Which lawyer is best government or private?

Asked by: Mr. Wade Pfeffer  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (73 votes)

Neither government (public defender) nor private lawyers are inherently "best"; the better choice depends on your specific needs, case complexity, budget, and desire for personalized attention, with private attorneys offering more time/resources and public defenders providing cost-free representation for the indigent, though often with heavy caseloads. Private lawyers generally provide more one-on-one time, specialized strategies, and resources (investigators, experts), while public defenders offer vital access to justice for those who can't afford a lawyer, but face heavy workloads.

Which type of lawyer is the best?

There's no single "best" type of lawyer; it depends on your interests, skills, and goals, but top earners are often in Corporate Law, Intellectual Property (IP) Law (especially patents), Tax Law, and Medical Malpractice, while other fulfilling paths include Family Law, Criminal Law (prosecution/defense), or Public Interest roles like Elder Law or Social Security Disability. The ideal fit balances high earning potential with job satisfaction, whether that's courtroom drama, complex business deals, or helping individuals with personal matters. 

Is it better to get a private lawyer?

Because they handle fewer cases, private attorneys can dedicate more time and energy to crafting a defense tailored to your specific circumstances. These attorneys often have access to additional resources, such as private investigators or expert witnesses, which can strengthen your case.

Is it better to have a private lawyer or a public defender?

Neither a private lawyer nor a public defender is inherently "better"—it depends on your case and needs, but private attorneys often offer more time, resources, and personalized attention, while public defenders provide crucial, free legal aid, though often with overwhelming caseloads and budget limitations. A good private lawyer gives you choice, more availability, and access to experts/investigators, but costs significant money; a public defender ensures you have a lawyer when you can't afford one, with deep system knowledge, but may struggle with high volumes of cases, potentially affecting outcomes. 

Is government lawyer a good job?

Government lawyers, as with any public entity, often make less than their private counterparts but may enjoy a greater degree of job security and assured benefits in trade.

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What is the highest paid type of lawyer?

The highest-paid lawyers are often in specialized fields like Patent Law, requiring science/engineering backgrounds, and Corporate Law, especially those advising major firms, plus Securities & Antitrust Lawyers, Medical Malpractice, and Intellectual Property (IP) Law, where high stakes and complex regulations drive huge incomes, particularly in BigLaw or in-house roles with bonuses.
 

What is the most paid government job?

The highest-paying government jobs are often in specialized fields like medicine (Medical Officers, Physicians), law (Attorneys, Judges), and IT (Program Managers), with some roles in the Veterans Health Administration or specialized federal agencies reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, though top executive positions like the TVA CEO can earn millions in total compensation. Medical Officers are consistently listed among top earners, with potential salaries exceeding $490,000, while senior executives, attorneys, and IT specialists also command very high pay. 

Which lawyer wins most cases?

There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins". 

Do private lawyers make more than public lawyers?

Public attorneys are not paid by clients, but are instead employees of the government. They are also paid much less than private attorneys, so the quality of work they produce may dim in comparison.

Can you trust a public defender?

For the most part, you can trust a public defender to handle your case responsibly and competently because they are hardworking people that want what is best for their clients. But their ethics will not provide them with limitless time, and they will receive payment no matter what happens in your case.

What not to say to a lawyer?

You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

Are private lawyers expensive?

The average lawyer's hourly rate typically falls between $162 and $392, giving law firms a reliable baseline for setting their fees. Retainer fees depend on practice area, with bankruptcy and family law lawyers often requesting the highest retainers, while immigration practices tend to have lower averages.

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.

How to pick the best lawyer?

To find a good lawyer, start with trusted referrals from friends or other attorneys, check your local bar association's referral service, and use online directories like Martindale-Hubbell, but verify credentials and be wary of ads; then, interview several candidates, focusing on their specific experience with cases like yours, clear communication, fees, and reputation, ensuring they're a good fit for you personally.
 

Who are the big 5 lawyers?

"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
 

Why are private attorneys better?

Personalized Attention – Private attorneys handle fewer cases than public defenders. This allows them to offer more personalized attention to each client. A public defender will typically have anywhere from 10-30 cases a day cross their desk.

Which job pays $1 million per year?

Jobs paying over $1 million annually are typically in C-suite executive leadership, high-level finance (hedge funds, investment banking), specialized medicine (surgeons, radiologists), top-tier tech (senior engineers with equity), high-stakes sales (luxury real estate, large deals), and successful entrepreneurship, often involving performance-based compensation like massive bonuses or equity, long hours, and extreme responsibility for organizational success. 

What is the lowest paid type of lawyer?

Some lawyers earn more than others, depending on their experience and practice area. Still, many law firms offer many opportunities for their associates to move up the ladder and earn a higher salary. The lowest-paid legal jobs are typically those in the public sector, such as district attorneys or public defenders.

What lawyer never lost?

Both Darrow and Spence have become legendary for using language not as a weapon, but as a bridge to jurors, adversaries, and -- paradoxically -- to themselves. Spence never lost a criminal trial (as a prosecutor or defense lawyer), and in his over half century of practice, he only lost one civil trial, in 1969.

What is the hardest case for a lawyer?

A: Crimes against minors, white collar crimes, and first-degree murder are sometimes the hardest cases to defend. Due to the intricacy of the evidence, emotional prejudice, public opinion, and the seriousness of the possible penalties, these cases pose substantial obstacles.

Do lawyers care if they win?

That means they only get paid if they win money for their client. If they take a case and lose, they don't get paid at all. Because of this, personal injury attorneys have to be careful about the cases they take on. They need to feel confident they can win the case and get their client a good settlement or jury award.

Which government job is best?

Below are some of the most popular and respected government jobs, chosen based on salary, career growth, job security, and nationwide demand.

  • UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) ...
  • Banking Sector Jobs (IBPS, SBI PO) ...
  • SSC Jobs (CGL, CHSL, JE) ...
  • PSU Jobs (ONGC, IOCL, BHEL, SAIL) ...
  • National Services (Army, Patrol, Air Force)

Is it hard to get a govt job?

Yes, government jobs are generally considered hard to get due to high competition, extensive background checks, specialized requirements, and a lengthy, bureaucratic application process, attracting many applicants with strong benefits, stability, and good pay. While competitive, success is achievable by understanding specific requirements, tailoring resumes, and being patient, though some applicants find it harder due to veteran preferences or pre-selected candidates. 

Which is the no. 1 high salary job?

The #1 highest-paying job consistently ranks as Surgeons, particularly Pediatric Surgeons, followed closely by Cardiologists, Anesthesiologists, and Orthodontists, all within the medical field, requiring extensive education and specialized skills for high-stakes procedures and patient care. Other top earners include Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Psychiatrists, and specialized IT roles like Enterprise Architects, but healthcare physicians generally dominate the very top of salary lists.