Best U.S. states to jump start your career as a new lawyer
If you’re looking to jump start your career in the legal profession, you should know about a new study by The Barnes Firm that revealed the best states in the U.S. for entry-level lawyers to begin their careers.
Highlights of the study show that:
- California tops the list of the best states for junior associate lawyers with the highest average salary and the number of job postings on the list.
- The lowest cost of living among the states is in Mississippi, totaling $32K.
- The national monthly average salary for a new lawyer is $5700.
- Florida offers an average salary of $97K and moderate living costs of $41K for new lawyers.
The Barnes Firm recently conducted a study to find the best U.S. states for entry-level lawyers to begin their careers. The study assessed various factors that influence the early stages of a legal career like the average salary junior lawyers can expect, the availability of entry-level positions, the frequency of job searches indicating demand, and the cost of living in each state. By combining these factors, a cumulative index was developed to rank the states.
California tops the list of the best states for junior associate lawyers to start their careers with the highest index in the list. This first position is largely due to the state offering the highest average salary for junior lawyers at $122K per year. The job market has the highest entry-level positions totaling 2,6K. Despite its high yearly cost of living at $53K, California’s high salary and numerous job opportunities make it an ideal place for starting a legal career.
New York secures the second spot with an average salary of $104K. The state also has 1.7K entry-level job openings. Although the cost of living is relatively high at $50K, the financial benefits and career opportunities offset these expenses, making New York a highly desirable location for new attorneys.
Texas comes in third, favored for its balance of affordability and opportunity. The state’s cost of living is relatively low at $38K, coupled with a competitive average salary of $95K. With 1.3K entry-level jobs and 730 searches for associate positions, Texas presents a thriving market for junior lawyers looking for both value and career growth.
Florida is ranked fourth, offering an average salary of $97K and a total of 1.2K entry-level jobs. Florida’s moderate living costs of $41K make it an appealing state for legal professionals beginning their careers.
New Jersey holds the fifth position. Junior lawyers can expect an average salary of $95K, with the cost of living at $50K. Although the state has fewer entry-level jobs (588) and job searches (430) compared to higher-ranked states, its competitive salary and proximity to major legal markets like New York City enhance its appeal.
Massachusetts is ranked sixth and offers a strong average salary of $90K and 516 entry-level positions. The cost of living is the highest among the top ten at $54K, but the state’s educational and cultural opportunities, along with consistent job search activity (290 searches), contribute to its ranking.
Washington takes the seventh spot. It offers an impressive average salary of $102K. Besides, the state’s moderate cost of living ($47K) and the quality of life it offers makes it a strong candidate for junior lawyers.
Colorado is eighth with a high average salary of $101K. With 402 entry-level opportunities and a moderate cost of living at $46K, Colorado is a favorable state for those starting their legal careers and has lower competition.
Maryland is ninth, offering an average salary of $92K, and is characterized by a moderate cost of living ($48K) and 469 entry-level jobs. Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. reflects a stable demand for legal professionals.
Georgia rounds out the top ten with an average salary of $91K and a lower cost of living at $39K, it offers 629 entry-level jobs and sees 300 job searches. Georgia’s favorable economic conditions and growth in legal job opportunities make it a promising state for junior lawyers.
A spokesperson from The Barnes Firm commented on these findings: “While California leads with the highest average salary and number of entry-level positions, the high cost of living there might not be for everyone so young lawyers must weigh their potential earnings against the lifestyle they can afford. Texas and Florida for example may not lead in salaries but provide a practical mix of affordability and opportunity, likely proving more sustainable for many in the long run.“
“The presence of states like New York and New Jersey in the top rankings is logical considering the status of established legal markets, but our findings suggest that success isn’t only limited to these hubs. States like Colorado and Georgia are emerging, proving that excellent opportunities exist beyond traditional centers. This shift in the legal job landscape opens up new avenues for career growth in unexpected places, encouraging new lawyers to explore a broader array of locations that offer both professional advancement and a better quality of life.”
Here are the top results summed up:
| State | Monthly Cost of Living | Yearly Cost of Living | Monthly Average Salary | Entry-level (Indeed) | Yearly Average Salary | Searches | Total Index |
| California | $4,430.92 | $53,171.00 | $5,120.67 | 2677 | $122,069.00 | 760 | 0.9900 |
| New York | $4,135.25 | $49,623.00 | $5,383.08 | 1659 | $103,737.00 | 740 | 0.7470 |
| Texas | $3,131.83 | $37,582.00 | $5,166.67 | 1280 | $95,313.00 | 730 | 0.6000 |
| Florida | $3,376.00 | $40,512.00 | $4,916.67 | 1231 | $96,550.00 | 550 | 0.5520 |
| New Jersey | $4,125.92 | $49,511.00 | $6,093.17 | 588 | $95,387.00 | 430 | 0.4710 |
| Massachusetts | $4,488.33 | $53,860.00 | $6,076.08 | 516 | $89,744.00 | 290 | 0.4010 |
| Washington | $3,935.92 | $47,231.00 | $6,163.92 | 428 | $101,638.00 | 180 | 0.3940 |
| Colorado | $3,827.58 | $45,931.00 | $5,488.25 | 402 | $100,948.00 | 150 | 0.3710 |
| Maryland | $4,019.58 | $48,235.00 | $4,726.83 | 469 | $92,358.00 | 230 | 0.3660 |
| Georgia | $3,228.92 | $38,747.00 | $5,156.00 | 629 | $90,963.00 | 300 | 0.3590 |
The Barnes Firm also provides the stats on how the remaining U.S. States fared in the study. You can check out their complete research results here.
###
(Source: The Barnes Firm)
(Cover photo: RDW Productions)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
