Some cities offer attorneys a higher variety of career opportunities, manageable costs of living, and more competitive salaries. In addition, the cultural climate may provide a broader client base for lawyers to build their practice. Additional considerations, such as air quality and lifestyle inclusivity, are important considerations for individuals looking to move. The following are some of the best cities for lawyers to consider when planning a relocation.
Best Cities for Legal Career Opportunities
Boston
Boston is among the best locations for beginning attorneys. This is due to its close proximity to Harvard Law School and high salaries. The salary for lawyers in Boston is approximately $149,660.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is another popular location for attorneys. While the number of jobs is fewer than in a hub like New York City, it has the greatest location quotient of any city. In other words, the demand for attorneys in this city is the highest in the nation. In addition to high demand, another element that may attract many lawyers in D.C. is the Supreme Court, a commonly shared advancement aspiration for those in the legal sector.
Miami
Miami is an affordable choice for relocating lawyers, albeit still more expensive than other areas in Florida, such as Tampa and Orlando. Based on its location and function as an immigration hub, there is an increased number of successful law firms practicing immigration law. Additionally, this city and others nearby feature a high divorce rate, making the state a good place to practice divorce law.
San Francisco
San Francisco is notorious for its high cost of living, but the median salary of $168,990 for attorneys can help offset living expenses. If attorneys are seeking higher salaries, those in the Silicon Valley area stand to earn upwards of $208,000. Ultimately, if a higher salary is the main goal, San Francisco is a great place for attorneys to establish themselves.
New York City
New York City is one of the best places for attorneys in nearly all practice areas, from criminal defense attorneys to workers’ compensation lawyers. The median salary may be lower than other cities at $155,020, but many attorneys make more. The number of jobs available for attorneys is at its highest in NYC, with attorneys in every neighborhood.
Los Angeles
California makes it on the list again with Los Angeles, another great city for attorneys due to its high average salary of $161,390. In contrast to San Francisco, Los Angeles features a relatively affordable cost of living and ample job opportunities.
All of these locations are popular among attorneys because of the opportunities they offer when it comes to comfortable living, demand for their services, and good compensation. However, attorneys may want to consider other factors when facing relocation.
Cities with the Cleanest Air Quality
Poor air quality can impact an individual’s lung and cardiovascular health. Continued exposure to pollutants can increase a person’s risk of health complications and lower his or her quality of life. For attorneys looking to preserve their health, air quality becomes an important relocation consideration.
Boasting a placement at the top of the American Lung Association’s cleanest cities list, Honolulu has implemented green initiatives to preserve the air quality for its residents. Though there is a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the city is pushing toward a goal of 100% clean energy use by 2045. In addition to Honolulu, Charlottesville, VA, Elmira-Corning, NY, Wilmington, NC, and Burlington, VT top the ALA’s list of cleanest cities.
Most LGBTQ+ Inclusive Cities
For attorneys looking to provide LGBTQ+ focused representation, or those looking to reside in an inclusivity-focused community, the degree of social acceptance a city offers may be a consideration of significance.
Seattle
Seattle continually earns high rankings for non-discriminatory practices toward LGBTQ+ Americans. A 2019 study conducted by the Human Rights Campaign provided the city with top scores regarding equality practices in public accommodations, housing, and employment. As a result, Seattle earns the top spot for inclusivity.
San Francisco
Considered the second-best city for LGBTQ+ acceptance, the city presents its residents with ample inclusivity-focused job opportunities. Embedded in the highest-ranking state for same-sex couple population density, San Francisco boasts the highest rate of same-sex marriages.
Portland
With an emphasis on LGBTQ+ friendly housing and youth initiatives, Portland earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s study. The city was ranked as one of the best places to live by US News & World in 2019 and holds the fifth-highest rate of LGBTQ+ marriages.
Santa Rosa
Also embedded in the highly inclusive state of California, Santa Rosa provides some of the best laws to protect its LGBTQ+ citizens.
Boston
Located in the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, Boston offers LGBTQ+ workers some of the best opportunities for inclusivity-focused employers. In addition, the city hosts Wicked Queer, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ film events globally.
Regardless of where attorneys intend to move, it’s best for them to consider a variety of factors when looking to relocate. Career health, as well as physical health and social acceptance, are important considerations for individuals looking for a new start. With enough research and planning, attorneys can find the perfect home that meets all of their criteria.
