Lawyer Employment and Working Conditions

Lawyers held about 778,800 jobs in 2014. A majority of lawyers work in private or corporate legal offices. Some are employed in local, state and federal governments. About 20 percent of lawyers were self-employed in 2014.

The following industries employed the most lawyers in 2014:

• Legal services: 48%
• Government: 17%
• Finance and insurance: 3%

Lawyers work mostly in offices. However, some travel to attend meetings with clients at various locations, such as homes, hospitals, or prisons. Some lawyers gather evidence; others appear before courts. Lawyers who represent clients in courts may face heavy pressure during trials.

The majority of lawyers work full time, and many work long hours. Lawyers who are in private practice or those who work in large firms often work long hours conducting research and preparing or reviewing documents.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-17 Edition