As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Litigation Counsel in the United States is $190,417 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.
However, a Litigation Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Litigation Counsel'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Litigation Counsel'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Attorney ... Level Litigation Counsel | $100,129 |
| Attorney ... Level Litigation Counsel | $132,878 |
| Litigatio... Level Litigation Counsel | $187,470 |
| Attorney ... Level Litigation Counsel | $213,447 |
| Attorney ... Level Litigation Counsel | $253,158 |
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 Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.95% |
| Case Management | 1.95% |
| Employment Law | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$201,842 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$199,937 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$199,937 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$198,033 |
4%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$198,033 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$198,033 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Litigation Counsels enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Litigation Counsel with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $166,120 and $178,270).
Litigation Counsel Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.7% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 95.6% |
Understanding how a Litigation Counsel'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 May 18, 2021Salaries for a Litigation Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $171,993 in 2023 to around $156,788 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Litigation Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $171,993 |
| 2024 | $165,623 |
| 2025 | $156,788 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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