As of August 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Litigation Counsel I | 0-2 years | $94,136 |
| Litigation Counsel II | 2-4 years | $105,940 |
| Litigation Counsel III | 4-7 years | $142,585 |
| Litigation Counsel IV | 7+ years | $168,606 |
| Litigation Counsel V | 7-10 years | $201,821 |
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 Litigation Counsel Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $105,451. While startup companies pay approximate $89,209.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $89,209 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $94,350 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $101,832 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $105,451 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $122,460 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $117,750 | $57.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $113,040 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $113,040 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $108,330 | $52.0 | 15% |
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 August 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Litigation Counsel I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $128,046 in 2023 to around $128,046 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Litigation Counsel I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $128,046 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Litigation Counsel I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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