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Litigation Counsel I Salary in the United States

How much does a Litigation Counsel I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Litigation Counsel I in the United States is $94,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, a Litigation Counsel I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,316
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,700 to $106,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,230
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Litigation Counsel I Salaries

A Litigation Counsel I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Litigation Counsel Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Litigation Counsel I'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:

  • Litigation Counsel I (0-2 years): $94,127
  • Litigation Counsel II (2-4 years): $105,917
  • Litigation Counsel III (4-7 years): $142,573
  • Litigation Counsel IV (7+ years): $168,598
  • Litigation Counsel V (7-10 years): $201,828
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Litigation Counsel I0-2 years$94,127
Litigation Counsel II2-4 years$105,917
Litigation Counsel III4-7 years$142,573
Litigation Counsel IV7+ years$168,598
Litigation Counsel V7-10 years$201,828
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How Do Litigation Counsel I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Litigation Counsel Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $104,300.
  • California: $103,900.
  • Massachusetts: $102,500.

Top Paying Cities for Litigation Counsel Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $118,800
  • San Francisco: $117,500
  • Oakland: $115,000

Litigation Counsel I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Litigation Counsel I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,272. While startup companies pay approximate $89,050.

Litigation Counsel I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $89,050
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,179
Established 501~5000 $101,654
Enterprise 5000+ $105,272

Litigation Counsel I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Litigation Counsel I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Litigation Counsel positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Litigation Counsel I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Litigation Counsel I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$122,460$59.030%
Internet$117,750$57.025%
Biotechnology$113,040$54.020%
Pharmaceuticals$113,040$54.020%
Healthcare$108,330$52.015%

Litigation Counsel I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Litigation Counsel I'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 September 01, 2026
$82,700
Average $94,200/year
$106,300
$6,892
Average $7,850/month
$8,858
$1,590
Average $1,812/week
$2,044
$40
Average $45/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $106,300 $8,858 $2,044 $51
Average $94,200 $7,850 $1,812 $45
25th Percentile $82,700 $6,892 $1,590 $40

Litigation Counsel I Salary Growth & Career Path

Litigation Counsel I

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Advancement

For a Litigation Counsel I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Litigation Counsel II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $106,000 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Litigation Counsel I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Litigation Counsel I

Here are companies hiring for Litigation Counsel I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Litigation Counsel I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Litigation Counsel I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Litigation Counsel I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What type of lawyer is best paid?

Litigation Counsel is among the best-paid types of lawyers, with salaries ranging from $78,700 to $112,700, with a median of $94,200. Other high-paying legal specialties include intellectual property, corporate, and tax attorneys, reflecting the demand and complexity of their work.

3. Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

No, lawyers typically do not make $500,000 a year. For example, Litigation Counsel salaries range from a minimum of $78,700 to a maximum of $112,700, with a mid-salary of $94,200. While some specialized lawyers may earn higher, the average salaries are significantly lower than $500,000.

4. How much do counsel make at Big Law?

Counsel at Big Law typically earn between $78,700 and $112,700, with a median salary of $94,200. While senior associates can make significantly more, counsel salaries reflect a different tier within the firm, focusing on specialized legal expertise rather than the higher compensation seen at the associate level.

5. What type of law is the richest?

As of 2024, the highest paid types of lawyers include Patent Attorneys, Intellectual Property Attorneys, Trial Lawyers, Tax Attorneys, and Corporate Lawyers. Litigation Counsel typically earns between $78,700 and $112,700, with a median salary of $94,200, reflecting the lucrative nature of this legal field.

6. Is lawyer a high paying job in USA?

A: In the field of Litigation Counsel, salaries range from $78,700 to $112,700, with a mid-salary of $94,200. While this is competitive, it is lower than the average lawyer's salary of about $163,770 annually. Q: Do lawyers in private practices or partners in law firms earn more? A: Typically, lawyers in law firms earn higher salaries than those in private practice.

7. How much does Epic Games Legal Counsel pay?

Epic Games Legal Counsel salaries vary significantly, with a minimum salary of $78,700, a mid-range salary of $94,200, and a maximum salary of $112,700. This reflects a competitive compensation structure, aligning with industry standards while being lower than the reported average of $214,554 for similar roles in the U.S.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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