As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Litigation Attorney I in the United States is $94,181 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Litigation Attorney I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Litigation Attorney I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $106,167 | $8,847 | $2,042 | $51 |
| Average | $94,181 | $7,848 | $1,811 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,642 | $6,887 | $1,589 | $40 |
Thornberry Group - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
O'Flaherty Law - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Resnick and Caffrey - WARWICK, RI
Beach Law Group, LLP - OXNARD, CA
A Litigation Attorney 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 Attorney 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 Attorney I | 0-2 years | $94,181 |
| Litigation Attorney II | 2-4 years | $106,052 |
| Litigation Attorney III | 4-7 years | $142,643 |
| Litigation Attorney IV | 7+ years | $168,644 |
| Litigation Attorney V | 7-10 years | $201,786 |
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 Attorney Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Litigation Attorney 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $106,167 | $8,847 | $2,042 | $51 |
| Average | $94,181 | $7,848 | $1,811 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,642 | $6,887 | $1,589 | $40 |
For a Litigation Attorney I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Litigation Attorney II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $106,052 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Litigation Attorney I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Litigation Attorney I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Litigation Attorney I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Litigation Attorney I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Litigation Attorney I is $118,790.
The highest pay for Litigation Attorney I is $117,080.
The lowest pay for Litigation Attorney I is $72,136.
Responsible for representing clients in civil matters and managing all aspects of the litigation process. Conducts all phases of litigation for assigned cases including research, interviews, and investigation. Evaluates files to determine the degree of potential liability and damages. Handles pleadings, the pre-trial discovery process, trial, settlement, and appeal. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Tries jury and non-jury trials. May represent clients at arbitration and other legal proceedings. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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