Litigation Lawyers: Their Salary, Typical Day & How to Become One

If you’re thinking of becoming a litigation lawyer, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled some helpful information to assist you in deciding if becoming a litigation lawyer is the right decision for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

1. What a litigation lawyer is
2. What a litigation attorney does
3. Types of cases a litigation attorney handles
4. Different types of litigation lawyers

We’ll also dive into some other helpful information, such as a litigation lawyer’s salary, a day in the life of a litigation attorney, and the steps it takes to become a litigator.

A litigation lawyer, also known as a litigator, is a legal professional who provides a client with the necessary steps to take legal action against a person or entity. Litigation attorneys’ clients are either plaintiffs or defendants in a court case.

The entire process can be the responsibility of a litigation lawyer, from investigation to post-appearance duties.

Litigation lawyer is an exciting career choice – if it’s a good match for you.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career or choosing a new career path altogether, it’s necessary to do some career research as well as soul searching to be sure you’re making the right decision.

If you’re interested in law and enjoy a good challenge, then litigation attorney might be a good career choice for you.

As well as being an exciting career choice, becoming a litigation attorney can be a financially rewarding career choice. The average civil litigation lawyer salary is roughly $120,910 or $70-92/hr, depending upon the state in which you work. 

This career comes with a great salary! However, it’s necessary to understand this career path takes a lot of hard work and can be a costly set of degrees and licenses to obtain. 

The words litigator and litigator attorney are interchangeable. So, what is the difference between a lawyer and a litigator attorney?

Quite simply, lawyers handle a wide range of legalities processes, and litigation attorneys handle all the legalities processes involved with criminal and civil court cases.

In my opinion, a lawyer’s job sounds much less interesting than a litigator’s job.

Litigation lawyers also differ from corporate lawyers. Corporate lawyers, like regular lawyers, handle a wide range of legalities, but their area of expertise regards business law.

A civil litigation lawyer, in particular, handles all aspects of civil court cases.

Civil court cases are cases that usually consist of two parties and a request for monetary payment or services delegation to be decided and that do not involve criminal charges.

Litigation attorneys handle the process of litigation – a very detail-oriented matter. 

• Litigation is the process of settling legal disputes in the courtroom.
• A litigator’s job is to defend or enforce a legal right or rights.

To elaborate on this, a litigation lawyer is responsible for settling legal matters, which often occur in a courtroom. However, sometimes the litigator can settle the issue before the case makes it to court.

Handling of investigation, negotiations, mediation, facilitation, and appeals are some of the key components of a litigator’s responsibilities to their clients. It’s also incredibly important to ensure you follow ethical law practices from start to finish.

The key to a litigation lawyer’s success lies in the litigator’s ability to prepare and present their client’s case to the judge in a manner that best portrays their client’s position.

When the client’s case is excellently presented to the judge, the client has a better chance of winning their suit.

The more cases a litigator wins for their clients, the more successful the litigator will be in their career – thus, earning a higher reputation and the potential to make a higher salary.

Let’s put yourself in the shoes of a litigation attorney in their typical workday. First, you will walk into your office with your morning caffeinated drink of choice (coffee, tea, latte, cappuccino, etc.).

Your office should be decorated to feel professional and aesthetically pleasing – you should have the ability to add your own personal touches.

Next, you will likely pick up where you left off on the case you’ve been working on – whether it be during the investigation phase, document collection, and organization, talking with a client or appropriate person with information on the case, etc.

If a new client presents another case, you’ll need to schedule time for them as well. Organization and time management are essential skills in this area. 

Or, maybe your client’s case is ready, and you’ll be preparing yourself for a day in the courtroom.

Either way, it’s vital that you come to work dressed for success and ready to put your brain to work. “Looking the part” is very important (especially in the courtroom), but your brain is where all the magic comes from in this career.

Litigators handle civil court cases. Some common examples of civil court cases include child support, alimony, debt resolution, discrimination, property damage, and even cases against government entities. Sounds exciting, right?!

Litigation lawyers have a wide range of subspecialties or areas of expertise from which they can choose. The following is a list of some of the types of litigation lawyers to give you some examples:

• Family
• Personal Injury
• Sports Law
• Taxation
• Corporate
• General
• Medical

Litigation lawyers have an exciting but challenging career. This profession takes a strong backbone, a sharp mind, years of obtaining higher education, and a go-getter personality type.

If you’ve read this entire article and still feel becoming a litigation lawyer is your next goal, then we think you should go for it! We’ll share this important piece of advice: take your new career path approach one day at a time.

Consider the possibility of getting your foot in the door by becoming a legal assistant as you continue to work on obtaining the necessary degrees and licenses it takes to finally become who you were meant to be – a litigation attorney.