What are top 3 states that have the highest employment for a lawyer?

Asked by: Gia Turcotte  |  Last update: June 14, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

The top three states with the highest total employment for lawyers are consistently California, New York, and Texas, often followed closely by Florida, based on data from sources like the American Bar Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These states have large populations, major economic centers, and significant legal markets, leading to the largest numbers of employed attorneys.

Which state employs the most lawyers?

Lawyers by state

One-fourth of all the lawyers in the country are in just two states: New York (187,656 lawyers) and California (175,883 lawyers). Combined, they have 28% of the nation's lawyers, according to the 2024 ABA National Lawyer Population Survey. North Dakota has the fewest lawyers among the 50 states: 1,663.

In what state do lawyers make the most?

The average wage for lawyers is highly dependent on geography — based on where the lawyer practices. Three of the top 10 metro areas with the highest average lawyer wages in 2023 were in California: San Jose, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Which state is best for lawyers in the USA?

A State-by-State Analysis: Where Are Lawyers Most in Demand?

  1. California. As the state ranking first in terms of job openings, California offers over 87,000 job vacancies in the legal field, dwarfing many other states. ...
  2. New York. ...
  3. Florida. ...
  4. Texas. ...
  5. Illinois. ...
  6. Pennsylvania. ...
  7. New Jersey. ...
  8. Massachusetts.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

Top 3 Reasons People Lose Employment Lawsuits

23 related questions found

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more. 

Who are the Magic 5 lawyers?

The "Magic Circle" lawyers refer to lawyers at five elite, London-headquartered law firms: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May, known for their prestige, high profitability, complex corporate work, and global reach, representing the pinnacle of the UK legal profession.
 

What is the hardest state to become a lawyer in?

  • 1. California. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 68% ...
  • New York. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 79% ...
  • Washington. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 82% ...
  • Louisiana. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 75% ...
  • Nevada. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 73% ...
  • Other States With Difficult Bar Exams. ...
  • Easiest Bar Exams.

Are lawyers losing their jobs to AI?

Despite early signs that AI is beginning to affect entry-level workers, labor statistics have yet to show that lawyers are being displaced. 93.4% of law school graduates in 2024 were employed within 10 months of graduation—the highest rate on record—according to the National Association for Law Placement.

What is the US bar exam pass rate?

States with the Lowest Bar Exam Pass Rates

California: 47%

Can a lawyer make $1 million a year?

Yes, lawyers can make $1 million a year, but it's not typical for most; it's usually achieved by partners in large corporate firms, elite trial lawyers handling high-stakes cases (often on contingency), or entrepreneurial lawyers who own successful firms in lucrative fields like intellectual property, with specialization and business acumen being key. While average salaries are much lower, top earners in specific high-value niches or those leveraging firm growth strategies can reach or exceed this income level. 

Which state employs the most?

In 2023, California had the highest number of employed people in the United States, with about 18.4 million. Texas had the second-highest number of employed people in the U.S., at 14.5 million people.

Which area employs the most lawyers?

More than 1 in 4 lawyers live in just two states: New York and California. With 188,341 lawyers in 2023, New York has the largest number of lawyers in the US.

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.
 

Why do lawyers take 33%?

Lawyers often take around 33% (a third) in contingency fees, especially in personal injury cases, because it's a risk-sharing model where they only get paid if they win, covering upfront costs like experts and investigations, and the fee reflects the significant time, resources, and risk involved, with percentages sometimes increasing to 40% if the case goes to trial. This allows clients without upfront funds to access legal representation, as they pay nothing if they lose. 

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?

No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is studying to pass the California Bar Exam after completing a six-year legal apprenticeship, but she has not yet passed the final exam required for licensure, despite her efforts and passing the "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) previously.
 

Was Joe Biden ever a public defender?

In 1969, Biden resumed practicing law, first as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware. Most of his clients were African Americans from Wilmington's east side. Biden then joined a firm headed by Sid Balick, a locally active Democrat.

Who are the 7 sisters law firms?

In the Canadian legal market, the 'Seven Sisters', leading Bay Street Toronto, Ontario corporate firms, continue to dominate the marketplace. They are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Goodmans LLP, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and Torys.

How difficult is law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Who earns more, a doctor or a lawyer in the USA?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives median salaries for both doctors and lawyers, so it's clear that the doctors' number is higher. But median salaries are the midpoint in a list of salaries for one occupation, meaning that half of the list makes more and half makes less.