Attorney / Lawyer (Corporate, in-house) Salary

Positions as an attorney/lawyer (corporate, in-house) are available in a wide variety of industries and companies, as almost any company that is large enough to warrant in-house counsel will hire these attorneys. The exact duties performed by these attorneys vary based on the company’s industry and needs, but typical tasks include handling brokerage agreements, non-disclosure agreements, contract reviews, and transactional support. Counseling and negotiation support are also necessary, as is non-litigation dispute resolution. The attorney/lawyer (corporate, in-house) also works with other attorneys representing the company, and they have regular contact with clients and management.

Attorneys/lawyers (corporate, in-house) generally work full time in an office environment, but regular teleconferencing and travel to remote offices may be necessary depending on the company’s structure. Work hours vary by project and company, but these attorneys typically work during regular business hours; overtime may also be required depending on the organization's needs.

Because these attorneys work in a wide variety of fields and positions, requirements for these jobs vary widely. However, a juris doctorate degree and admission to the bar in the state in which they work are generally required. Different positions have different experience requirements, with large companies typically seeking more experienced lawyers; however, a minimum of five years in a similar position is a common requirement. Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and collaborative skills are necessary in this position as well. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Attorney / Lawyer (Corporate, in-house) Tasks

• Represent clients in court or before government agencies, present and summarize cases to judges and juries
• Analyze and interpret laws, rulings and regulations with probable case outcomes for individuals and businesses
• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions; evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments for presentation of cases
• Advise clients in business transactions, claim liablility, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits or legal rights and obligations
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges and question witnesses during the course of a trial

For Corporate In-House Lawyers, busy Houston offers a higher-than-average pay rate, 27 percent above the national average. Corporate In-House Lawyers will also find cushy salaries in San Francisco (+21 percent) and Boston (+9 percent). The lowest-paying market is Los Angeles, which sits 25 percent below the national average, proving that location is a significant contributor to overall pay. Not at the bottom but still paying below the median are employers in Miami and Chicago (10 percent lower and 5 percent lower, respectively).