As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Legal Counsel in the United States is $251,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $121.
However, an Assistant Legal Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Assistant Legal Counsel's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Legal Counsel's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Assistant Legal Counsel | $238,616 |
| Intermediate Level Assistant Legal Counsel | $240,443 |
| Senior Level Assistant Legal Counsel | $242,879 |
| Specialist Level Assistant Legal Counsel | $246,533 |
| Expert Level Assistant Legal Counsel | $251,100 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Legal Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Negotiating | 7.21% |
| Data Privacy | 2.11% |
| Financial Services | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Fintech
|
$283,743 |
13%
|
|
Innovation
|
$271,188 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$268,677 |
7%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$268,677 |
7%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$266,166 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$266,166 |
6%
|
Understanding how an Assistant Legal Counsel's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For an Assistant Legal Counsel, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Associate Legal Counsel role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $292,400 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an Assistant Legal Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $195,348 in 2023 to around $195,751 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Assistant Legal Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $195,348 |
| 2024 | $196,817 |
| 2025 | $195,751 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Assistant Legal Counsel and their salaries, click below for more details.
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In Florida, the salary for an Assistant Legal Counsel ranges from a minimum of $219,000 to a maximum of $273,400, with a mid-salary of $243,900. This reflects a significant difference compared to typical legal assistant salaries, which are generally much lower.
Most legal assistants hold at least a two-year associate degree, ideally in paralegal studies. Many employers prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees in legal or paralegal studies, providing a solid foundation in legal writing and various law types. Salaries for Assistant Legal Counsel range from $219,000 to $273,400, reflecting the importance of education and experience in the field.
The highest paid assistant job is typically the Assistant Legal Counsel, with a salary range from $219,000 to $273,400. This role often requires specialized legal knowledge and offers competitive compensation, making it one of the top administrative positions in the United States.
A career as an Assistant Legal Counsel can be a rewarding choice, offering opportunities for advancement into roles like paralegals or law clerks. The salary range is quite competitive, with a minimum of $219,000, a mid-range of $243,900, and a maximum of $273,400, making it a financially attractive option in the legal field.
The highest salary for an Assistant Legal Counsel is $273,400. In comparison, Legal Assistants in major cities earn significantly less, with top hourly rates around $26.27 in Los Angeles and $26.02 in Miami. The salary range for Assistant Legal Counsel positions reflects a more specialized role within the legal field.
In 2024, the highest salaries for Assistant Legal Counsel range from ?2,19,000 to ?2,73,400, with a mid-salary of ?2,43,900. While fresh graduates may start at lower levels, experienced lawyers can earn significantly more, reflecting the competitive nature of the legal field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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