In-house lawyer salaries can be all over the place. It depends on where you work and what kind of area you practice. You might think you’re getting paid well, but how do you really know? If you’re not paying attention to these differences, you could be leaving money on the table.

This is where understanding your worth comes in. Knowing how salaries vary by practice area and region can be the key to earning more.

At SpotDraft, we’ve got the data. Our salary reports and legal industry insights can help you figure out if you're being paid what you deserve.

How much do in-house lawyers make?

In-house lawyer salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like company size, industry, and your specific practice area. A thorough look at the data from SpotDraft’s Compensation Report reveals that these roles come with competitive compensation packages, but there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pay.

For example, Associate General Counsel roles bring in an average base salary of $225,950, while Chief Legal Officers can command much higher pay, with base salaries averaging $348,976. Total compensation, including bonuses and equity, can push those figures significantly higher.

Why certain regions and practice areas pay more

Several factors contribute to the salary differences across regions and practice areas:

  • Cost of living: In regions with a high cost of living, companies often offer higher salaries to attract talent. For example, lawyers in San Francisco and New York are compensated well to account for the expensive housing markets and general cost of living
  • Local demand: In major economic hubs, like New York for finance and Silicon Valley for tech, the demand for specialized legal skills is higher, which pushes salaries up
  • Economic conditions: Regions with a strong economy and thriving industries tend to pay higher salaries. This is often the case in places where industries like tech, finance, and healthcare dominate, as they require more complex legal services

Get the full picture

For a more detailed breakdown of in-house legal salaries based on job title, practice area, and region, check out SpotDraft’s comprehensive salary report. This report provides the most up-to-date and reliable data, helping you make informed decisions whether you're looking for a new role or negotiating your salary.

Check out the complete salary report

How to negotiate your salary as in-house counsel?

You can’t accept the first offer you get. You’ve got to negotiate so you’re paid fairly for the value you bring to the organization. In-house counsel roles, like many other positions, offer a range of compensation based on factors like company size, location, and practice area. Here are some important tips to help you navigate salary negotiations effectively.

Tip #1: Research and leverage industry salary reports

Before entering any salary negotiation, gather data on what similar roles in your industry and region pay. SpotDraft’s salary report is a valuable tool that provides up-to-date information on in-house legal salaries across job titles, regions, and practice areas.

  • For example, General Counsels in public companies earn significantly more than their counterparts in smaller firms. Knowing this can give you a solid foundation when negotiating
  • Salaries also vary by region—San Francisco and New York lead with the highest compensation for in-house legal roles due to high demand and living costs

Using this data, you can back up your case with concrete numbers, showing the employer that your salary request aligns with industry standards.

Tip #2: Highlight your unique skills and experiences

Your value goes beyond what’s written in the job description. If you bring specialized expertise, advanced certifications, or a proven track record of handling complex legal matters, make sure to emphasize these during negotiations.

"Have a standing document for yourself where you capture one or two highlights every cycle. It’s good to have that to lean upon when you're thinking about applying for a role or you're in the interview stage." 
~ Akshay Verma
Chief Operating Officer, SpotDraft
  • Have you successfully navigated high-stakes mergers or regulatory challenges? Highlight these achievements
  • If your skills are in demand, such as expertise in data privacy or corporate governance, mention how these abilities will benefit the company

Tailoring your approach to the specific needs of the company can make you stand out as an indispensable asset.

Tip #3: Consider non-monetary benefits

Salary is just one part of your compensation package. Non-monetary benefits like flexible working hours, remote work options, or additional vacation time can provide significant value.

  • Equity can be especially valuable if you’re joining a startup or high-growth company. For instance, Chief Legal Officers and General Counsels in Series A companies often receive a higher percentage of equity, which could lead to significant financial gains in the long term
  • Professional development opportunities, such as coverage for continuing legal education (CLE) or conference attendance, are also worth negotiating

If the employer can’t meet your salary expectations, try negotiating for these additional perks to enhance your overall compensation package.

Tip #4: Be aware of salary ranges for your region and practice area

Geographic location plays a big role in determining salary. For example, in-house counsel in New York City or San Francisco can earn significantly more than those in smaller cities, often due to higher demand for legal services and the cost of living in these regions.

  • According to SpotDraft’s report, legal professionals in New York and San Francisco can earn up to 23% more than those in cities like Salt Lake City or Denver
  • Practice area also affects salary—corporate law and compliance tend to offer higher pay than contract management or legal operations

Understanding these regional and practice area-specific factors will give you a clearer picture of what to expect during negotiations.

Tip #5: Prepare for equity vs. cash compensation trade-offs

Especially in startups or early-stage companies, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a higher percentage of equity in exchange for a lower cash salary. This can be a smart move if the company is poised for growth, but it's also a risk.

“When I decided to take the job at Segment, I asked the CEO if he would be open to me taking lower cash comp and more equity. And he agreed. As a result I ended up getting a fairly significant increase in the amount of stock that I had, or was going to get, for a modest reduction in salary. And I think it paid off in the end; it was a risk, but it paid off like literally a 100x.” 
~ Mark Kahn
General Counsel, Oakland Ballers

If you’re considering this, make sure to understand the equity terms and the potential risks involved.

Master your negotiations with SpotDraft’s Salary Negotiation Guide

Negotiating your salary is one of the most important conversations you’ll have in your career, and being well-prepared is key. SpotDraft’s Salary Negotiation Guide is designed to help in-house legal professionals navigate these discussions confidently and effectively. It offers practical tips from in-house legal experts who’ve climbed the ladder and real-world examples to ensure you’re negotiating for the compensation package you deserve.

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