Let’s break down what immigration lawyers make in New York. Truth is, the numbers bounce around quite a bit. You might find one attorney pulling in $85K while another clears $150K doing similar work.
Fresh faces to the field (we’re talking 0-3 years) typically start around $65,000, though some manage to negotiate up to $90,000. In a few years, mid-career lawyers (3-7 years in) can expect somewhere between $90,000 and $130,000. The real veterans – those with 7+ years – usually command $130,000 to $200,000, sometimes more.
Whereas the following factors materially impact compensation:
Practice Setting
Big law firms tend to be where the money is
Government work offers steady, if not spectacular, pay ($70,000-$120,000)
Nonprofit positions typically pay less ($60,000-$90,000), though some find the work more fulfilling
Location
New York City lawyers generally out-earn their upstate colleagues, owing to the higher cost of living and concentrated demand for immigration services in the metropolitan area.
Case Portfolio
Corporate immigration specialists command higher fees than those handling family or asylum cases. The top earners in private practice, particularly those serving corporate clients, can pull in $250,000+ annually.
Subject to employer policies and individual performance metrics, attorneys may receive various supplemental benefits, including—but not limited to—performance bonuses, health insurance coverage, retirement plan contributions, and paid leave allowances. Such benefits are more commonly available at larger firms and in government positions.
