The salary range for a lawyer varies widely.  As a first year associate in a large, established law firm in a large metropolitan area, you can expect to earn far more than a first year lawyer in a smaller firm in a smaller community. Government attorneys often earn less than those in private practice.

Lawyers’ fees are governed by the Illinois Supreme Court's Rules of Professional Conduct and any statutory fees that may have been established by the legislature. The Rules of Professional Conduct state that a lawyer's fees must be reasonable and may be calculated based on a variety of factors:

• Time and labor required
• The novelty and difficulty of the question involved 
• The skill requisite to perform the legal service properly
• The likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer
• The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services 
• The time limitations imposed by the client and by the circumstances 
• The amount involved and the results obtained 
• The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client 
• The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer performing the services
• Whether the fee is fixed or contingent

The job market for lawyers may fluctuate with the economy and job opportunities could be affected, precluding employment in a large law firm or corporation.

To download the full Becoming a Lawyer Booklet, please click here.