Quick Answer
How many lawyers are there in the US in 2025??
As of the latest available data, there are approximately 1.35 million lawyers in the United States.
The legal profession in the United States is a vast and complex field that plays a crucial role in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law.
In this article, we will discuss the numbers and statistics.
We will also explore the question: How many lawyers are there in the US?
Lawyers are professionals that provide legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations.
They play a critical role in society, ensuring that the legal rights and interests of their clients are protected.
Let’s find out more about lawyers in the United States.
Key Statistics
- There are around 1.35 million lawyers in the United States.
- The legal profession is growing at an average of 1.5% yearly.
- New York has 184,662 registered lawyers, which equals 96 lawyers for every 10,000 Californians.
- 168,569 lawyers live in California.
- In Texas, there are 92,833 lawyers.
- Florida has 79,328 lawyers, or 36 lawyers for every 10,000 residents of the state.
- Lawyers in New York earn an average yearly salary of $123,409.
How Many Lawyers are There in the US in 2025?
As of the latest available data, there are approximately 1.35 million lawyers in the United States.
This staggering number highlights the size and significance of the legal profession in the country.
The legal profession has experienced steady growth over the years, with the number of lawyers increasing by an average of 1.5% annually.
The legal field is exceptionally competitive plus, aspiring lawyers must undergo rigorous education and training to obtain a law degree and pass the state bar examination.
The process of becoming a lawyer involves several years of study and practical experience, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals enter the profession.
(Attorney Pages, IBISWorld, POTTSALC Map)
Where are the Most Lawyers In the United States?
We created a small table of states in the United States to demonstrate the number of lawyers in the states with the highest concentration of lawyers.
We will also discuss this data from 2021.
For this article, we will address the top 10 states.
State | Registered Lawyers |
New York | 184,662 |
California | 168,569 |
Texas | 92,833 |
Florida | 79,328 |
Illinois | 62,720 |
Pennsylvania | 49,249 |
Massachusetts | 42,908 |
New Jersey | 41,152 |
Maryland | 40,800 |
Ohio | 38,189 |
We can see by this table that the highest concentration of lawyers reside in two states, which are California and New York.
- In New York, the 184,662 lawyers show that there are 96 lawyers for every 10,000 New Yorkers.
- California has 168,569 registered lawyers, which means there are 43 lawyers for every 10,000 Californians.
- There are 31 lawyers for every 10,000 Texans.
- In Florida, there are 36 lawyers for every 10,000 Floridians.
- Illinois offers 50 lawyers for every 10,000 residents.
- Pennsylvania has 38 lawyers per 10,000 residents.
- Massachusetts, with 42,908 lawyers, offers 62 lawyers to every 10,000 people.
- New Jersey has 46 lawyers for every 10,000 residents.
- Maryland has 40,800 registered lawyers which represents 67 per every 10,000 residents.
- In Ohio, 38,189 registered lawyers give the state 33 per 10,000 residents.
(POTTSALC Map)
How Much Do Lawyers in the United State Earn?
Now that we have addressed the main part of this topic about how many lawyers are in the United States, let’s discuss the states where they make the most money per year.
State | Average Annual Salary |
New York | $123,409 |
New Hampshire | $114,836 |
Vermont | $113,408 |
Arizona | $107,781 |
Wyoming | $107,682 |
Hawaii | $106,469 |
Tennessee | $106,228 |
Massachusetts | $106,118 |
Nevada | $105,680 |
New Jersey | $105,226 |
These average lawyer annual salaries were found on ZipRecruiter.
As you can see, only three of the states with the most lawyers also earn the highest wages in the nation.
What are the Different Types of Lawyers in the United States?
The legal profession encompasses a wide range of specialties and practice areas.
Lawyers can specialize in a wide range of fields, including corporate law, criminal law, family law, environmental law, estate law, intellectual property law, bankruptcy law, and many others.
Each specialization requires specific knowledge and expertise, allowing lawyers to focus on providing specialized services to clients.
The demand for different types of lawyers varies based on societal needs and legal developments.
For example, the growth of technology has given rise to a demand for lawyers specializing in intellectual property and cybersecurity.
Similarly, changes in healthcare laws have led to an increased need for lawyers specializing in healthcare and medical malpractice.
(LegalZoom)
How Does the Future of the Legal Profession Look?
The legal profession is continuously evolving, adapting to changes in technology, society, and the legal landscape.
In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence and automation have begun to impact the legal profession.
Certain tasks that were previously handled by lawyers, such as document review and legal research, can now be performed more efficiently by technology.
However, the human element of lawyering, such as providing legal advice, advocacy, and negotiation, remains irreplaceable.
The legal profession will continue to evolve and embrace technological advancements while maintaining its core principles.
(KPMG)
What are Some Challenges Facing Lawyers Today?
The legal profession in the United States faces several challenges that impact lawyers’ work and the overall practice of law.
One significant challenge is the increasing competition within the legal market.
The growing number of lawyers has led to a saturated job market, making it more difficult for new lawyers to secure employment and establish successful practices.
Additionally, lawyers face the challenge of balancing billable hours and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The demanding nature of legal work often requires long hours, which can lead to stress and burnout. It can also affect relationships.
Lawyers must find ways to manage their workload effectively while also taking care of their mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion
The legal profession in the United States is a vital and dynamic field, with approximately 1.35 million lawyers working tirelessly to uphold justice and protect the rights of individuals, causes, and organizations.
The significant growth of the legal profession is driven by factors such as the increasing complexity of laws, the expansion of the business sector, and societal demand.
Lawyers play a crucial role in society, not only by providing legal services but also by contributing to the economy and job creation.
The legal profession faces challenges, including competition and work-life balance, but continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of clients and society.
As technology advances, the legal profession will undoubtedly undergo further transformations.
However, the human touch, expertise, and ethical standards of lawyers will remain integral to the practice of law.
As for the future, the legal profession will continue to evolve, ensuring that justice is upheld, and the rule of law is maintained in the United States and worldwide.
We hope you have learned some new things about lawyers now that we have answered the question: “How many lawyers are there in the US?”
Sources
Attorney Pages | IBISWorld | KPMG |
LegalZoom | POTTSALC Map | ZipRecruiter |