.
Full lawyer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a lawyer
- Earn a bachelor’s
- Take the LSAT
- Earn a J.D.
- Pass the bar
- Practice
A bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a state bar license are required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a lawyer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Negotiation
- Litigation
- Contract drafting
People skills
- Persuasion
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Integrity
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay potential
- Intellectual work
- Many specialties
- Help clients with big problems
Cons
- Long hours
- Expensive education
- Bar exam
- Stress
Certifications and licenses
- State bar admission: Required.
- Board certification: Specialty credential.
- MPRE: Ethics exam.
- LL.M.: Advanced law degree, optional.
Career path
- Associate: Entry.
- Senior Associate: Lead cases.
- Partner: Own clients.
- General Counsel or Judge: Top roles.
Learn the job before day one
Our Lawyer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as research a legal question and prepare a witness for a deposition, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Judicial Law Clerk
Research and draft opinions for a judge, usually right after law school.
- $64,920
- 7 years after high school
Law Professor
Teach future lawyers and write about the law.
- $128,500
- 7+ years after high school plus experience
Legal Secretary
Keep a law office running by managing documents, filings and calendars.
- $55,570
- Several months on the job
Compare: Lawyer vs. Paralegal · Lawyer vs. Judicial Law Clerk · Lawyer vs. Law Professor · Lawyer vs. Legal Secretary
Lawyer FAQ
How long does it take to become a lawyer?
About seven years after high school: four of college and three of law school.
Do lawyers need to pass the bar?
Yes, in the state where they practice.
Do all lawyers go to court?
No, many do transactional or advisory work.
How much does a lawyer make?
The median annual wage for lawyers was $159,670 ($76.76 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $78,360 and the highest 10% earned more than $351,600.
How long does it take to become a lawyer?
Most people need about 7 years after high school of training. A bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a state bar license are required.
Do you need a degree to be a lawyer?
Yes. Lawyers need a bachelor’s degree, a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) from law school and a passing score on a state bar exam.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 23-1011 (Lawyers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Lawyers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.