What is the unemployment rate for lawyers?
Asked by: Jayda Koss DDS | Last update: March 19, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (56 votes)
The unemployment rate for lawyers is very low, typically around 1% or less, significantly lower than the national average, though it can fluctuate slightly by quarter and demographic, with recent data from 2025 showing figures like 0.9% or 1% and even lower for recent graduates (around 5.1% unemployment, which is a record low for that cohort). This indicates a generally strong demand for legal professionals, with strong employment rates for new law graduates.
Do lawyers have a high unemployment rate?
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the unemployment rate for lawyers was 0.9% during Q1 2025, and the rate for paralegals and legal assistants was 1.9%.
Is there a high demand for lawyers?
Job Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 31,500 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What majors have the highest unemployment rate?
Unemployment rates are generally higher in non-technical majors, such as the Arts (11.1 percent), Humanities and Liberal Arts (9.4 percent), Social Science (8.9 percent)1 and Law and Public Policy (8.1 percent).
How many people with law degrees are unemployed?
Overall, NALP reported an unemployment rate of 5.1%. While slightly higher than the ABA's number, the rate was “a new all-time low,” according to a NALP news release. Most of the class of 2024 enrolled in law school during the fall of 2021, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
GS-14/15 Positions Disappearing Fast
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.
Are lawyers growing or shrinking?
In total, the number of resident active lawyers in the U.S. has grown by 73,363 over the last 10 years, an increase of 5.6%, according to the survey.
What majors are not in demand?
Precision Production, Library Science, Military Technologies, and Theology are among the least common majors. Some majors are uncommon due to limited career demand, niche interest areas, and limited access to specialized equipment or resources.
What degree is most employable?
STEM degrees, especially in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, lead across all key employment metrics, offering low unemployment rates, high starting salaries, and long-term demand. Healthcare fields also rank highly, with nursing topping the list due to its exceptional job security and national demand.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate.
What is the #1 law firm in the US?
There's no single "number 1" law firm, as rankings vary by criteria (revenue, prestige, size, practice area), but Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Baker McKenzie consistently appear at the top for revenue/size, while firms like Cravath and Wachtell Lipton are top for prestige/profitability, according to sources like Vault, Wikipedia, IE, and Vault.
Is it worth it to be a lawyer in 2025?
Pursing a Career in the Legal Field
For those considering their future in the legal profession, a juris doctor degree remains a valuable and worthwhile investment in 2025. While it requires commitment and careful planning, the opportunities that come from earning a JD extend far beyond the traditional role of attorney.
How happy are attorneys at work now?
74% of legal professionals are happy with their jobs, report says. New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals that most legal professionals are satisfied in their current roles, leading to fewer workers planning to make a career move in 2025.
What percentage of lawyers quit?
About 85% of people who get JDs are not practicing law by year ten.
How old is the average lawyer?
What is the Average Age of Lawyers in the U.S.? The average age of attorneys in the U.S. is 46.3, according to the same Zippia report. More than 67% of the U.S. attorney population is 40 years or older. Only 4% of the attorney population is 20 to 30 years old.
What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?
You can earn $10,000 a month without a degree in high-skill trades (elevator tech, electrician), sales (solar, real estate, insurance), specialized trucking (owner-operator), tech roles (web dev, drone pilot), or by starting your own business/freelancing in areas like content creation or digital marketing, often requiring specialized training, certifications, or strong commission-based performance rather than a traditional degree.
What degree is the most unemployed?
Degrees with the highest unemployment rates often fall into liberal arts, fine arts, and some social sciences, with Anthropology frequently cited at the top (around 9.4%), followed by Physics, Fine Arts, and Sociology, though specific rates vary by year and source, with recent data from 2025 pointing to majors like Anthropology and Physics having higher rates for recent grads.
What is the most in demand degree in 2025?
Technology-related skills will be in high demand in 2025; artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, network management, and technological literacy will become invaluable skills to have in your career toolkit.
What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?
Yes, jobs paying $400,000 without a degree exist, notably Walmart Supercenter Managers, who can earn that much with bonuses and stock, but other paths include high-stakes sales, software development, commercial real estate, skilled trades (like power plant operators), and successful entrepreneurship/influencing, all requiring expertise and performance over formal education.
What jobs will be gone by 2030?
15 Jobs AI Will Likely Replace by 2030
- Data Entry Clerks. Data entry is a highly repetitive task, making it an ideal candidate for automation. ...
- Telemarketers. ...
- Receptionists. ...
- Customer Service Representatives. ...
- Accounting Assistants. ...
- Retail Cashiers. ...
- Truck and Taxi Drivers. ...
- Proofreaders.
What is the #1 easiest major?
There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your skills, but Psychology, Communications, English, and Education consistently rank high for perceived ease due to less demanding technical requirements, focusing more on writing, soft skills, and human behavior. These majors often feature high GPAs and manageable coursework compared to STEM fields, offering broad career paths in fields like social work, marketing, public relations, and teaching.
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.
What is the US bar exam pass rate?
States with the Lowest Bar Exam Pass Rates
California: 47%
What type of attorney is most in demand?
The most in-demand lawyers are often in fast-growing, technology-driven fields like Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, Intellectual Property (IP), and Health Law, alongside perennial needs in Litigation, Labor & Employment, and Corporate Law, driven by evolving regulations and business complexities, with emerging areas like Energy Law, Cannabis Law, and Elder Law also seeing high demand.