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Are you a new law school graduate or a seasoned lawyer wanting a change of scenery? Looking for a new city to start or restart your career? Here are some of the best cities in the United States for finding jobs, along with the reasons behind them.
Growth of the legal profession in the United States
In the United States alone, there are more than 1.3 million lawyers. According to the ABA National Lawyer Population Survey, as of January 1, 2024, there were 1,322,649 active lawyers in each U.S. state and territory. Over the previous decade, the number of lawyers increased by 41,000, or 3.2%, from 2014 to 2014.
However, that decade of growth conceals a trend. The number rose in the first half of this decade, peaking at 1.353 million active lawyers in 2019, but then decreased slightly during the second half to 1.322 million in 2024.
During the 21st century, expansion slowed. From 1900 to 200, the number of lawyers increased by 793%. To be exact, from 114,460 to over 1 million, with an annual growth rate of 8%. On the other hand, from 2000 to 2024, the annual growth was around 1%. In other words, the amount increased from 1,022,462 in 2000 to 1,322,649 in 2024. That is a 29% increase.
The most historic increase happened in the 1970s. During this decade, the number of lawyers increased from 326,000 in 1970 to 574,000 in 1980, representing a 76% rise.
For most of the 20th century, the evolution of the legal profession slowed. It took almost 50 years for the number of lawyers to double from 1900 to 1950, but then it took less than 30 years for that number to double again. If you want more details on the increase and decrease in the number of lawyers, look at the National Lawyer Population Survey, the data, and statistics.
The United States Has the Most Attorneys
The United States remains the country with the most significant number of attorneys worldwide. Though the job market is immense, there are highly concentrated cities in the United States, according to data provided by Pirical Legal Professionals (PLP).
New York City is top of the list, with over 20% of the country’s lawyers and more than 27,400 lawyers calling the city home. That’s almost twice the number of attorneys as the second most populous city, Washington, DC, with about 15,300 attorneys. Compared to the following cities, which are Chicago with 8.8 thousand, Los Angeles with 7.8 thousand, Boston with 5.3 thousand, and San Francisco with 4.9 thousand, in terms of population.
These six cities account for 53% of American attorneys, despite the flexibility of where attorneys can work. The denser the population, the better big law thrives.
When comparing states, Texas has the third-highest population, compared to New York and California, where 7% of AM Law 200 attorneys are now based.
Texas: the legal powerhouse
Texas, also known as the legal hub of the country, boasts a substantial economy, numerous job opportunities, and a low cost of living. There is no question as to why Houston, Dallas, and Austin are becoming the new legal hot spots. Texas offers attorneys a diverse range of concentrations, from energy and oil to intellectual property to healthcare. In Houston, energy and oil are more prominent, whereas in Dallas and Austin, tech and financial law are more prevalent.
Atlanta: an excellent choice for new attorneys
Most people think of major cities like New York City, LA, or Washington, D.C., as places to work for big corporations, as policymakers, or to secure contracts with prominent Hollywood stars because they appear that way in television shows. The reality is that sometimes, these other cities can be too much. With too much pressure, high competition, and burnout, lawyers have turned to Atlanta for a better work-life balance and a more affordable home. Here are the reasons why:
1. Atlanta has one of the fastest-growing legal markets in the country.
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The most prominent law firms in Atlanta have been expanding nationwide and globally, creating a strong legal market. In fact, five Atlanta-based law firms were in the AmLaw100, with the highest-grossing law firms. These firms are King & Spalding, Alston & Bird, Troutman Pepper (a 2020 merger of the legacy firms Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton), intellectual property powerhouse Kilpatrick Townsend, and labor & employment specialists Ogletree Deakins.
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Twenty-five of the AmLaw 100 firms based in Atlanta increased profits by 4.3% in 2020, surpassing the national average.
2. The average starting salary for an entry-level Big Law
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In Atlanta, average salaries range from $145,000 to $165,000 at large law firms, which is comparable to New York City, where salaries have been $190,000 since 2021.
3. Atlanta Lawyers earn competitive salaries compared to other markets.
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Lastly, Atlanta lawyer compensation is highly competitive, ranking #12 on the average salary list of the top 30 BigLaw legal markets.
When you want to start your new legal career, choosing the right location is essential to success. Each city we mentioned offers unique opportunities for you to choose from. Each offers you a place to thrive and grow. It’s all up to you to choose your dream environment.
Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been at the forefront of connecting top-tier Legal and IT talent with leading companies for a decade. Our success is rooted in the executive recruiters we offer, who provide unparalleled industry insight and guidance, facilitating growth for both companies and careers. Moreover, if you want to secure your dream career in Legal technology, look no further. SRS goes beyond traditional headhunting. We take a consultative approach, matching you with direct-hire positions that align perfectly with your skills, talents, and career objectives. Contact us today at (888) 366-6508 or message us to take the first step toward your dream job.