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Attorney Counsel Salary in Washington, DC

How Much Does an Attorney Counsel make?

Attorney Counsel made a median salary around $196,072 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $220,811 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $171,452. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Salary Salary + Bonus Benefits
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25% $171,452 10% $149,037 90% $243,334 75% $220,811 $196,072 50%(Median)
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Check out Attorney Counsel jobs in Washington, District of Columbia

Attorney – Privacy Senior Associate / Special Counsel

KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP - Washington, DC

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Antitrust and Competition Sr. Associate Attorney/Counsel (HSR Specialist)

International Staffing Consultants, Inc. - Washington, DC

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Best-Paying Cities for Attorney Counsel

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Attorney Counsel profession are Naval Anacost Annex , Parcel Return Service , Washington , Washington Navy Yard .
Naval Anacost Annex, DC $196,072
Parcel Return Service, DC $196,072
Washington, DC $196,072
Washington Navy Yard, DC $196,072

Best-Paying States for Attorney Counsel

The states and districts that pay Attorney Counsel the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $196,072) , California (around $194,310) , New Jersey (around $193,077) , Alaska (around $191,844) , and Massachusetts (around $191,668) .
District of Columbia $196,072
California $194,310
New Jersey $193,077
Alaska $191,844
Massachusetts $191,668

What is the Career Path of Attorney Counsel?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Attorney Counsel, the upper level is Attorney IV , and then progresses to Chief Legal Officer
Besides, Attorney Counsel can also turn to other related jobs, including Associate Attorney Of Counsel , Attorney I , Attorney II and Attorney III .

Frequently Asked Questions for Attorney Counsel

Q: What is the salary range of Attorney Counsel in Washington, DC?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Attorney Counsel in Washington, DC earned an average annual salary of $171,452 , while the highest-paid made $220,811.
Q: What is the salary for an Attorney Counsel in California?
A: Attorney Counsel employed in California earned an average salary of $194,310 in 2025.

Average Attorney Counsel Pay vs. Other Jobs

Attorney Counsel earned an average salary of $196,072 in 2025. Other jobs related to Attorney Counsel earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Associate Attorney Of Counsel made $196,072 , Attorney I made $116,152 , Attorney II and Attorney III made $155,546 and $194,253 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Attorney Counsel

Associate Attorney Of Counsel - Average Salary $196,072
There is currently no job description for Associate Attorney Of Counsel, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Attorney Of Counsel.
Attorney I - Average Salary $116,152
Attorney I is responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Being an Attorney I researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Additionally, Attorney I represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. The Attorney I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be an Attorney I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Attorney II - Average Salary $155,546
Attorney II is responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Being an Attorney II researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Additionally, Attorney II represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. The Attorney II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be an Attorney II typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Attorney III - Average Salary $194,253
Attorney III is responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Being an Attorney III researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Additionally, Attorney III represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. The Attorney III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be an Attorney III typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Attorney IV - Average Salary $214,082
Attorney IV is responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Being an Attorney IV researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Additionally, Attorney IV represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. The Attorney IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be an Attorney IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
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