Under current market conditions and industry standards, immigration attorneys practicing within the state of Illinois may expect compensation as outlined herein, subject to various determining factors:
Let’s break this down in plain terms. If you’re starting as an immigration lawyer in Illinois, you’re looking at around $50-75k per year. It’s not terrible, but it’s nothing fancy either. This typically covers your first few years while you’re learning the ropes.
Once you’ve got some experience (3-10 years), you can reasonably expect to pull in $75-120k annually. At this point, you’ve probably developed a decent client base and know your way around the system.
Whereas, more seasoned practitioners, particularly those who have maintained their practices for 10+ years, commonly report annual earnings over $120,000, with specific individuals achieving compensation packages reaching or exceeding $200,000 annually.
The pay scale for government or nonprofit positions is different. Depending on the organization’s budget and scope, these positions typically offer between $50k and $90k. Although the pay is lower, many find the work more fulfilling.
Regarding geographic considerations, Chicago attorneys generally command higher compensation rates than their counterparts in less densely populated regions. This is due to increased market demand and elevated cost-of-living indices.
In other words, location matters. Chicago lawyers usually make more because everything costs more there, and there’s more work to do.
Note that additional revenue streams may include, but are not limited to, speaking engagements, academic instruction, published works, and consulting services, all of which can substantially supplement base compensation.
The figures above should be considered representative rather than definitive, as individual circumstances may vary significantly.
