What is more prestigious doctor or lawyer?

Asked by: Theodore Baumbach  |  Last update: January 31, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (58 votes)

While both are highly respected, doctors generally hold higher societal prestige due to their direct role in saving lives, perceived altruism, and technical expertise, often ranking higher in global respect surveys, though lawyers also command significant status and authority in their fields. The perception often leans towards medicine for immediate life-saving impact versus the often complex, indirect societal impact of law, but both are considered top-tier professions.

Which one is better, a doctor or a lawyer?

As I was squeamish and could not stomach the medical care environment, this left law. But of the two professions, although I think that lawyers provide as much value as physicians, I have concluded that doctors are accorded greater esteem than lawyers are, at least on a crisis per capita basis.

Who is more powerful than a lawyer?

Advocates typically have more power in legal proceedings because they can argue cases in court, whereas lawyers without bar registration cannot.

Who makes more, a lawyer or a doctor?

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.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

Doctors vs Lawyers - Who MAKE$ more?

42 related questions found

Are lawyers as respected as doctors?

Both are fine professions and both are needed, however doctors do tend to be held in higher esteem simply because we tend to seek them out for a treatment of a physical or mental ailment more than we seek or request an attorney for their assistance. Generally, the medical professionals are always held in high regard.

What personality type are most lawyers?

Most lawyers lean towards Introverted (I), Thinking (T), and Judging (J) types, often falling into categories like ISTJ, INTJ, ESTJ, or ENTP, valuing logic, order, skepticism, and problem-solving over pure sociability, though some thrive on persuasion and leadership, showing adaptability across different legal roles, with strong analytical skills being key across the board.
 

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?

No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is still working towards passing the California Bar Exam, having recently failed it again in late 2025, despite completing her legal studies through an apprenticeship program and passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021. She consistently expresses her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney, viewing her setbacks as motivation to keep studying for the full bar exam.
 

What is the #1 law firm in the world?

There isn't one single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, size, prestige, specific practice), but Kirkland & Ellis consistently ranks as the #1 highest-grossing firm globally by revenue, exceeding $8.8 billion in 2024, followed by firms like Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper. For prestige or "feared" status, firms like Quinn Emanuel might top lists, while others excel in specific areas like M&A or IP, so "best" depends on the context.
 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying over $400,000 without a college degree exist, with Walmart Store Managers being a prominent example due to increased bonuses and stock, while other high earners include roles in enterprise tech sales, commercial real estate, high-level trades (like nuclear operators, air traffic controllers), and self-made entrepreneurs/influencers, all relying on high skill, performance, and market demand, not just degrees, according to sources from Tallo and The Wall Street Journal. 

What is the #1 happiest profession?

There's no single #1 happiest job, as it varies by individual, but recent studies and surveys often point to Construction as a top industry for overall worker satisfaction due to good pay, culture, and time outdoors, while specific roles like Data Scientists, Surgeons, Firefighters, and Psychologists are frequently cited for high satisfaction, often linked to meaningful impact, good compensation, or autonomy. 

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

Jobs paying $300k/year are typically high-level, specialized roles in Medicine (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Psychiatrists), Finance (Investment Bankers, Private Equity), Tech (Senior Engineers, Product Managers), Law (Big Law Attorneys), and Sales (Enterprise Software Sales), often requiring extensive experience or education, though successful entrepreneurs, high-end sales execs, and some skilled trades can also reach this income without traditional degrees. 

What's harder, law or medicine?

Each path demands extensive education and a commitment to rigorous training before becoming a qualified professional. Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

Do lawyers get a title like Dr.?

It requires at least three academic years of full-time study. While the JD is a doctoral degree in the US, lawyers usually use the suffix "Esq."

Did Kim Kardashian ever pass the bar exam?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
 

Does passing the baby bar make you a lawyer?

No, passing the California "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Examination or FYLSE) does not make you a lawyer; it's a hurdle for non-traditional law students to continue their studies, allowing them to sit for the actual California Bar Exam, which, along with character and fitness, is required to become a licensed attorney. You must pass the full California Bar Exam, which tests more subjects, and meet other requirements before you can practice law and call yourself a lawyer. 

How can Kim be a lawyer without going to law school?

Kim Kardashian is becoming a lawyer through California's Law Office Study Program — a legal loophole that lets you skip traditional law school by studying under a practicing attorney for 4 years 👩‍⚖️📚. To qualify, you have to pass the Baby Bar first 🧠✍️, and then the California Bar Exam — but it's 100% legit ✅.

Are lawyers highly intelligent?

Just because you're smart doesn't mean you're likely to have a high EI. Some professionals, such as lawyers, exhibit high average IQ scores (in the 115-130 range), while at the same time scoring lower than the general population on EI (85-95).

Which zodiac is a good lawyer?

Which Zodiac Sign Makes Best Lawyer?

  • Scorpio. Key Traits: Determination, passion, strategic thinking. ...
  • Virgo. Key Traits: Attention to detail, analytical mindset, reliability. ...
  • Libra. Key Traits: Strong sense of justice, diplomacy, excellent communication. ...
  • Capricorn. Key Traits: Discipline, responsibility, leadership. ...
  • Gemini.

What is the top 3 rarest personality?

The top 3 rarest Myers-Briggs personality types are generally considered to be INFJ, ENTJ, and INTJ, though their exact ranking and percentages vary slightly across studies, with INFJ often cited as the absolute rarest (around 1.5-2% of the population), followed by ENTJ (around 1.8-2%), and then INTJ (around 2-3%). These types are known for their strategic, insightful, and independent thinking, often focusing on big-picture concepts and future possibilities.
 

What is the #1 most respected profession?

Over 75% of respondents in Gallup's annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll consider nurses to be the most trusted profession.

Can you make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Yes, a lawyer can absolutely make $500,000 or more annually, especially by specializing in high-value fields like corporate law or personal injury, joining "Big Law" firms, becoming a partner, focusing on complex cases, developing strong client acquisition strategies, and building a successful practice with effective marketing. While most lawyers earn less, top earners leverage experience, strategic growth, and high-paying niches to reach this income level, with some senior Big Law associates and partners earning well over $500k. 

Which is better, being a lawyer or a doctor?

While lawyers undoubtedly play crucial roles in society, their impact is often more indirect. Legal battles can be protracted and complex, with outcomes sometimes taking years to materialize. In contrast, doctors immediately see the effects of their actions, fostering a deeply rewarding sense of fulfillment.