According to the latest report from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), salaries for entry-level attorneys in private law firms with 50 or fewer lawyers are far higher than those at legal services organizations. In 2021, first-year attorneys at these smaller firms earned a median salary of $85,000 – 48% more than the $57,000 median salary for an entry-level attorney at a legal services organization.
Although wages are improving in the public-interest sector, they still lag far behind pay levels from private practice. For example, salaries for attorneys at civil legal services organizations and those providing similar services rose significantly between 2018 and 2021. Public defenders saw only a minor increase in the same period.
This disparity may widen the gap between those who can access quality legal representation and those who cannot afford it – highlighting why more must be done to ensure everyone is provided with equal opportunities in the justice system.
These findings demonstrate why there needs to be continued effort from the legal industry to narrow this disparity and ensure equal access to justice for all. Law firms, public-interest organizations, and government agencies should work together to promote greater diversity in the legal sector and advocate for increased pay levels for those working in public interest law. Only then can we achieve a system that is equitable for everyone involved.
For 2023, NALP has proposed a minimum wage for entry-level attorneys at public service organizations $75,000 and other regulatory changes to ensure pay equity in the sector – something which could bring real change if implemented.
It remains to be seen whether these proposals will come into effect, but they are an essential step forward in the fight for pay equity in the legal industry. The continuing efforts of organizations such as NALP to promote equal access to justice are crucial if we have a fair and equitable system for all.
As demonstrated by these figures, there is still much work to be done to ensure fairness across the board. Ultimately, it is up to the legal industry to take action and create an environment where everyone can access quality legal representation.
REFERENCES:
Doing Good Doesn't Pay Much: Many Entry-Level, Public-Interest Lawyers Make $57,500 a Year
https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2022/06/23/doing-good-doesnt-pay-much-many-entry-level-public-interest-lawyers-make-57500-a-year/
