Career Outlook for Legal Professionals in Seattle
The legal job market in Seattle has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in the national economy and on the West Coast. Over the last decade, there has been a strong demand for attorneys in certain practice areas, such as intellectual property, corporate law, litigation, and labor and employment. The demand for legal professionals in these areas has driven up salaries for many positions, particularly in big law firms. Employment trends have also shown that there is an increasing need for legal professionals in smaller and medium-sized firms, due to the influx of those seeking cost-effective legal services. This has had a stabilizing effect on the job market for legal professionals in Seattle, as local firms are increasingly able to compete head-to-head with larger firms to attract and retain the best talent . Factors that influence the legal job market in Seattle include economic growth in the region, advancements in technology, and changes in regulations that govern the practice of law. In general, as the economy improves and more businesses set up shop in Seattle, the demand for attorneys increases. The rise of virtual law firms is also contributing to the expansion of the legal professional landscape in the Seattle area by providing opportunities for those who prefer remote working environments or who live outside of Seattle. Despite a period of contraction experienced from 2009 to 2012, the legal job market in Seattle remains competitive. To secure a position, job seekers must position themselves successfully for the opportunities currently available and develop and demonstrate the skills, experience, and qualifications that hiring managers are looking for.
Seattle’s Leading Law Firms
In Seattle there a number of high-profile law firms bringing top legal talent to the Emerald City. Seattle is considered a top city to live in due to its location, economy, and people. There are a number of high profile firms that have offices in Seattle:
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP: Established in 1892, the firm has offices all over the country. In Seattle, the firms has 200 attorneys, and is one of the largest firms in Washington state. The firm was this year named among the country’s top workplaces for women and LGBTQ workers.
K&L Gates: The firm has over 40 offices on 4 continents, and over 1,800 lawyers and policy advisors. The firm has a solid reputation with a growing base in the Pacific Northwest.
Stoel Rives LLP: With a team of 300 attorneys and policy advisors, Stoel Rives represents businesses. They are ranked Number 1 in Land Use and Zoning in US News in an annual rating. The firm is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest.
Williams Kastner & Gibbs PLLC: The top Seattle litigation firm for 2018, Williams Kastner & Gibbs has been a staple of the Seattle law community for over 100 years. Their practice areas include business litigation, intellectual property, employment law, and antitrust/competition law.
Overall, these firms are a number of the best that the legal field has to offer. They remain the most sought after by lawyers looking for a law firm to operate from.
Frequently Sought-after Legal Jobs
The most sought-after legal jobs in the Seattle market are generally similar to those across the country. Simple supply and demand ultimately drives the legal job market, and recently corporate lawyers with M&A and corporate securities experience have been in high demand. The same can be said for corporate tax attorneys, as well as certain commercial and intellectual property litigators. The market seems to be peaking for corporate attorneys, as we have seen large corporate clients getting involved with major deals and signing longer-term contracts. This has opened the door for those seeking a career change or advancement into the corporate legal field.
With this boom in the corporate industry, corporate paralegals, consultants and those looking to grow their corporate background will find numerous opportunities out there. Law firms in the Pacific Northwest have had certain corporate paralegal positions open for a long period of time, sometimes even more than over a year. Law firms are also looking for people with a corporate focus in human resources, information technology and compliance. Aside from law firms, corporations are also on the lookout for corporate real estate agents, accountants, computer technology professionals and business consultants.
Corporate practices are not the only high demand legal positions in Seattle. We have seen great interest in attorney with litigation experience in the healthcare field, and large corporations with legal departments look for individuals with healthcare experience and backgrounds. Corporate tax planning is also on the rise. There seems to be a heavy interest for smart, intelligent, hard working tax attorneys who are able to advise on issues regarding tax compliance as well as tax dispute resolution.
On the other hand, litigation support staff. including paralegals and legal assistants, have remained in high demand as well. Law firms continue to seek litigation support staff members who have strong educational, professional and employment experiences. Legal recruiters are especially looking for candidates who possess research skills, administrative skills, problem-solving skills, customer service skills and oral and written communication skills.
Legal Networking and Professional Conferences
Networking and professional associations are vital for both career development and industry news. Seattle, a vibrant hub of economic and cultural activity, is no different when it comes to the legal professions.
The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is a crucial association for any legal professional in Seattle. With more than 38,000 active members, the WSBA provides a wealth of resources for its members, including CLE programs, legal publications, job resources and networking events. There are many opportunities to learn from the state’s leading minds and grow your network of contacts amongst the many different practice areas in the Seattle area.
The Seattle affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association strives to advance justice and equality by the amendment or repeal of laws and policies that create barriers among Asian American and Pacific Islanders. They plan a variety of conferences, workshops, clinics, and seminars to foster networking among attorneys in the region.
The Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement award is presented by the American Bar Association to women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and made a difference in the lives of other women lawyers, or in the legal profession as a whole. Each year, several awards are given to female lawyers in the Seattle area.
Many of the country’s top law firms are headquartered in Seattle. For instance, the global corporate law firm DLA Piper has nearly 5,000 lawyers in 40 countries, high-profile clients that includes Facebook, Berkshire Hathaway and Ikea. Likewise, the Seattle office of Perkins Coie LLP is home to more than 100 attorneys who work in intellectual property, government relations, business, litigation and real estate.
Education and Key Skills Needed
A comprehensive set of skills and a relevant educational background are essential for those aspiring to secure legal jobs in Seattle. The first step on this journey is obtaining a Juris Doctor, or J.D., degree from an accredited law school. Given the competitive nature of the job market, many employers prefer candidates who boast additional qualifications, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in a specialized area of law, or a Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in the Teaching of Law (J.M.A.T.).
Beyond graduation from law school , prospective legal professionals are required to pass the Washington State Bar Examination. This two-day test evaluates knowledge of state-specific and federal laws. Successful completion of the exam is a prerequisite for obtaining a license to practice in Seattle and throughout Washington State.
The journey to becoming a successful legal professional does not end with the Bar Exam. Continuing education is a key component to maintaining an active law license in Washington State. To this end, companies such as the Washington State Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offers a broad range of programs that address the newest developments in the field of law. In addition, many local universities provide online and on-campus classes that support the development of valuable skills among current and future legal professionals.
What to Expect for Legal Job Salaries
Salary expectations can vary greatly depending on the type of legal position. On average, attorneys in Seattle can expect a salary in the range of $80,000 to $170,000. This can be influenced by experience, firm size, and specialization.
Law firm partners are at the higher end of the spectrum, earning at the top 25% of attorneys in Seattle. Firm partners can expect to earn around the $170,000 mark on average. In-house counsels earn a median pay of around $135,000 per year. Associates and counsel for large firms in Seattle earn, on average, around $135,000 annually. Senior-level associates make around $150,000 per year. Solo practitioners can earn around $87,000-$92,000, depending on how they set their business up. Real estate and family law firms pay around $117,000-$120,000 per year on average.
Salaries for legal positions vary greatly. Federal government attorneys can expect to earn around $102,000 annually. Washington state government attorneys earn a median pay of around $88,000. District government attorneys earn around $82,000, and county attorneys earn around $74,000 per year. Prosecutors in King County earn around $110,000 per year on average. Positions at non-profit organizations pay varying salaries. Public defenders can expect to earn $75,000 a year. Public interest attorneys earn a median salary of $61,000 per year in Seattle. Military attorneys make around $75,000. The salary for law firms can greatly depend on where the firm is located (in or out of the city) and what area of the law the firm specializes in.
Non-attorneys earns a median income of $32,000 in Seattle. Paralegals can expect to earn around $63,000 per year. Paralegals employed by private law firms earn a median pay of around $71,000 annually. Legal secretaries can expect to earn a median of $56,000 per year. Legal assistance earn around $54,000 each year.
Helpful Hints for Finding Legal Employment in Seattle
Securing a legal job in Seattle is no small feat, but with the right strategies, it can be a rewarding experience. As competition continues to grow, it’s essential to differentiate yourself through a strong resume, effective interviewing techniques, and a proactive approach to networking.
Building a Resilient Resume
Your resume is often the first impression employers have of you, making it essential to include all relevant details of your education and experience. Certain law schools have regional accreditations, so it is critical to use the correct abbreviation of your school. Thus, someone who graduated from "George Washington University School of Law" should abbreviate their education as "GWU (Washington)" on their resume. Avoid abbreviating internationally accredited law schools, as in, "University of Sydney (Australia)."
Next , it is vital to list both your previous positions and the law schools from which you graduated. Writing "Juris Doctor" (JD) instead of "Attorney" ensures employers know your qualifications.
Interviewing Tips
Interviews are not uncommon for job seekers. In these sessions, employers will ask about your qualifications to see if you are a cultural fit for their business. You should be prepared to demonstrate confidence and communicate effectively.
Applicants typically interview in this order. First, applicants meet with either an attorney or recruiter, and then eventually, partners at the firm.
Utilizing Legal Job Search Platforms
Networking and collaboration are key within the legal profession. You can secure a position through numerous channels, including legal job search platforms, or by working with an experienced legal recruiter.