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Does the salary of lawyers differ greatly depending on what professsion one is in?

If I went into law, I might want to help people and be in like family or disability law. However, I don't know if these types of lawyers make a lot of money. I don't mean to be greedy, but I don't think I would like a lifestyle where I would hardly have any money to buy really nice things. Do lawyers who go into law to help people generally get paid a pretty poor salary?

Public Comments

1. Yes. Patent attorneys usually make the most money. Most attorneys, though, are in their own practice, which means, if they can't drum up business, they dont' get paid ANYTHING.
2. There are definitely differences in salary levels. Lawyers who are on their own usually (not always) make less than lawyers who are in big firms. Public Defenders make less than District Attorneys. Lawyers who practice family law usually make less than corporate lawyers.
3. Lawyer's salaries definitely depend on type of law and location. A top partner at a top firm in a large city can earn upwards of 7 figures a year, while a small town lawyer who does mostly wills, estates, etc. might make $50,000. Lawyers who perform things like family law tend to get paid much less than say corporate lawyers.
4. Unless you work pro bono or for a non-profit clinic for the poor you can make decent money doing family law and disability law.
5. First of all you need to love school and have the drive to become an attorney. School will require approximately 8 years (4 years for your bachelor's and 4 years for your JD), plus you have to pass the bar. At that point it really all depends upon what state you live in. Is there a dire need for family or disability lawyers in your area? I am in that field and did I go into it for the money? No. I went into it to help the disadvantaged the indigent clients who are in need of services and to safeguard fundamental individual rights and ensuring access to the guaranteed protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution. But at the end, it's your choice. Hope this helps.
6. HINT: Do a SEARCH on this in Yahoo Answers first - see other answers. Jobs in the field of Law are drying up FAST!! This is not a good field to invest time and/or money in!!