▼17%
$72,414
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$50k
MEDIAN
$72k
90%
$109k
The average salary for a Staff Attorney is $72,414 in 2025
Base Salary
$50k - $109k
Total Pay
$50k - $109k
Is Average Staff Attorney with Legal Research Skills Salary in Chicago, Illinois your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Staff Attorneys?
▲36%
What Do Staff Attorneys Do?
Staff Attorney Tasks
- Advise clients in business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits or legal rights and obligations.
- Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- Analyze and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations with probable case outcomes for individuals and businesses.
- Represent clients in court or before government agencies, present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions; evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments for presentation of cases.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Staff Attorney
Medical
100%
Dental
78%
Vision
78%
Gender Breakdown for Staff Attorneys
Male
60.0%
Female
40.0%
This data is based on 5 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Staff Attorneys
What is the highest pay for Staff Attorneys in Chicago?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Staff Attorney in Chicago is $109k / year
What is the lowest pay for Staff Attorneys in Chicago?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Staff Attorney in Chicago is $50k / year
How can Staff Attorneys increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Staff Attorney is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Staff Attorney that oversees more junior Staff Attorneys, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.