JDJournal proudly highlights the release of The Complete Attorney Compensation Report 2025–2026 by BCG Attorney Search, offering the most comprehensive analysis of salaries, bonuses, and compensation trends in the U.S. legal profession. This annual report provides an in-depth overview of how pay varies by firm size, region, and practice area—helping attorneys and employers understand where they stand in today’s competitive market.
Learn more from this report: The Complete Attorney Compensation Report
National Trends and Key Insights
According to the report, the average national salary for attorneys in 2025 stands at around $176,470, reflecting consistent growth driven by competition for top talent. Entry-level BigLaw associates now earn $225,000 plus bonuses, while solo practitioners and small firm attorneys often start between $45,000 and $85,000, depending on experience and client base.
Practice area specialization remains one of the most significant drivers of compensation. Attorneys practicing in corporate law, intellectual property, and antitrust enjoy salary premiums of up to 25% higher than general practitioners. Conversely, those in family, criminal, or immigration law tend to earn below the national median due to client base size and case volume.
Geographic Pay Gaps
Location continues to play a crucial role in legal pay scales. The District of Columbia leads with an average attorney salary of $238,990, followed closely by California, New York, and Massachusetts. In contrast, states like Montana and South Dakota report averages below $90,000, creating a stark gap of nearly 180% between top and bottom markets.
However, the report notes a growing trend toward remote and hybrid work models, which are leveling regional disparities. Smaller markets are becoming more attractive as attorneys seek lower living costs while maintaining competitive compensation.
Beyond Law Firms: Alternative Career Compensation
Attorneys working in-house can expect packages at approximately 75% of BigLaw levels, with total compensation often supplemented by stock options and performance bonuses. Meanwhile, government lawyers remain on the lower end of the pay scale—typically between $140,000 and $191,000—but benefit from greater job stability, retirement plans, and public service incentives.
Market Outlook and Recommendations
The report underscores several trends shaping 2026 and beyond:
- Steady salary growth driven by client demand in specialized practice areas like AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
- Increased investment in retention and flexible work policies to combat attorney burnout and turnover.
- Expanding opportunities in secondary legal markets offering strong career advancement and quality of life.
For law firms, the report advises reviewing compensation packages regularly to stay competitive. For attorneys, it encourages strategic career planning—focusing on specialization, mobility, and overall career satisfaction.
Learn more from this report: The Complete Attorney Compensation Report
